Major energy savings and CO2 reductions possible in commercial refrigeration services

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Status of Energy Regulations for Commercial Refrigeration Equipment

http://www.emersonclimate.com/images/4230-StateEnergy_WhtPpr.pdf


Energy-Saving Incentives for High-Efficiency Scroll Compressors in Walk-In Coolers

Executive Summary http://www.emersonclimate.com/images/pdf/2006CC-165_Std.pdf

The production, acquisition and use of energy in the United States are in the

forefront of Americans’ concerns, as the nation confronts a looming energy

crisis. Ways of reducing the demand for electrical energy are gaining visibility

and support, due to rising energy costs.

Many states, utilities and consortiums offer attractive financial incentives to

businesses that purchase high-efficiency equipment to reduce on-site

electricity demand. The opportunity is great for more state governments and

utilities to implement energy-efficiency incentive policies and programs that

promote rebates, loans, demand-management programs, tax credits, grants,

energy audits and energy-monitoring services.

Demand for energyreduction incentives

Several years ago many in the dairy industry capitalized on efficiency incentives by

replacing conventional reciprocating compressors with more efficient scroll

compressors in the milk-refrigeration process. Dairy farmers received tens

of thousands of dollars in incentives to upgrade their equipment. Updated

dairy-farm equipment reduced annual energy consumption by millions of

dollars in participating states.

Successful dairy energy incentives

By following the lead of the dairy industry, the foodservice industry in 13 states

alone could save nearly $100 million annually in energy costs by replacing

traditional reciprocating compressors in walk-in coolers with more efficient

scroll compressors. Scroll compressors maximize the uptime of walk-in coolers

while maintaining the lowest energy consumption, saving on average about

$212 (18 percent) in annual energy costs per walk-in cooler.

Potential foodservice energy savings

A high-efficiency scroll compressor consumes nearly 20 percent less energy

than an equivalent reciprocating compressor. Utilizing scroll compressors

would reduce the foodservice industry’s carbon dioxide emissions in 13 states

by 1.78 billion pounds.

Potential carbon dioxide reduction

While foodservice owners can take advantage of some energy incentives,

these incentives are not yet on par with those offered to the dairy industry.

To maximize savings for energy producers and consumers, more utilities

nationwide must develop policies and programs that reward customers for

investing in high-efficiency equipment and processes.

More states and utilities should promote incentive-based policies and

programs that encourage restaurants and convenience stores to purchase

energy-efficient scroll technology for their walk-in coolers. In doing so, states

and utilities will be rewarded with stronger consumer relationships and

reduced energy-production costs, while restaurant/store owners will benefit from reduced

operating costs.