In February this year we wrote an
article about how variable speed drives reduced the energy consumption of McDonald’s restaurants by up to 50%. Now it is December we are going to consider how energy saving variable speed drives can help restaurants and hotels reduce the cost of cooking our favourite Christmas dinner. As the impact of climate change is becoming more apparent and our weather is becoming more destructive, every little step towards reducing energy consumption is extremely important.
50% Of The Cost Of A Meal Goes Towards Energy
EDF energy has estimated that 50% of the cost of a meal bought in a restaurant can be attributed to energy costs. 30% of those costs is spent on kitchen ventilation alone. (Green Hotelier) Therefore it is important that hoteliers and restaurateurs have access to equipment that will enable their equipment to run more efficiently.
Variable Speed Drives Reduce Energy Consumption
Variable speed drives can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% in their first year of installation. 50 McDonald’s restaurants reported this saving after installing ABB variable speed drives. Variable speed drives reduce energy consumption by simply reducing the speed of their ventilation system.
Keeping The Kitchen An Ambient Temperature
Without variable speed drives fans in kitchens are kept off until they are needed and then put on the highest setting to cool the kitchen down. This is very energy consuming and not very effective as it causes extremes in temperature. Variable speed drives allow fans to be programmed at a low but efficient level that keeps the conditions in the kitchen more ambient and constant.
Return On Investment (ROI)
Hotels and restaurants who invest in variable speed drives find that within one year to eighteen months they will make a return on their investment (ROI) meaning that their energy saving investment will pay for itself. Variable speed drives can be fitted as part of a new installation or retro fitted if you are not able to afford the expense of a whole kitchen refit.
More People Eating Out On Christmas Day
By investing in variable speed drive technology hotels and restaurants are able to increase their overall profits and when they feel generous pass on some of the savings on to their customers. According to the Telegraph more people are choosing to eat their Christmas dinner at a restaurant or hotel, ‘New figures from the online reservations company Open Table show that the number of restaurant reservations for December 25 has risen by 45 per cent compared to Christmas Day 2014’.
With the increase in diners over the Christmas period hotels and restaurants who have invested in variable speed technology in 2015 may find that they will make a return on their investment very quickly.
