Skip advert
Advertisement

F1 aerodynamic tech set to improve UK supermarkets

Thanks to the world of Formula 1, supermarket fridges will be fitted with energy-saving aerofoils that will solve 'cold aisle syndrome'

F1 supermarket

We're used to hearing that technology from Formula 1 will eventually make it into the cars we drive to the supermarket every week - but now it also appears that the aerodynamic research from the sport will soon appear inside the store as well.

Williams Advanced Engineering specialises in turning F1 tech into a consumer reality, and has teamed up with a company called Aerofoil Energy to create a new device that redirects the cold air in supermarket fridges to stop it from leaking out into the aisles.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It attaches to each shelf inside the fridge, redirecting the cold air that is pumped in from above and pushing it back inside.

Not only does this mean that shoppers can be comfortable wearing shorts down the milk aisle, it also saves a lot of wasted energy, with the standard supermarket fridge spilling lots of cold air out into the store.

Sainsbury's has been testing the new type of fridge and has seen a 30 per cent reduction in energy consumption - and with that brand using around one per cent of the UK's total energy, that's good news for everyone in Britain.

Craig Wilson, Managing Director of Williams Advanced Engineering, said: “The collaboration with Aerofoil Energy is a perfect example of how Formula One innovations can have a tangible benefit to ordinary people and the environment. This technology has global potential and the savings in operational costs and emissions are extremely promising.”

Motorists in the UK are choosing greener cars - find out which are rated highest in the 2015 Driver Power results.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Renault Clio prepares for launch: And it's not an EV
Renault Clio Mk6 (camouflaged) - front 3/4 tracking

New Renault Clio prepares for launch: And it's not an EV

The Clio isn’t going anywhere despite the reemergence of the Renault 5
News
22 Apr 2025
Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans
Future of Nissan in the UK - header with Phil McNamara

Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans

Nissan is about to go from building the Qashqai hybrid to three fresh EVs in the UK over the next three years – all powered by a new gigafactory
Features
19 Apr 2025
Renault 5 E-Tech Iconic Five long-term test: hype, heritage and a hint of madness
Renault 5 E-Tech Iconic Five long-term test - header

Renault 5 E-Tech Iconic Five long-term test: hype, heritage and a hint of madness

Does the retro-inspired electric supermini live up to the massive hype?
Long-term tests
21 Apr 2025