Energy Efficient Display Cases

What is the project
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This project focuses on energy-efficient display cases developed with Jordão for grocery retail. It targets better ergonomics and accessibility for store staff while reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint. It also aims to integrate information systems that support store operation and sales.

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Project at a glance

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Focus: Collaborative solutions for ergonomics, energy efficiency, sustainability, and retail technology
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Key demonstrators: 6 display-case products (butcher service counter; vertical chiller; hot & cold combo with heat recovery; charcuterie & take-away line; open semi-vertical plug-in; compact vertical “Futuro 2”)

Operation: Grocery retail (food retail)

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Objectives

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• Improve accessibility and ergonomics for operators.
  
  
• Reduce energy consumption.
  
  
• Decrease carbon footprint.
  
  
• Integrate information systems to support operation and sales.
  

What we delivered

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Six display-case demonstrators were developed: a butcher service counter with assisted wash (M0-class preservation, remote/integrated refrigeration, sealed component-free base deck, patented automatic waterjet washing, laminar airflow separation, reduced cleaning time and lower ergonomic risks); a double-sided vertical chiller with assisted replenishment (compact robotic cell, 3M1 class uniformity, R-744 refrigerant system relocated to the top, dual lateral air distribution with central return, chilled buffer, rolling racks, gravity shelves first in/first out with sensors); a hot & cold “combo” with heat recovery (two independent volumes sharing a thermodynamic loop, heat recovery from the condensing unit, balanced heating/cooling, consistent design across the product family); a charcuterie & take-away line combining assisted service and self-service (hot holding and cold sections, modular configuration, partial operation, validated in lab and in-store units for conservation and workflow); an open semi-vertical plug-in redesign guided by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to improve air-curtain stability and reduce energy use without front doors, including condensate evaporation without electric heaters); and a compact vertical “Futuro 2” format (reduced height options, winged-tube condensers to improve heat transfer, pull-out technical drawer for simplified servicing). One patent is included.

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Metrics / KPIs

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Products

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Value: 6

Notes: Demonstrators listed in the project notes

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Patents

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‍Value: 1

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Summary

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This project develops energy-efficient display cases for grocery retail, combining ergonomics, sustainability, and retail technology. Six demonstrators cover key store needs—from assisted-service counters to vertical chillers with robotic replenishment and hot/cold units with heat recovery. The scope includes airflow and thermal optimisation, reduced cleaning effort, improved access for operators, and designs intended to lower energy use and carbon footprint.