Case Study Overview

Historic Tianjin Hotel Achieves 40% Energy Savings with Smardt Oil-Free Chiller Technology

Working closely with the hotel team, Smardt delivered its oil-free magnetic bearing chiller solution that improved IPLV from 3.5 to over 10 and reduced annual operating costs by more than RMB 200,000.

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With more than 160 years of history, The Astor Hotel Tianjin needed to modernize its aging cooling system without disrupting hotel operations or compromising the integrity of its historic property.

Smardt’s magnetic bearing water-cooled chiller with three oil-free compressors was designed to ensure reliable operation and lower life-cycle costs while helping the hotel achieve its sustainability goals.

Photo by the Astor Hotel Tianjin

Challenge

The Astor Hotel Tianjin has a cramped plant room with complex piping, and it had to stay fully operational during the retrofit.

High energy consumption: Over the years, the old chiller deteriorated significantly and its energy efficiency declined, consuming far more electricity than before.
Frequent maintenance: The oil system required frequent servicing, and maintenance costs were extremely high.

Photo by the Astor Hotel Tianjin

Solution

Conducted several site inspections to analyze the existing chiller plant.
Delivered one oil-free magnetic bearing chiller with three compressors, allowing one compressor to be serviced while the other two continue operating.

Photo by Smardt

Benefits

40% energy savings which reduced operating costs by more than RMB 200,000 a year.
70 dBA noise level helping create a quieter environment for hotel guests.

Photo by Smardt

Summary

High efficiency, reliability, low noise and minimal maintenance met the hotel’s cooling demands and enhanced the guest experience.

Photo by the Astor Hotel Tianjin

Jiang Jinjia’s advice for fellow hotel operators

Consider total life-cycle cost: Over time, conventional chillers cost much more to maintain and operate than oil-free magnetic bearing chillers.
Consider part-load efficiency (IPLV) over COP: IPLV is more important than COP because it better reflects year-round energy consumption.
Choose a partner with long-term service support: A chiller is not a one-time purchase; reliable, ongoing after-sales service is critical.

Key Project Details

Energy Savings: 40%

Reduced Operating Costs: More than RMB 200,000 a year.

Noise Level: 70 dBA

Saved Electricity Consumption During Peak Month: 60,000 kWh

Jiang Jinjia, Engineering Manager at The Astor Hotel Tianjin

“What impressed me most was seeing the difference between an equipment supplier and a true service partner.”

Key Takeaways

1. Demonstrated Smardt’s magnetic bearing technology and proven track record. Collaborated closely with the engineering and hotel teams and delivered nearly a week early despite a tight deadline.

2. Collaborated closely with the engineering and hotel teams and delivered nearly a week early despite a tight deadline.