e-fficient Energy Systems Ltd has helped more than 70 cinemas in the Vue multiplex chain achieve energy savings in excess of 20%.
The work, which has seen the latest voltage optimisation and variable speed drive technologies installed, will achieve an impressive return on investment of between 24–36 months.
Key successes:
- 20% annual energy savings achieved
- On track for ROI in 2–3 years
- Technology rolled out across 70+ sites
BACKGROUND
Vue Entertainment is one of the UK’s leading developers and operators of multiplex cinemas. The Vue brand and company was launched in the UK market in 2003 with 38 cinemas. Since then, Vue’s UK & Ireland circuit has grown to in excess of 80 cinemas and 755 screens, serving over 37 million film lovers every year.
THE CHALLENGE
Needless to say, in such a large network of venues, where customers demand temperature comfort, it can be easy for energy consumption to get out of hand. However, although acutely aware of its customers’ requirements, Vue is also keen to demonstrate its environmental credentials and save costs by avoiding the unnecessary waste of energy.
THE SOLUTION
“The smart thinking with Vue pointed toward the adoption of Voltage Optimisation plus regulation and VSD technology,” explains Duncan Biggins, Managing Director at e-fficient Energy Systems Ltd. “Our VO equipment was installed on the incoming mains at more than 70 Vue sites, along with VSDs on all air handling plant – more than 1200 in total.”
VO is a way of reducing incoming mains voltage without affecting the performance of electrical equipment, while VSDs adjust a motor’s speed to closely match output requirements, rather than simply running at full speed all the time.
The VO equipment specified were e-fficient Energy’s E-VO+R™ units. The E-VO+R system was selected because it is the most technically advanced VOR product available in the market place. With regard to the VSDs, e-fficient Energy’s market leading eVSD models were specified.
PROVEN ENERGY SAVINGS
Upon completion, e-fficient Energy were able to prove the savings by undertaking a monitoring and targeting exercise using their Carbon Trust recommended eM&T monitoring system. The results delivered valuable management information to help determine a successful energy strategy moving forward.
