I have a project with a commercial kitchen, so we're gathering info on all of the walk-in coolers, freezers, etc. However, I'm not sure how to document the ice maker cooling capacity since they are specified with an ice harvest rate (lbs/24 hrs) and energy consumption rate (kWh/100 lbs ice) not a direct cooling capacity. Can I just multiply these values for a 24-hr average kW cooling capacity, then convert to tons?
(FYI, I tried deciphering the Energy Star product criteria for more details but I don't think it helps... http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=comm_ice_machines.pr_crit_comm_ice...)
Christopher Schaffner
CEO & FounderThe Green Engineer
LEEDuser Expert
963 thumbs up
September 2, 2015 - 5:11 pm
I'd start by arguing that an ice maker is not "base-building" equipment. You will likely lose that argument.
The cooling capacity should be a multiple of the input energy, so I think you've got to figure out the total cooling effect. That's the latent heat of fusion for the ice produced + the cooling of the input water from tap temperature to 0˚C/32˚F. If you just use the input kW you'll shortchange yourself.
Too bad you can't just figure out how many tons of ice you are making.
Mehdi Kardehi
Mechanical EngineerHyder Consulting
1 thumbs up
October 19, 2015 - 6:26 am
thanks :)
Lindsay Austrom
Mechanical EngineerStantec
21 thumbs up
December 21, 2015 - 4:47 pm
To follow up on my original post, the ice maker supplier was eventually able to provide a "heat load chart" (in BTU/hr) for each product model. I'm using that since it's all I have.
Christopher, I agree with your "base building" argument but the Reference Guide as written suggests that anything other than a plug-in beverage cooler must be included. If anyone has more a specific clarification on refrigeration equipment, please share!