RALPHS COMBINES TECHNOLOGIES TO GAIN ENERGY EFFICIENCY

PATRICK SCIACCA

COMPTON, Calif. -- By utilizing a host of energy efficient technologies in concert, Ralphs Grocery Co. here is seeking to significantly reduce energy costs at its new Temecula, Calif., supermarket. The retailer will monitor both costs and energy usage to provide a benchmark for its other stores.

The latest energy-efficient equipment for refrigeration, lighting, heating and air conditioning were installed in the new facility, according to a source familiar with the situation.

"We got a lot of new things," said Mike Toman, energy manager, Ralphs. He added that the store could provide the same energy requirements as a comparably sized store for about 20% less cost.

Sunlight, a not-so-new power source that is not often used by retailers, was brought into the store to increase lighting efficiency. Ralphs installed skylights that take up about 5% of the ceiling space in the store, Toman told SN. A sensor measures the natural light in the store and runs the T8 in-store light system accordingly.

"Skylights in supermarkets are very unusual," he said.

In the area of refrigeration, the retailer is using a hydrofluorocarbon coolant for medium- and low-temperature cooling, Toman said. Ralphs is also using compressors with variable speed drives, which provides the retailer with more control over the units' energy usage.

Heat from the refrigeration system is also being captured and re-used to heat water in the store as well as provide for space heating. Thermal insulation was also installed on the interior side of the exterior walls.

In order to modify the air-flow rates, the retailer used an infrared sensor to measure temperatures in the store's exhaust hood. When the heat builds up in the hood the infrared sensor alerts the hood to open to allow the hot air to escape.

It took almost a year of planning with Southern California Edison to develop the energy efficient storewide system, which Toman said should pay for itself within two and a half years. The store went operational in February.

"We began the design process a year prior to construction," Toman told SN. "We got out in front of the curve a bit," he added.

Although it's too early to analyze the store's results, the retailer plans to do a long-term study on the store.

"We'll look at it every three months for the next year to year and half," he said. "The (Temecula) store will be used as a benchmark for other stores."