International. As industries implement more sustainable operations, it's time for supermarkets to develop plans to reduce carbon emissions, says manufacturer Hartell.
The company cited a McKinsey & Company report on the sustainability opportunity for supermarkets in transforming the food system, according to which the food system is responsible for 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In such a context, developing strategies to reduce carbon emissions is vital for the environment, but it will also help supermarkets reduce utility expenses and address margin reduction, improving profitability.
Energy-efficient refrigerated display cabinets
The biggest opportunity for energy efficiency is the reduction of energy consumed by refrigeration and lighting, the main drivers of energy consumption, which account for 50% of total energy use in the average supermarket. An Energy Star report states that the average grocery store spends more than $200,000 per year on energy costs, mostly on refrigerators, freezers, and lighting. Retail grocery store owners looking to improve financial performance while also implementing sustainability measures are investing in energy-efficient refrigerated display cases, cold rooms, refrigerators, and freezers.
One of the most energy-intensive functions of a refrigerated cabinet is the removal of condensate through electric evaporation. The simple process of using an electric heating element to boil and evaporate the condensed liquid is not the most energy-efficient disposal strategy. Annual costs can run into thousands of dollars, depending on the size of the heating element and the amount of condensate produced. While some manufacturers may consider evaporation pans as a way to eliminate the need for drainage and reduce condensation problems, modern condensate pumps with smart technologies solve these problems more efficiently.
A 1KW evaporator tray has a typical evaporation rate of only 8 gallons/day. The cost of running a tray of this size is estimated to be $4.53/day or $1,653/year. By the same calculations, removing 20 gallons/day using a 3KW evaporator tray can cost nearly $5,000 a year. Compared to a smart condensate pump that removes 8 gallons/day at just 50 cents a day, a staggering 90% reduction in energy costs is achieved compared to a 1KW evaporator pan.
The use of evaporation methods may carry hidden costs. If the heat source is located under the refrigeration cabinet, keeping the cabinet temperature low could be costly. In addition, the evaporated liquid can lead to an increase in humidity, leading to higher air conditioning running costs. Food retailers and supermarkets should not overlook these potential expenses when using evaporation to remove condensation.
Energy-efficient condensate removal
Hartell now offers a slim, "ultra-low-profile" smart condensate pump designed to save thousands of dollars in energy and maintenance costs associated with the efficient operation of refrigerated display cases. With a maximum height of just 2.5", refrigerated display case manufacturers can easily integrate it into their designs, while refrigeration repair technicians can retrofit it into existing units. The pump's slim design and ease of maintenance, thanks to proactive alerts and self-diagnostics, increase safety, reduce hazards, and prevent water damage and downtime.
AI increases safety and saves maintenance costs
Hartell's self-learning, self-monitoring condensate pumps use proactive AI technology, predictive analytics, diagnostics, and a proactive alarm system to prevent water damage or the shutdown of refrigerated display cases.
Hartell's ultra-slim profile condensate pump comes with state-of-the-art proactive alarm technology that uses AI to learn the installation environment and monitor pump performance. Six independent alarms and an integrated maintenance monitor ensure a long service life and prevent liquid spills and potential slip and fall incidents.
The system comes with a visual and audible indicator for instant fault diagnosis and a fail-safe BMS interface as standard, with an optional remote LED indicator that can be installed on the refrigeration equipment to provide instant diagnostics to the site/maintenance manager.
