Executive Summary
5011.03.23
iv
Food Service Technology Center
Steamer
to
Energy
Food
to
Energy
Efficiency
Energy
-
Cooking
=
A summary of the ASTM test results is presented in Table ES-1.
Table ES-1. Summary of Vortex Steamer Performance.
Rated Energy Input Rate (kW)
12.0
Measured Energy Input Rate (kW)
12.6
Preheat Time (min)
17.0
Preheat Energy (kWh)
2.2
Idle Energy Rate (kW)
0.2
Frozen Green Peas
Light-Load Cooking-Energy Efficiency (%)
60.8 ± 2.1
Heavy-Load Cooking-Energy Efficiency (%)
91.5 ± 2.5
Production Capacity (lb/h)
94.5 ± 1.6
Red Potatoes
Light-Load Cooking-Energy Efficiency (%)
30.4 ± 2.5
Heavy-Load Cooking-Energy Efficiency (%)
71.0 ± 2.6
Production Capacity (lb/h)
116.2 ± 2.7
Beyond its respectable productivity and high cooking-energy efficiencies, the
Vortex steamer also exhibited low water usage. Typical water consumption
during heavy-load cooking tests was much lower than the unit’s 4.0-gallon
reservoir capacity. Other steam cooking technologies, such as boiler-based or
steam generator-type steamers, typically consume between 20 and 60 gal/h
while cooking.
