Kraft Foods
Daikin – Meeting Energy Efficiency Requirements For Kraft Foods
The increase in energy prices and demands for business to be more energy efficient is challenging facilities managers to look for advanced building and control systems that not only exceed legislation requirements, but also make significant savings on energy bills and improve working conditions to help boost workforce productivity and efficiency. But whilst air conditioning used to be viewed by many businesses as luxury item, today, a cost-effective system is seen as an essential component for operational success.
When Kraft Foods, the second largest food and beverage company in the world, with brands such as Kenco and Dairylea, was undertaking a refurbishment programme at its UK headquarters in Cheltenham, its facilities manager Paul Oliver was tasked with reviewing the current air conditioning equipment and looking for a cost-effective and energy efficient solution that could not only offer cost savings on energy bills, but also exceed regulations and balance the needs of Kraft’s workforce.
Paul Oliver, facilities manager at Kraft Foods, said: “The introduction of the Energy Performance in Building Directive and amendments to Part L of the Building Regulations has put greater pressure on businesses to be more energy efficient. The AC equipment at our head office was over 15 years old, therefore it was vital during the refurbishment of the four - storey office block that we installed an intelligent heating and cooling system that could more effectively control the internal environment.”
“One of the key decisions in finding a suitable installation company to carry out the work was flexibility. Normal working times of our employees could not be disrupted by the project, therefore everything needed to be completed in out of office hours“
“Kraft Foods approached Midlands-based McDowall Air Conditioning (UK) Ltd. to carry out the contract. This involved completely stripping out the old split air conditioning system and designing, specifying and building a new system for the Grade 2 listed building.”
Tony Williams, project manager at McDowall Air Conditioning, said: “Several factors needed to be taken into account when selecting the new air conditioning equipment, including solar gain, occupancy levels, the fabric of the building, lighting, ventilation and the type of internal equipment used such as computers, photocopiers, telephones and faxes. We looked at the design and layout of the building, calculated the internal heat loads of each area, and sized the individual air conditioning units to meet these requirements.
“We specified the VRVII (variable refrigerant volume) commercial air conditioning system from Daikin Airconditioning UK Ltd. VRVII is the one of most sophisticated and advanced products for heating and cooling and Kraft Foods’ offices were one of the first buildings in the UK to benefit from this innovative technology. “Whilst Daikin UK have already taken VRV technology further this year with the launch of VRVIII, its VRVII system was the world’s first R-410A operated variable refrigerant flow system. With an operating range between 5hp to 48 hp in 2hp increment steps (22 system combinations), the VRVII has the ability to run 40 indoor units in heat recovery as well as heat pump format, features unrivalled by competitors systems. Furthermore, VRVII offers an extended piping length of up to 150 metres, with a total piping length of 300 metres. 
At Kraft Foods, 16 outdoor units were installed as part of the system to ensure each area within the office block could be individually controlled. These were connected to four-way blow ceiling cassette outdoor condensing units were installed on the rooftop onto purpose built steel supports.
McDowall Air Conditioning is one of Daikin’s D1 Network partners. Launched by the company to help develop and maintain relationships with air conditioning installers throughout the UK, it rewards those installing Daikin products with improved cost and service support. As a D1 Partner, McDowall’s receive extra training and support to its business, along with five-year warranty on equipment, all aimed at adding value to Daikin’s service offering.
