ALTERNATIVE REFRIGERANTS
selected for its effi ciency and low environmental footprint.
The Project Foodstuff s are considered market leaders in sustainable refrigeration in New Zealand, being the fi rst to install a glycol-cooled refrigeration system in 2006, followed by the fi rst transcritical CO system in 2012. Maximising energy effi ciency and
transforming the stores to be more environmentally sustainable were the main objectives of this retrofi t, but at the same time, management decided it is essential to stay open and continue to deliver fresh food to its customers. To ensure all requirements were met, a system was created that used all of the latest technologies including electronic expansion valves, modulating condenser control, inverter compressors and smart control over the water pump system and dry cooler. This combination optimised the reduction in energy consumption as much as possible.
System Details The Alecto solution presented by Resource Data Management (RDM) was ideally suited for the project: a variable speed driven, multi- refrigerant condensing unit range, designed and manufactured by Hawco, using an RDM Intuitive controller. The condensing unit can be installed either
on top of or underneath the display case. The heat generated by the compressor and the display case is not directly released into the immediate vicinity but is transferred outside by a waterloop system to a dry air cooler.
The design off ers a
fully fl exible solution to existing and future product cooling application needs with the highest effi ciency, low noise (<40- dB) and low height, space- saving design. A compact solution, the system was quick to install and minimised the disruption to store operations. Other technical features
include RDM controls which drive the latest in horizontal variable speed scroll compressors, electronic expansion valves, EC fan motors, and speed-controlled circulation pumps. All of which maximise energy use reductions. The RDM control system is also designed to alert store staff if a chiller or freezer is not performing at its optimum. This ensures any problems are noted before any stock losses occur due to rising temperatures or equipment damage caused by malfunctions. The fi rst of its kind in New Zealand, the solution was designed and installed by Auckland Company EcoChill. EcoChill’s Managing Director, Matthew Darby, said that it was the fi rst time the company had installed waterloop technology into a retail setting. “One of the things that make this a big deal is that the total quantity of refrigerant used, being around 90% less than a standard system. Reducing refrigerant charge by 90% is quite an achievement. I’m also proud of the speed at which we completed the installation
Waterloop isometric graphic
– eight weeks from start to fi nish. Which isn’t long when you’re not only installing new chillers and freezers, but also introducing new technology into a retail environment. “Overall, this has been a fantastic opportunity to continue working with Foodstuff s, delivering yet another refrigeration fi rst in New Zealand and assisting with its sustainability strategy.”
Benefits of the Waterloop System
Fulfi lling Foodstuff s core objective, the solution lowered the store’s environmental impact signifi cantly. Utilising the waterloop system reduced the refrigerant charge by approximately 90%, compared to a conventional centralised pack system. It also presents a considerable benefi t to the long- term operating costs, as synthetic refrigerants are increasing in price substantially. Lindsay Rowles from Foodstuff s commented
on the newly installed solution that “As well as saving on electricity, the new waterloop system contains a refrigerant that has less than half the global warming potential of standard synthetic refrigerants. “The design also means in future that we can
transition more easily to a natural refrigerant, which is our preferred option long-term. Additionally, it means our chillers and freezers are quieter and can be moved around our stores more easily.” Other benefi ts of the system that have been valued by businesses include having greater fl exibility when modifying the layout, less space occupied compared to traditional systems and low operating and maintenance costs.
Waterloop system and benefi ts
www.acr-news.com December 2019 31
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