by Brianna Crandall — October 20, 2010—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have released a technical report that provides recommendations on how to achieve up to 50 percent energy savings in quick-service restaurants. DOE has published technical reports on energy savings in several categories for new and existing commercial buildings across the United States.
Technical Support Document: 50% Energy Savings for Quick-Service Restaurants details a package of energy-efficiency measures that cut energy use in quick-service restaurants by up to 50 percent compared to a baseline standard in less than five years. The 50 percent goal relates to buildings constructed to meet minimal code-compliant requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004.
PNNL used EnergyPlus, an energy simulation program, to determine the energy savings provided by recommended efficiency measures used in a prototypical 2,500-square-foot building model. The prototype building was analyzed in all eight U.S. climate zones, which were further divided into 16 representative climate cities.
The following efficiency measures helped researchers reach the energy savings target:
- Ultra-efficient cooking appliances resulted in reduced kitchen exhaust air flow;
- An optimized HVAC system configuration was used to better utilize a dedicated outdoor air system and runaround coil loop heat recovery;
- Efficient exterior and interior lighting were used around the building, and dimming controls were used in the dining room; and
- Enhanced insulation, cool roofs, and high-performance window glazing improved the building envelope.
- An optimized HVAC system configuration was used to better utilize a dedicated outdoor air system and runaround coil loop heat recovery;
The report will lead to the next series of Advanced Energy Design Guides (AEDGs), which are free “how-to” guides that show architects, engineers and building designers how to achieve above-code exemplary energy performance for buildings using existing technologies. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) works with DOE, the American Institute of Architects, the Illuminating Engineering Society, and the U.S. Green Building Council to develop and publish AEDGs.
