Panzer’s first opened its doors in 1944, rapidly becoming a well-loved food destination for residents of North West London as London’s original Jewish deli, with culinary delights from all over the world.

The shop recently underwent a major refurbishment. However, due to the high level of customers, the popular store was experiencing significant unexpected energy running costs due to the frequency of the automatic door opening. This resulted in discomfort for staff and customers and high energy bills. Air conditioning specialist Pure Cold Solutions was hired to investigate and find a solution.

Jason Bennett, managing director of Pure Cold Solutions, said: “Our client had looked at a number of potential options to improve energy efficiency. We did some calculations on the energy savings that could be made by installing a high-efficiency heat pump-based over-door air curtain and it was compelling. On the strength of the savings, our customer opted for the TCUK solution.”

Installed above the main front door, the air curtain provides a continuous high-velocity down-draft of air, creating an invisible barrier that prevents incursion of ambient air from outside when the door is open, retaining energy and maintaining comfortable temperatures in the shop at all times.

The unit is connected to a heat pump-based Toshiba Digital Inverter outdoor condensing unit, enabling it to benefit from its outstanding energy efficiency. For enhanced performance, the air curtain uses EC motors with full 0-10V speed control, enabling air speed to be precisely matched to the unit’s mounting height. Precise control of motor speed also allows low noise operation.

“It has proved to be a highly effective solution,” said Mr Bennett. “The shop’s air conditioning is no longer trying to heat or cool the entire surrounding neighbourhood of St John’s Wood, and the indoor climate of the store is kept stable and comfortable irrespective of the number of door openings, even at the busiest periods.”