Case Study / Retail Big Box Store – Brisbane QLD
Big box retail spaces are known as being notoriously difficult to cool efficiently, due to their size, layout and typically exposed ceilings.
In 2014, independent field-testing and energy analysis was conducted in two ‘big box’ retail stores at Rocklea and Browns Plains. Both stores were commissioned within an 8 month period and located within close proximity, 12km apart.
The testing compared each store’s packaged unit technologies:
• Tri-Capacity technology
• Two stage fixed speed AC technology
Over a 43 day period, total energy consumption savings of 31% was observed for Tri-Capacity. On a daily basis, energy consumption savings of 10% to 50% were achieved.
Using regression analysis and weather data for the region, Ecosave, an independent energy company projected annual energy consumption savings of up to 37% versus conventional 2 stage fixed speed AC technology.
Over a 15 year lifecycle this equates to a projected saving of $407,891 based on $0.15/kWh.
This real-world, data energy analysis of ActronAir’s Tri-Capacity series of air conditioners shows that in new builds, retrofits and end-of-life replacement projects, the operational savings offered by these units are significant.
