How energy management became the ROI Turbo of a global franchise brand

Energy management plays a crucial role in the economic success of the hospitality industry. A franchise restaurant has achieved significant energy efficiency by implementing Loxone, resulting in impressive figures: a one-time investment of €4,200, 30% less energy consumption and a monthly saving of €4,900. This proof of concept convincingly demonstrates that visualization and automation can lead to energy, CO2 and cost savings.

Intelligent HVAC control for ventilation, heating and air conditioning

The intelligent HVAC control plays a decisive role here. Sensors measure temperature, humidity and CO2 concentration and send this data to the Loxone Miniserver. Based on these measurements and empirical data, logics have been developed that enable energy savings. For example: before busy periods, heating can be minimized. Why?

Because during these periods a lot of heat energy is generated by the presence of many people in the building. As a result, the temperature rises to a point where cooling is needed to maintain a comfortable indoor climate. In other words, the previously purchased energy would have to be compensated with even more energy consumption.

In addition, the integration of air curtains contributes to an even more efficient system. Air curtains are used as a barrier on sliding doors, for example, to prevent heat or cold from outside. These air curtains are controlled to contribute to the desired temperature. If it is cold outside but too warm inside, the air curtains can be adjusted and the cold from outside can be used for cooling. This system offers guests more comfort, as CO2, temperature and humidity are controlled specifically to ensure an optimal indoor climate at every seat in the restaurant. 

Only use energy when necessary

Using energy only when it is needed is essential, especially in the kitchen. Appliances can be switched off in a planned and targeted manner without disrupting ongoing processes. There is considerable potential for energy savings in freezers, refrigerators and extractor hoods.

In the guest zone there are also opportunities to save energy, especially in the area of lighting. Outside of peak times, entire zones can be switched off without affecting the number of available seats. By using dimmable lighting, energy consumption can be further reduced. Loxone Miniserver automatically regulates the light intensity, saving electricity, even if the lighting usually has the same intensity throughout the day. 

Make the potential for energy savings visible

A holistic visualization of all energy flows and individual statistics in the Loxone App provides insight into where energy is produced or consumed. This makes base loads and peak moments clearly visible. 

In most cases, there is a great potential for savings in the base load, which can be achieved relatively easily and quickly. Devices that are specifically intended for professional use are usually not designed with energy efficiency in mind. Depending on the possibilities, their operating times can be adjusted to times when energy is generated free of charge via the PV system or when it can be purchased at lower rates.

Loxone makes this possible with the help of the Energy Manager and the Spot Price Optimizer, which enables connection to electricity exchanges and favorable rates. 

Greater economic success thanks to holistic energy management system

Reducing the energy consumption of individual companies is a good start, but true energy management will only be achieved when all producers and consumers work together in an automated manner.

The above example illustrates this: with the Loxone Miniserver as a central control, all energy flows are visualised and optimised. This applies to franchises, residential construction, industry - or simply put: everywhere where energy is generated and consumed.