Hybrid Refrigeration Condensers Enable 25% Energy Efficiency Improvement for Grocery Stores

Maple Grove, MN (March 4, 2013) – Supermarket operators can achieve 25% gains in energy efficiency by using hybrid condensers for their in-store refrigeration systems.

Supermarket operators can achieve 25% gains in energy efficiency by using hybrid condensers for their in-store refrigeration systems. The relatively new hybrid systems present a cost-effective alternative to older air-cooled or water-cooled technologies, according to Abtar Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Singh360, a firm that provides energy-related consulting services to grocery supermarkets.

Singh announced that his company has agreed to represent the TrilliumSeriesTM hybrid technology from Baltimore Air Coil (or BAC).

Xcel Energy Increases Minnesota Electricity Rates by 9% in January 2013

Maple Grove, MN (January 14, 2013) — Supermarket operators in Minnesota will have even more incentive to improve their energy efficiency after January 2013, when utility Xcel Energy increases its rates for retail electricity by an average of about 9%.

Xcel Energy has also requested rate increases of similar size in five other states, including New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin.

The Minnesota rate increase is an interim measure, pending a regulatory ruling on Xcel’s request for a permanent rate increase later in 2013.

“A typical grocery store of 50,000 square feet spends about $225,000 a year on electricity,” says Abtar Singh, chief executive officer of Singh360, a facility-management consulting firm that helps supermarket chains and other retailers improve energy efficiency. “The 9% rate increase will add about $20,000 of expense per store per year,

16 Ways to Reduce HVAC Energy Usage in Supermarkets and Retail

When it comes to reducing energy in supermarkets, we either focus on refrigeration (because it consumes 40-50% of the total energy) or lighting (which is pretty easy to understand). 

However, HVAC equipments (almost 20% of the store power) are often overlooked though they can significantly impact energy consumption, provide customer comfort for better shopping experience and reduce food product quality and shrinkage.

So what are the ways HVAC energy consumption can be reduced in a retail environment? Here’s a roundup of the important ideas to consider in your store.

These innovations help organizations set priorities for efficiency projects based on sustainability goals, speed of payback, and the measured return on investment. Contact Singh360 to see if these innovations fit with your facility and energy management strategy going forward.

CO2 Refrigeration Systems Presented at FMI Energy Conference

Maple Grove, MN (September 5, 2012): Grocery retailers can reduce energy cost and help protect the global environment by operating refrigeration systems that use carbon dioxide (CO2) rather than more commonly used refrigerants. This will be the topic of a presentation at the FMI Energy and Store Development Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, on September 12.

rocery retailers can reduce energy cost and help protect the global environment by operating refrigeration systems that use carbon dioxide (CO2) rather than more commonly used refrigerants. This will be the topic of a presentation at the FMI Energy and Store Development Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, on September 12.

In contrast to CO2 systems, most other refrigeration systems appear much more likely to increase the risk of global climate change by releasing chemicals that tend to trap heat within earth’s atmosphere.

The presentation at FMI will include Abtar Singh, President of Singh360 Inc., and executives from Target Corporation, Sobey’s Inc., and Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market. Participating speakers will discuss their experience with CO2-based refrigeration systems.

Singh360 Offers “LEED Modeling” Services to Supermarket Retailers

Singh360, a full service facility management consulting firm, provides cost effective “LEED Modeling” services to supermarket and grocery retailers.  A typical commercial building consumes most of the energy in air-conditioning (HVAC) and lighting.

The design and efficiency improvement recommendations are backed by Sing360’s rich field experience in HVAC, refrigeration and control systems. Singh360 helps your organization prioritize your efficiency projects, giving emphasis on your sustainability goals and timely returns of investment.

Singh360 Energy software and services range from building-envelope assessments to complete design of mechanical and electrical systems (including HVAC, lighting and refrigeration systems) for new and existing buildings using mobile and cloud app from kWh360 Inc.

Singh360 Offers “Free Apps” for HVAC and Refrigeration Engineers

Maple Grove, MN (September 10, 2011): Singh360, a full service facility management consulting firm, offers “free” Windows and iPhone applications for refrigeration and HVAC engineers. These applications are handy tools for calculating “Pressure-Temperature” for various refrigerants (such as R404A, R22, Propane, Ammonia, Carbon-di-oxide etc.) typically used in commercial and supermarket facilities. The iApp supports both English and SI units.

Singh360 Energy software and services range from building-envelope assessments to complete design of mechanical and electrical systems (including HVAC, lighting and refrigeration systems) for new and existing buildings using mobile and cloud app from kWh360 Inc.

Building Management System (BMS) Protocols Explained

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PROTOCOLS WHILE SELECTING A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (BMS)?   Protocols are languages by which two devices communicate and exchange data.  These devices are microprocessor-based products, such as an input/output board, roof top unit controller (RTU), Chiller controller, user’s laptop/desktop computer or even central enterprise servers.  The picture below shows that

Fresh & Easy – Facility Management Solutions Case Study

Lessons in Energy & Maintenance Management from One of the Best in the Grocery Business

A New Perspective for U.S. Grocery Retail: Case Study of Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets The Fresh & Easy story shows that there are dozens – maybe hundreds – of ways to achieve breakout operating efficiency through creative thinking.

Energy Squared Partners with Singh360

Maple Grove, MN (June 26, 2011): Singh360, a full service facility management consulting firm, announced a partnership with Energy Squared LLC to provide design and engineering services to commercial and industrial customers in the United States and overseas markets.

Energy Squared, LLC is a full service energy design consultant firm. Located in North Brunswick, New Jersey, the firm provides mechanical, electrical and plumbing designs, specifications, building performance modeling, energy simulations and renewable energy services. From the initial analysis to completing the project and obtaining the applicable rebates and incentives, Energy Squared will expedite each step of the process using life cycle costing to minimize the total cost of ownership.