Transforming a Burger King fast food outlet into a KFC may sound like a straightforward task, but the recent project in Banbury, Oxfordshire, demonstrated that a restaurant refurbishment requires more than just a change of menu.
The building’s standard split-type air-conditioning system was replaced with a VRF heat-recovery system from Mitsubishi Electric, which offers simultaneous heating and cooling, distributing surplus heat from cooling operations to other areas of the building when – and where – required. Waste heat from cold room equipment can be recovered and put to use elsewhere, said Kevin Gregory, contracts manager at mechanical contractor Kinlochs and Son Limited (KSL).
Gregory said: ‘During the summer months, the air curtain will deliver cool air and stop insects from entering the premises – a major consideration for food outlets.’
Featuring a BC controller for ‘intelligent’ decision-making, the system could reduce energy consumption by up to 30%.
