An energy-saving feature for high volume dishwasher systems promises huge savings in running costs. Winterhalter’s Fresh Air Drying Zone
takes a whole new approach to the issue of drying plates as they come out of the dishwasher – and results in a significant reduction in the system’s connected load, which cuts total operating costs by at least 33%.
As well as reducing energy consumption, the Fresh Air Drying Zone improves drying results, makes clean dishes easier to handle straight from the system and enhances the air quality in the wash area.
Winterhalter warewashers are available to public sector buyers with preferential discount from Buying Solutions under framework number A126449A.
Winterhalter’s MT Series of rack and flight conveyor systems are capable of processing thousands of items per hour. Standard drying zones in high volume dishwasher systems use air from within the machine to dry dishes – but although the air is warm, it also tends to be saturated, so drying is compromised. The MT’s new Fresh Air Drying Zone draws in air from outside the machine, warming it gently and then using it to dry the washed items. It then vents the air straight into the site’s ventilation system.
Energy consumption is reduced because the fresh air only needs gentle warming, so the system’s total connected load is cut by as much as 2 or 4kW, depending on the model chosen. Drying is also improved, because the fresh air is less humid than the air within the machine. Typically the air in the new drying zone is 10% less humid than with traditional systems.
Handling is easier, because the dishes are dryer – so there’s no need for extra manual drying – and they are cooler, so they are easier (and safer) to deal with straight away.
Air quality in the wash area is significantly improved because the new zone reduces the amount of heat and vapour radiating from the machine’s out feed.