Wilkinson’s embarks on free-cooling for its stores
The application of free cooling in a store of Wilkinson is having a dramatic effect on the use of mechanical cooling, leading to it being rolled out to 148 of its stores with ducted ventilation systems. The preliminary trial of a system installed by GK Industrial reduced the use of the cooling system from 45 hours to nine hours a week, a reduction of nearly 80% and achieving a cost saving of £4.30/m2, based on current energy prices. Wilkinson has nearly 300 stores in the UK. The trial lasted for 67.5 h over three days, with outside temperatures ranging from 13 to 23°C. GK Industrial provides energy-efficient climate-control solutions to Wilkinson covering the installation and maintenance of its entire HVAC estate — providing the ideal opportunity to develop this approach to free cooling. Wherever possible, ambient air is brought into the building to avoid having to run compressors to provide cooling. David Goldberg, managing director of GK Industrial, says, ‘These findings are truly fantastic for both GK and Wilkinson. It proves that free cooling can deliver huge energy-cost savings for the retail sector by maintaining or reducing the internal temperature without the need for run the expensive mechanical refrigeration system. There are so many direct benefits to free cooling. It reduces compressor hours, energy usage and running costs — whilst increasing the lifespan of the system. It also improves air quality by introducing greater quantities of fresh air. Leigh Oldfield, property maintenance manager for Wilkinson, says.. ‘We are working with GK Industrial to review our energy efficiency across the store network. Wilkinson has set an objective to become one of the most energy-efficient retailers on the high street. This is not just in response to increasing energy costs and impending legislation, but as part of our ongoing commitment to protect the environment.’For more information on this story, click here: April 08, 123
