Heat recovery from the condensers of the refrigeration units to preheat domestic hot water (DHW)
A refrigeration cycle works by capturing heat from the evaporator inside the cold rooms, to subsequently discharge it towards the condenser outside the building. This project aims to recover this heat to preheat domestic hot water (DHW) which is a must in all butcher shops. To do this, a heat exchanger is installed between the compressor and the condenser of the refrigeration unit.
This measure could reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions by 10 to 30%, thereby significantly reducing or even eliminating energy demand for domestic hot water (DHW) production. However, its implementation is complex and will require a temporary production shutdown to during the installation.
Replacement of individual refrigeration units with a single unit fitted with a variable speed compressor.
In a butcher shop, the refrigeration cycle ensures the cold rooms are cooled. These refrigeration units, which are subject to operating variations, are often separate and not or very little regulated.
The project consists in replacing small production units supplying cold rooms with a main, centralised cold production unit, controlled with a frequency variation on the refrigeration compressor motor.
By installing this technology, which has been available on the market for more than 5 years, the company may save between 15 and 20% on its energy bills. Although this measure has a fast return on investment, implementing it is complex and requires a temporary production shutdown.
The project involves installing sun control window films on the exterior glazing, which can help reduce the amount of solar heat entering the building. In summer, air conditioning needs and associated energy consumption are reduced. In winter, the need for heating and associated energy consumption may increase slightly.
Sun control window films are suitable for commercial buildings, shop windows and existing businesses with large glazed areas which are likely to overheat inside and have increased air conditioning needs due to solar radiation.
By installing this technology, which has been available on the market for more than 5 years, the company can save on its electricity bills and reduce its carbon footprint, but above all improve comfort. This measure is relatively simple to implement, has a quick return on investment and does not require production shutdown during the technical installation.
There are different types of solar film that can be used to control the solar radiation according to need and season, guaranteeing protection and thermal optimisation in both winter and summer, without any loss of luminosity.
Promoting self-consumption and electricity sharing within your company
Self-consumption refers to using the electricity that you generate on your own. This approach helps you become less reliant on the energy market and suppliers, insulating you from price fluctuations. For instance, by installing solar panels, you can produce renewable electricity that meets your company’s electrical needs, whether it’s for lighting, powering an EV-charging station, or running other appliances. Additionally, this self-produced energy can also be used to power larger systems like heat pumps.
The following article provides an overview of various self-consumption methods, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks, along with the necessary procedures, available subsidies, and relevant measures.
Electric mobility, a key element in the decarbonisation of your company
In order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, replacing internal combustion vehicles with electric vehicles is crucial. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to the transport of people and goods keep rising within the European Union. This concerns all types of vehicles, and a transition is necessary to meet national and European targets.
Purchasing these vehicles in principle requires the installation of one or more electric charging station(s) and can be supplemented by the installation of photovoltaic panels.
Key steps and aspects to consider when planning and implementing this change are outlined below.
In order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, minimising the use of the vehicle fleet and promoting soft mobility alternatives is crucial. This measure aims to reduce the company’s carbon footprint by reorganising the company’s general mobility.
Considering the country’s special situation in that public transport is free, employees should make more use of it by changing their consumption habits.
Implementation of a variable speed system on dust or fumes extractor fans
The project consists in setting up a speed regulation system on the extractor fan, activated by the machines in operation which actually require the extraction of sawdust or fumes. It involves the addition of valves and a speed variator on the extractor fan. The valves open only when the machine is operating and the fan flow rate adjusts according to the pressure.
Installing this technology, which has been available on the market for more than 5 years, the company can save significantly, up to 50%, on its electricity bills (depending on the baseline production regime) and reduce its carbon footprint. This measure is quite simple to implement, can show a rapid return on investment, and does not require a production shutdown during installation.
Use of high-performance, combination tools to reduce cycle time
The measure involves replacing simple machining tools, changing the production mode and avoiding shutdowns for unplanned maintenance and cleaning.
Use of high-performance machining tools to increase machining speeds.
Use of combination machining tools to reduce the operating time of machine tools.
Optimisation of production changes using the SMED method (Single Minute Exchange of Die – rapid tool change in less than 10 minutes).
By installing these technologies, which have been available on the market for over 5 years, companies can save up to 30% on electricity costs and reduce their carbon footprint. This measure is not simple to implement and would entail a medium-to-long term return on investment. This measure can be implemented with only a partial production shutdown during installation.
The use of articulated arms to extract dust and fumes is a system that optimises dust collection.
Dedicated profiled nozzles must be placed as close as possible to the points generating dust or fumes.
It is necessary to set up a heat recovery system on the extracted air flows with air reinjection to balance the pressures.
By installing these technologies, which have been available on the market for over 5 years, companies can save up to 20% on electricity costs and reduce their carbon footprint. This measure is quite simple to implement and would entail a medium-to-long term return on investment. However, this measure requires a production shutdown during installation.
Some older machines do not have standby mode or energy-saving mode. Companies need to purchase new machines equipped with automatic shutdown functions to save money during periods when their equipment is not in use. Here are some examples of equipment requiring ECO mode: lubrication pumps, cooling fans, hydraulic pumps, servo motors and display standby (screens).
Installing this new technology can save businesses up to 5% on electricity consumption and reduce their carbon footprint. This measure is not easy to implement and cannot be justified by the cost of energy alone. This measure requires a temporary shutdown of production during installation.
