The problem…
The food such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and other kinds, after harvest should be preserved and follow the growth process to be suitable for sale and consumption. The preservation of a food at a temperature lower than 15°C and higher the freezing start point is called freeze-preservation. The increase of the food-life through refrigeration is a result of the slowdown in growth process and activity of microorganisms with decreasing temperature and slowing of the metabolic activity of plant and animal tissues, enzymatic action and chemical actions that lead to changes, such as oxidations etc. The freeze-preservation time is limited and depends on the food and the cold room’s temperature. In order to select the most appropriate storage temperature and in order to calculate the maximum preservation period, changes that occur in the food during storage under refrigeration should be known. The problem starts when all these equipment consumes large amounts of energy and the efficiency is in very low levels. This has a direct impact on the economic operation of a business as it creates increased operating costs.
The solution…
In order to achieve refrigeration in industrial and commercial projects, we use a combination of devices which constitute the refrigeration equipment. This equipment can be energy upgraded in order the refrigeration system operates with high efficiency, low noise level and low energy consumption. Some indicative solutions are outlined below:
- Replacement of old type with high energy consumption light bulbs and installing new lighting in refrigerators with LED technology.
- Replacement of fans inside the refrigerators with new Electronically Commutated (EC) fans.
- Use of a central refrigeration unit with the following characteristics:
1) use of inverter 1st compressor for energy saving in partial operating loads
2) low cost hot water production by using heat desuperheater circuit
3) use advanced automation system for optimal operation
4) run a complete check the of the refrigerant quality
5) run a quality control of refrigerant oil
- Apply anti-corrosion protection coating on unit’s coil in order to reduce the pressure drop which is caused through the operating years and provide efficient operation without refrigerant leaks.
The conclusion…
There are many solutions for energy upgrading a refrigeration system. The most important part for the clients in order to make a successful selection is to contact an experienced energy consultant who will record the current situation along with its energy consumption and suggest value-for-money solutions. All this energy upgrading operations must be record and analyzed with energy measurement equipment.
Chrysostomos I. Bouras