'Walk In' to Hotel Refrigeration Energy and Repair Savings with ECube - By Scott Parisi

2011-10-25

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The EcoGreenHotel team and I have been evaluating, recommending and installing energy and sustainable solutions into the hospitality industry for several years. With an abundance of new energy saving technologies being promoted by proven and unproven vendors one of the most important responsibilities we engage in daily is evaluating new technologies. After cautious due diligence we have recognized eCube as our newest technology that our Energy Solutions Division recommends to hotels as part of our E2A Program (Energy Efficiency Analysis). We now also offer eCube on our online storefront - EcoGreenHotel Store.

eCube is one of those simple, “no-brainer” sustainable solutions that benefits the environment and your bottom line. Its concept is to reduce refrigeration compressor activity by telling the refrigerator when the food itself requires cooling! eCube consists of a food simulant that mimics food temperature. – With eCube in place, the refrigerator’s thermostat now regulates its refrigeration activity based upon food temperature rather than air temperature. Because the circulating air temperature tends to rise more quickly than food temperature, the refrigeration unit works harder than necessary to maintain stored products at the right temperature.

eCube acts as a compressor regulator to control when a compressor cycle begins and ends. For example, a Refrigeration Case without eCube will cycle 3 minutes on, 2 minutes off = 12 cycles per hour. With eCube installed, the cycles change to 8 minutes on, 7 minutes off = 4 cycles per hour – a 66% reduction in starts. The startup portion of the compressor cycle uses 3 times more power; therefore, a considerable energy savings is possible.

Beyond the simple energy consumption reduction savings, eCube possesses many additional benefits. With the refrigeration cycles reduced, less “wear & tear” occurs translating into lower maintenance costs and an increased product lifespan! With eCube simulating actual food temperature, less food spoilage will occur. Finally, the product has a typical return-on-investment of 6-18 months.

eCube has conducted and published case study trials to further validate their claims. Each trial resulted in: 1. Food temperature remaining within safety guidelines, 2. eCube food simulant provided temperature readings equivalent to that of the food within refrigerator, 3. Energy savings 10% - 30% observed.

eCube is NSF approved as a food safety device, will NOT void any manufacturer’s warranty programs, works with both electronic & mechanical thermostats, open & closed refrigeration cases, has NO electrical or mechanical parts, and installs in minutes!

For more information on eCube or our full line of energy saving technologies and solutions please contact us at info@ecogreenhotel.com.

About the Author
Scott Parisi is the founder of EcoGreenHotel, a firm that develops energy and sustainability projects for commercial buildings with a large focus on the hospitality sector. As President of EGH, Scott’s day to day responsibilities include developing and implementation of energy and sustainability strategies into hotels, leveraging federal state and local utility incentives to subsidies projects and building partnerships with like minded companies that add value to EGH’s client base. Additionally, Scott develops and hosts educational workshops, staff trainings and has spoke at national and regional events including AAHOA’s National Convention, Green Lodging & Hospitality Conference, Boston Green Tourism Events, Philagreen Hospitality Association Events, GF Management University Sessions, National Purchasing Network Annual Expo and the Global Renewable Energy Networking Summit.

About the EcoGreenHotel
EcoGreenHotel supports and provides sustainable solutions to the hospitality industry ranging from individual boutique hotels to a broad spectrum of brand properties. Our clients range from individual owners and investors to management companies nationwide. EcoGreenHotel supports hotels to identify energy efficient strategies that reduce a property’s energy usage and overall environmental impact. As owner’s agents and through our vendor neutral approach, we find the right technologies, products and solutions to deliver the best quality and value for all our clients. We specialize in identifying and taking advantage of incentives, grants, rebates and loan programs that are available through federal, state and local agencies.

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