Case Study
Thermal Measurement of Kenfield Secondary Refrigeration Door System
- Study Type
- Independent climate-controlled laboratory study
- Location
- Coventry, England (lab)
- Period
- February–March 2024
- Partner
- WMG, The University of Warwick
- Contact
- info@mphglobal.com (full report available on request)
Independent climate-controlled laboratory study by WMG at the University of Warwick (February–March 2024) comparing the Kenfield K750 energy door to PVC strip curtains in simulated supermarket coldroom scenarios.
Key Findings
- 21–42% compressor energy reduction vs strip curtains (medium temperature)
- 13–17% compressor energy reduction vs strip curtains (low temperature)
- Peak temperature reduction up to 31–35°F while door is open (low temp)
- Missing one strip curtain adds 6–8% compressor energy vs intact curtain
Study pages
Detailed findings
Study objective
Compare the thermal and energy performance of the Kenfield K750 energy door against traditional PVC strip curtains in simulated supermarket coldroom scenarios.
Problem statement (strip curtains)
- Strip curtains are often damaged — ripped or hooked out of the way by staff.
- Poor thermal insulators; cold air spills, causing temperature loss and high energy intensity.
- Missing or displaced strips create significant energy penalties.
Solution
- K750 energy door designed for walk-in coldrooms and secondary refrigeration access.
- Addresses energy wastage, temperature control, and ice buildup.
- Proven track record: 30,000+ installations in European and US supermarkets.
Test methodology
The K750 Energy door was compared to three PVC strip curtain configurations over 9-hour test periods. Measurements recorded actual compressor energy consumption (kWh) and percentage increase versus the K750 baseline.
Headline findings
21–42%
Medium-temp compressor savings
13–17%
Low-temp compressor savings
31–35°F
Peak temp reduction (door open)
+6–8%
Energy penalty: one missing strip
Test 1 — medium temperature
Ambient: 71.6°F | Coldroom: 37.4°F
| Configuration | Energy (kWh) | vs K750 |
|---|---|---|
| K750 Energy Door | 4.6 | — |
| PVC Curtain (intact) | 5.89 | +28.0% |
| PVC − 1 Strip | 6.59 | +43.3% |
| PVC Hooked Away | 7.52 | +63.5% |
Test 2 — medium temperature
Ambient: 62.6°F | Coldroom: 37.4°F
| Configuration | Energy (kWh) | vs K750 |
|---|---|---|
| K750 Energy Door | 2.84 | — |
| PVC Curtain (intact) | 4.44 | +56.3% |
| PVC − 1 Strip | 4.93 | +73.6% |
| PVC Hooked Away | 5.63 | +98.2% |
When strips are hooked away — common staff behavior — the coldroom uses 98.2% more energy than with the K750.
Test 3 — low temperature
Ambient: 62.6°F | Coldroom: −0.4°F
| Configuration | Energy (kWh) | vs K750 |
|---|---|---|
| K750 Energy Door | 11.49 | — |
| PVC Curtain (intact) | 13.28 | +15.6% |
| PVC − 1 Strip | 13.84 | +20.5% |
| PVC Hooked Away | 14.40 | +25.3% |