Winterhalter introduces combined energy saving system for healthcare

Winterhalter‘s new Energy+ energy-saving pass through dishwashers are now available with TwinSet, a space-saving option ideal for hospitals and other healthcare sites looking to save on energy costs and save space at the same time.

Winterhalter’s TwinSet system joins two standard warewashing machines together to increase dishwashing capacity in peak periods.  With the system in operation the hoods of both machines can be opened at the same time, so they can be loaded and unloaded simultaneously or in quick succession to effectively double capacity, while during quiet periods one unit can be switched off to save even more energy.

The GS500 Energy+ series of dishwashers recover exhaust heat from the steam and hot wastewater and return it to heat the incoming cold water. This not only slashes heating costs, but by condensing the steam to recycle its heat, it also removes the need for a separate extractor and makes working conditions in the wash area much more pleasant. The Energy+ system reduces the total connected load by up to 6kW. Winterhalter estimates Energy+ can save as much as £1,095 per year on a single machine, and this figure is expected to rise along with electricity costs.

“Energy+ is ideal for hospital and other cost-sector installations because it’s built to last for at least eight to ten years and saves costs from day one,” says Paul Crowley of Winterhalter. “Eliminating the need for a separate extractor is a huge saving, too.”

An extractor, which standard dishwashers need to get rid of waste steam escaping when the hood is opened, can cost anything from £750, for a simple condensing canopy, to several thousand pounds for a full extraction system. Adds Paul Crowley: “Installing an extraction system for waste steam can also be very complicated and intrusive, especially in, for example, a basement kitchen.”

GS500 Energy+ machines are capable of washing up to seventy large (500x600mm) racks of dirty dishes per hour and deliver sparkling clean, hygienic results. Their ease of use (there is only one control button) means even untrained staff can operate them.

Energy+ is part of Winterhalter’s overall energy reduction initiative, IRT (intelligent resource technology). It is designed to take warewashing into a new generation of low running costs and ease of use.

The system is designed to increase the flexibility of warewashing by providing the capacity of a conveyor model when needed. The TwinSet’s second machine can be coupled or uncoupled in an instant so as not to incur the cost of installing a full rack conveyor system, or running a second machine during quiet periods.

Compatible with GS501, GS502 and GS515 models, the TwinSet can also be retrofitted with GS500 models to expand an existing system. Suitable for straight and cornered warewash layouts, the maximum width of a TwinSet system is just 1610mm (GS515). (GS501 and GS502 TwinSets are 1410mm wide). The maximum theoretical capacity of the GS515 TwinSet is 140 racks per hour.

Energy+ has won a number of international awards, including the FCSI Award, the Innovation Award at Sirha in Lyon, The Caterer Excellence Award at Hotelympia 2008 and the Special Award for Efficiency atIntergastra 2008.

For further details, call Winterhalter on 01908 359000, see www.winterhalter.com/uk-en/ , or email info@winterhalter.co.uk.