DCI contributes to the energy efficiency of new Co-operative store
An integrated approach to refrigeration, space heating and hot water in a new community food store is more than halving energy use. DCI Refrigeration & Electrical designed and installed innovative refrigeration, climate-control and energy-management systems for the Southern Co-operative new store at Chobham in Surrey.
The 230 m2 building is a timber-frame construction with insulation exceeding the requirements of Building Regulations and renewable energy.
Adding glass doors to chiller cabinets reduces energy use by over 30%, reducing CO2 emissions by 10.5 t a year, and also eliminates the need for heating the cold aisle, saving a further 8.9 t of CO2.
Overall store heating is provided by a heat-recovery system designed by DCI and using heat from the refrigeration plant to provide hot water for radiators and DHW. This heat-recovery system is supported by an air-to-water heat pump.
Heat-recovery ventilation for the store pre-heats or cools fresh air.
LED lighting uses 75% less electricity than conventional fluorescent lighting. DCI’s energy-management panel adds a further 24 t of CO2 equivalent savings.
DCI’s energy-management panel is used in this store, and other Southern Co-op stores, to control operational periods for store lighting, signage, bakery ovens, heating, ventilation and non-perishable refrigerated display cabinets.
Carbon dioxide is used as the prime refrigerant in the 52 kW glycol chiller, designed and made by DCI at its premises in Portsmouth.
Gary Taylor, Southern Co-operative’s development manager, said, ‘DCI played an invaluable role in helping us realise the full potential of this eco store. Rather than offsetting our emissions by buying carbon credits, we’re addressing energy issues within our business. The total reduction in carbon usage every year here will be roughly the equivalent of driving your car around the Earth eight times.’
