Computer-aided energy use estimation in supermarkets

A simulation software focused on HVAC energy consumption in large supermarkets, called Clim Top, has been recently developed in France. The first originality of this tool is to have a friendly interface, especially designed for supermarkets, which makes it really available for various users involved in energy savings in supermarkets (architects, maintenance managers, technical store managers, energy consulting engineers, ...), as well in terms of HVAC design as in terms of energy audit. The second originality of this tool is to propose a new methodology to consider coupling between air conditioning and refrigeration display cases leading to a global energy analysis.