Supermarkets

Selected Projects:
 
Supermarket Energy Efficiency Improvements -

Focus on Energy

We developed energy improvement recommendations at over one million square feet of supermarkets in Wisconsin. Upgrades spanned lighting, HVAC, and refrigeration systems. We compiled results from comprehensive energy simulations to create savings estimate parameters based on system characteristics. These parameters provide quick savings estimates of potential upgrades from simple audits for items such as floating head pressure, ambient subcooling, mechanical subcooing, and anti-sweat heater control. Efforts also considered the impact of ventilation rates and optimization of humidity control set point.

Quantifying Desiccant Dehumidification Impact on Supermarket Energy Use -

	Enbridge
	We evaluated the impact of desiccant dehumidification on supermarket energy use by conducting a side-by-side field test of two supermarkets in suburban Toronto. We utilized the DDC system to collect power use, gas consumption and other operating conditions to isolate the impact that better humidity control has on supermarket display case energy use.

Field Evaluation of Microturbine in a Supermarket Application -

	Oak Ridge National Laboratory
	We collected detailed performance data on a microturbine installed in a Kroger supermarket near Salt Lake City, Utah. We also collected baseline heating and cooling data to understand how the available waste heat could be used to meet these loads.

Using SST to Evaluate Energy Efficiency Improvements for Target Stores -

	Electric Power Research Institute
	We used the SST program to evaluate various refrigeration and HVAC efficiency improvements in SuperTargets. Worked with the project team that included utility staff and supermarket design engineers to identify, evaluate and refine various innovative approaches such as evaporative condensers, floating heat pressure, dual path units, and integrated water systems.

Evaluating Liquid Desiccant for Display Case Defrost -

Niagara Blower

Completed market research and laboratory experiments to assess the potential of using liquid desiccants to keep display case coils frost free. This approach has the potential to eliminate the temperature-excursions normally associated with a defrost cycle, providing improved food safety and better compliance with the US FDA food code. A five-deck daily case was tested in Niagara Blower's laboratory.

Developing the Supermarket Simulation Tool (SST)-

Electric Power Research Institute

Developed an hour-by-hour building simulation program that fully models all aspects of a supermarket including the HVAC, refrigeration and building envelope systems.  This easy-to-use Windows application allows a user to quick construct a model of a supermarket using a library of predefined components.  Responsible for developing and programming the calculations “engine”.  Oversaw efforts to develop a Windows graphical user interface and prepared the user documentation and on-line help.    Have conducted hands on training sessions, developed case study examples, expanded the component libraries, and prepared promotional materials.  Currently Version 3.0 is available. Sample SST Screenshots

Supermarket Energy Efficiency Upgrades -

	Focus on Energy
	Performed audits of supermarkets to identify energy efficiency upgrades. Analyzed upgrade impacts including hourly simulation to capture refrigeration / space conditioning interaction. Presented recommendations to owners and their contractors. Followed up on projects with monitoring to verify impacts.

 Evaluating Low and No Cost HVAC Improvements at Lunds -

	Electric Power Research Institute
	We monitored a supermarket to evaluate the impact of low and no-cost methods to improve dehumidification performance. We also evaluated the impact of various defrost control techniques on display case and refrigeration system energy use. We used the DDC controls installed at the store to monitor supermarket operation and implement the control inprovements.

Field Testing a Heat Pipe Assisted Air Conditioner at Kroger ->

Electric Power Research Institute

We field monitored the performance of a heat pipe assisted air conditioner in at a Kroger supermarket in Indiana. We used the DDC control system installed at the store to monitor system performance as well as to implement several control improvments. The monitored data were used determine the impact of heat pipes on the peak demand and energy use of the refrigeration system, display cases, and overall store.

Demonstration of an Integrated Water Loop System at a Wal*Mart Super Store -

	Electric Power Research Institute
	We are collecting data on more than 350 mointored points in a Wal*Mart Super Store in Oklahoma. We are using the monitored data to evaluate several aspects of system performance, including: the integrated HVAC and refrigeration water loop system, the daylighting system, the dual path dehumidification units, and the CO2-controlled ventilation system.

Developement and Testing of a "Demand" Defrost Controller -

	Electric Power Research Institute
	We are currenlty working with a supermarket controls manufacturer to develop a "demand" defrost controler (patent-pending). The innovative controller does not use sensors but takes advantage of microprocessor technology to determine when the next defrost should occur. We are working with the manufacturer to develop and evaluate controller performance.

Evaluation of HVAC and Refrigeration Systems at Super-K Stores -

	Electric Power Research Institute
	We reviewed the performance of the HVAC and refrigeration systems at several K-Mart Super-K stores across the nation. Our goal was to determine the causes of unexpected display case performance and recommended actions to optimize store operation.

Evaluation of the Impact of ASHRAE 62-1989 on Florida Supermarkets -

	Florida Solar Energy Center
	Florida Power & Light
	We evaluated the impact of the increased fresh air requirements of ASHRAE 62-1989 on supermarkets using the building simulation model TRNSYS. The study considered both electric and gas-fired space conditioning technologies and determined which systems were most effective at meeting the increased latent loads.

Field Test and Evaluation of a Desiccant System at MET Foods Supermarket -

	Brooklyn Union
	We field monitored a gas-fired desiccant system installed on a MET Foods store in New York City. The monitored performance data were compared to laboratory test results and were used to develop detailed simulation models of the store.

See our section on desiccants and dehumidification for more information on other related projects.