With energy costs set to soar even higher in the coming months, efficiency – along with other cost of ownership issues – are becoming even more important. But you need to ask your supplier the right questions, says Gordon MacBride of Porkka UK.
THERE can't be any doubt that the months ahead are going to be challenging for any organisation that's involved in preparing and selling food. As many companies try to absorb at least some of the recent food price rises to remain competitive, they need to be looking even more closely at other overheads.
As energy prices continue to rise they are making a significantly higher contribution to the total overhead which, in turn, changes the whole return on investment calculation.
For example, where refrigeration equipment is being replaced, or being selected for a new venture, it pays to look very closely at energy performance. Such equipment also needs to 'pay its way' through other factors - such as increased storage volumes per kWh, within the required footprint.
It was all of these factors that led our company to commission the TTS Institute, an independent test house, to carry out comparisons of a number of refrigerators and freezers from a range of manufacturers.
And the results were surprising. In particular, the researchers found enormous variation in the efficiency of these cabinets - far greater than we had anticipated.
In fact, we have calculated that the savings from choosing the most efficient cabinets could be well over £100 per cabinet per annum - based on average use and at current electricity prices. As energy costs rise the return on investment will be even greater.
Testing procedures
On arrival, each appliance was thoroughly checked by TTS staff, installed in the test room and set up according to each manufacturer's instructions and the appropriate EN and ISO standards. The temperature sensors of the refrigerators were positioned and connected to a data logger.
The freezers were loaded with test packages and measure packages in accordance with the manufacturer's loading plan or the appropriate test standard. Empty appliances were operated for at least 24 hours before the test to ensure they reached a stable state.
Energy consumption
The energy consumption of the appliances was tested at two different ambient temperatures, +25°C and +32°C and the results of these tests are shown in the charts.
From these results, it is clear that there is considerable variation, with the best performing refrigerators consuming up to 35% less energy than the worst performers, while the best freezers were 148% more efficient per 100kg load.
Crucially, these were closed door tests in compliance with EN 153: 1995 - so we can expect the savings to be even greater in a real life situation where doors are being opened on a regular basis.
It's also important to note that most manufacturers are continually improving the performance of their units, so each subsequent model should offer better energy efficiency.
The key thing is not to assume that all fridge and freezer cabinets are the same - and to ask the right questions.
Independent testing is also a useful indicator of performance, as is inclusion on the Carbon Trust's Energy Technology List, which entitles end users to claim tax relief on the full cost in the first year through Enhanced Capital Allowances.
Storage and noise
The researchers also included a measurement of gross volumes and storage volumes, in accordance with ISO 7371 and ISO 8561 Clause 7.2.1. The results of these tests were particularly interesting because, although gross volumes were very similar for all of the units, the storage volume varied widely. So, again, this is something to be aware of, as efficient units with maximum storage volumes will offer the best results in terms of kWh/dm3 of storage.
The acoustic noise of the appliances was measured under environmental conditions that were comparable with professional use. The measuring device was sited 1m from the appliance at a height of 1.6m above the floor and the measurements were performed during the standard cycle of each appliance.
Here, the variation was less marked between most of the units but there is still a range of 8.9 dB(A) for refrigerators and 9.6 dB(A) for freezers. Bearing in mind that dB(A) is a logarithmic scale, so that an increase of 3dB(A) is equivalent to a doubling of the noise level, these differences could still be significant in an area where noise levels are important.
As noted above, the facts and figures change regularly, as well as varying considerably between makes, so there is an onus on the buyer to check out the current facts, verify them and make a purchasing decision based on meaningful information. That way, you can be sure of the best solution with the optimum return on investment.
Porkka UK
01923 779929