METHODS TO ASSESS ENERGY USAGE IN FOOD COLD STORES

摘要

A mathematical model was applied to predict energy used by cold stores. This was compared with actualrnenergy consumption data collected in a survey of cold stores. The model was used to investigate differentrnusage scenarios and varied ambient conditions around the chilled and frozen cold stores. This indicated thatrnmany chilled and frozen stores had very high usage and/or inefficient refrigeration systems. Less than 13%rnof chilled and 12% of frozen stores used less energy than an efficiently used store with an efficientrnrefrigeration system. The model indicated that smaller stores of less than 25,000 m~3 tended to use morernenergy than the model predicted, even at the least efficient, highest usage scenario. With further validationrnthe model could be used to benchmark the energy usage of cold stores and help identify where energyrnsavings could be best achieved.