Energy efficiency is a very topical subject and refrigeration is a large consumer of electrical power. If you imagine how much food is consumed in the UK, of which the vast majority requires refrigerating in some or all of the following areas; production, storage, transportation and retail, you will start to appreciate the size of the UK’s Cold chain.

Refrigeration systems are available in sizes from small domestic fridge’s right through to large food production blast chill facilities and Coldstoreage distribution centres. The energy stakes increase proportionally with the size of the refrigeration plant running them. A supermarket can expect that 50 – 60 % of their electric consumption can originate from the refrigeration requirement. Food production companies and Food distribution centres can exceed figures of 70% of electrical energy consumption being attributed to refrigeration requirements.

Electrical energy costs of tens of thousands of pounds per year can surprisingly amount even in relatively small food based companies. Consequently even small percentage reductions can be highly advantageous. However, most refrigeration systems could have their annual consumption reduced by 10% and quickie amount to thousand of pounds saved.

There are many different ways to enhance the energy efficiency of a refrigeration system. It is usually not necessary to invest large amounts of money in specialist energy saving equipment. The largest gains in efficiency come from correct design, system set up and good house keeping.

The heart of a refrigeration system is the compressor/s. reducing its compression ratio is the prime way of reducing energy consumption. In lay mans terms, there is no point in circulating refrigerant in your system at -36C when -32 will do. Like wise there is no point in a compressor raising the pressure of the refrigerant by 200 psi when a 150 psi will do. These amounts do not sound significant, but such adjustments have an enormous positive effect on a refrigeration systems energy consumption.

It is often the case that Refrigeration Contractor’s do not have the necessary engineering expertise to offer the optimum service to increase your refrigeration energy efficiency. It may not even be something they talk to you about, as there is little incentive for them to do it. They may provide a very good reliable service, but are they ensuring that you energy consumption is minimised?

Hamilton-Clark has extensive engineering skill and experience which can enable us to obtain significant refrigeration energy reductions, even new systems. We can appraise your current refrigeration systems energy consumption and compare them to a recognised bench mark. At this point we would work closely with your contractor to implement any recommendations we may have.

An energy efficient system is usually a more reliable system, with a greater life expectancy. The more energy used, the more ware and tear and hence larger and more frequent repair bills…

Advantages

CO2 GWP 1 (GWP = Global warming potential)

R507 GWP 3300

° CO2 is a naturally occurring gas/refrigerant, opposed to synthetic HFC’s (R507).

° Excellent heat capacity and transfer characteristics signify excellent refrigerant properties.

° High compressor discharge temperatures mean CO2 has excellent heat recovery potential.

° Smaller and more compact components are used in CO2 systems.

° CO2 is a long term viable refrigerant that is highly unlikely to be banned as a refrigerant.

° CO2 is a safe refrigerant, i.e. not flammable or toxic.

° CO2 is cheap & readily available and makes up 0.04% of the air that we breathe.

° CO2 is recovered as a by-product from other production processes.

° Lower energy consumption than traditional HFC systems indicate lower running costs.

Comparative System Reduction in consumption

HFC R507 5%

Pumped Glycol Systems 15%

° Leakage is not an environmental issue.

° CO2 is a green technology and has good PR & brand marketing potential.

Disadvantages

° Installation costs are likely to be up to 30% more until plant production levels increase.

° Presently there is a low level of Industry knowledge, therefore training will be required.

° High pressures at the case CO2 40 bar

R507 4 bar

° High pressures in the plant CO2 120 bar

R507 20 bar

° Using and managing CO2 as a refrigerant is a developing technology and as such system design and operating practices will continue to evolve. The early installations may not age well. However, without the early installations the technology cannot evolve in the first place.

Hamilton-Clark provides expert consultation and design services for all aspects of refrigeration systems. Our aim is to provide our clients with high quality refrigeration design solutions, by offering a range of services which cover concept through to procurement, project management, commissioning and beyond.

Hamilton-Clark tailor refrigeration packages for modest commercial schemes through to large industrial developments.

Engineering designs are produced using AutoCAD, which is professionally applied to provide detailed design schemes, which are easily integrated into associated mechanical and electrical packages.

Hamilton-Clark represents the client and provides a one stop fully inclusive solution for all refrigeration and environmental needs. The client can be assured that their brief will be completely fulfilled to the highest possible standards and that the practice will act in their best interest.

Hamilton-Clark’s engineers are highly qualified and experienced. They have an expert knowledge of their field, which enables them to find exactly the right solution to meet your needs.

Refrigeration

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