Wirth Research, the company that designed the concept, used high-resolution CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) modelling to measure supermarket energy loss caused by wind infiltration, based on weather, door opening data and building dimensions for three different-sized stores, and correlating this against gas consumption data (source: independent economics research consultancy Retail Economics). These figures exclude hotels, warehouses, distribution centres, hospitals or any other public or commercial buildings, which would significantly raise the overall cost.
Jim Burnett, senior manager, technical services for Waitrose & Partners, said: “We are always looking to find innovative ways to reduce our impact on the environment and while we know we still have a lot of work to do, the potential of the AirDoor could be key in helping us make our shops even more sustainable in the future.”
Wirth Research’s AirDoor concept prevents warm air being lost from the store during colder temperatures and cool air being lost during warmer temperatures as customers enter and leave, meaning doors are often left open for long periods. It is claimed the door will perform particularly well in instances of extreme temperature or pressure differences as well as strong winds.
The AirDoor provides an archway that sits outside the store, located around the frame of the existing entrance. It incorporates an array of sensors to detect airflow in both directions, which is then counteracted by an opposing, self-generating wind. The result is an invisible, active ‘barrier’, preventing unwanted outside air flowing into the building and inside air escaping. There is minimal disruption to the customer and it negates the need for revolving doors or lobbies.
It is scheduled to launch at the supermarket’s Berkhamsted store later this year and, if successful, there are plans to roll the AirDoor out to more Waitrose shops.
The AirDoor was co-funded by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, set up to drive productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas.
Nick Wirth, president and founder of Wirth Research, said: “AirDoor is a response to a global and increasingly urgent issue. The UK high street is facing ever-greater competition from online retailers, but AirDoor combats this by incorporating the energy-saving advantages of an actual door without creating a physical barrier to the customer.”
