How Energy Management Became the ROI Turbo for a Global Franchise Brand

Energy management is a crucial factor for economic success in the hospitality industry. A global franchise restaurant has achieved true energy efficiency when it comes to their stores by implementing Loxone's energy management system. Ultimately, a one-time-only investment of $4,500 for one specific store resulted in 30% less energy consumed – and monthly savings of almost $2,000! Across the whole chain, this would translate into monthly savings of $78 million. This is clear proof that intelligent visualization and automation save energy, CO2 and cash.

Intelligent ventilation, heating and air conditioning

Here, intelligent HVAC control plays a key role. Sensors measure temperature, humidity and CO2 concentration, and transmit the data to the Miniserver.

Based on measured data and empirical values, energy saving logics were developed. An example: Before rush hour, heating can be reduced to a minimum. Why? The more people are present in a building, the higher the temperature due to their body heat. The temperature would become so high that the AC needed to be turned on to create a comfortable indoor climate. In other words, the previously invested energy would have to be compensated with even more energy.

Thanks to the integration of air curtains, the system works even more efficiently. Air curtains are the specially generated air currents that act as a "curtain" on sliding doors, for example, to prevent heat or cold from entering from the outside. These air curtains are controlled to contribute to the desired temperature. If it is cold outside but too hot inside the restaurant, the air curtains are simply throttled back and the cold from outside is used to cool.

Guests benefit from this system through increased comfort. The targeted control of CO2, temperature and humidity creates the best possible indoor climate for every seat in the restaurant.

Use energy only when it is needed

In the kitchen in particular, energy can be saved by switching off equipment in a planned, targeted manner, e.g. freezers, refrigerators and fume hoods. With intelligent energy management, this can be done without affecting ongoing operations.

In the guest area, there are opportunities to save energy, especially when it comes to smart lighting. Outside of rush hour, entire zones can be turned off without any loss of comfort. Energy consumption is further reduced thanks to dimmable lighting. While lighting was the same throughout the day until now, the Miniserver regulates brightness automatically, thus saving electricity.

Making potential energy savings visible

A holistic visualization of all energy flows and individual statistics shows where energy is generated or consumed. Base loads and periods of high consumption become visible.

Generally, reducing a building's base load can lead to high energy savings – this can also be implemented quite easily and quickly with the right tools. Devices for professional use are not designed to save energy. If possible, the operation of these can be shifted to times when energy is either generated free of charge via the PV system, or can be purchased cheaply.

Loxone makes this possible via its energy manager and the so-called Spot Price Optimizer, which enables a connection to power exchanges and "favorable times".

More economic success thanks to holistic energy management

Reducing the energy consumption of each individual area by itself is a good start. However, true energy management is only achieved when all energy generators and consumers work in automated coordination–and harmony–with each other.

Our initial example shows: With the Loxone Miniserver as a central controller, all energy flows are visualized and optimized. This works for the global franchise, in residential construction, in hotels - or simply put: wherever energy is generated and consumed.