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Not all supermarkets are created equal – this is evident not only in their product range, but also in their energy-efficient renovations. Rising energy prices, stricter legal requirements and subsidies for technologies that reduce environmental impact and operating costs are forcing supermarket and chain operators to seek solutions. Heat pump technology is ideal for this, as it can be adapted to the specific requirements of each supermarket and customised solutions are also possible.
One example of this is the development of a concept for a supermarket with approximately 1,200 m² of sales area, including an attached butcher's shop in Northern Germany.
The situation: Renovation of a 1,200 m² supermarket with its own butcher shop
Swegon developed an energy-efficient renovation concept for this model store, which was implemented at the end of 2023. This is a special solution, as the butcher shop requires particularly high temperatures and a continuous supply of domestic water.
Challenge and concept: Generating high temperatures with heat pumps
Standard air-to-water heat pumps are suitable for generating low to medium temperatures, for example, to heat residential buildings or grocery stores. If a building requires very high flow temperatures, these standard heat pumps reach their limits. Swegon developed a concept that combines various heat pumps. In addition to the air-to-water heat pumps, this concept uses special water-to-water heat pumps (temperature boosters) that generate high water temperatures. These heat pumps operate with the refrigerant propane (R290) and achieve flow temperatures of up to 75°C.
Implementation of the renovation concept with Temperature Booster
To meet the needs of the supermarket with its own butcher shop, Swegon developed a system combination for three consumer circuits with two different temperature levels:
- Consumer circuit with 40/35°C for low and medium temperatures
- Consumer circuits with 65/60°C and 55/50°C for high temperatures
The 40/35°C consumer circuit is supplied by a standard air-to-water heat pump. A temperature booster (water-to-water heat pump) is integrated into the return flow of this consumer circuit, which uses the return flow as a source and provides heating power for the two other "high-temperature" circuits at 65/60°C and 55/50°C.
Hot water preparation is supported by an interface to the commercial refrigeration heat recovery system (HRV). Complete control of the primary side (buffer tank interface), including communication between the heat pumps, is handled by a Swegon measurement, control and regulation system specifically tailored to this concept.
The schematic diagram shown below shows a possible system combination for consumer circuits at different temperature levels.
Does the use of heat pumps in supermarkets make sense?
Heat pumps provide environmentally friendly and energy-efficient heating and cooling for supermarkets. However, prior to renovation, the following points should be compared with conventional systems (gas, oil):
- Acquisition costs
- Space requirements
- Structural and legal requirements
We see heat pumps as a necessary component of the building revolution because of their versatile use and combination possibilities. For example, they are flexible in use, as these devices can be used to implement energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling and heating systems. Furthermore, the use of heat pumps leads to lower CO2 taxes, as fewer emission certificates need to be purchased. This applies to both new construction and energy-efficient renovations. At Swegon, we examine existing supermarkets individually and develop concepts specifically for each project. We also offer remote monitoring, maintenance and service for your cooling and heating system.