Space Engineering Services leads the way in Alternative Refrigerant Technology

03/07/2008 07:08

Andy Butler, Head of Research and Development at Space Engineering Services, feels confident that when it comes to seeking alternatives to refrigerant technology, he and his team are leading the way.

For starters, he and his team have developed the first UK manufactured transcritical CO2 refrigeration plant for retail applications. Designed specifically for the convenience store market which to date has not been able to take advantage of larger systems, it is completely HFC free, significantly reducing its global warming potential.

The new plant for medium temperature cooling (dairy, meat etc.), is designed to operate at higher temperatures than a normal HFC system. Additionally it includes a heat reclaim system that can compliment an existing heating infrastructure. The first installation, for example, is using this recovered heat to compliment an under-floor-heating system. The gas fired boiler at the site has yet to use any gas as heating has not been required and the refrigeration plant is satisfying hot water requirements.

In addition to the environmental and energy saving benefits of the new system, it is simple to install.

Andy Butler said: "One of the obstacles to the widespread installation of CO2 plant has been a perceived need for specially fabricated stainless steel components. The system we have developed is designed to allow standard copper refrigeration components to be installed on the sales floor and at the display cabinets. This means that the skill set and parts required for installation will be the same as for a standard system."

The system is designed to work with standard display cabinets that incorporate a reworked evaporator.

"Most of the major manufacturers are developing such cabinets, and they will become more common as the use of CO2 systems increases," concludes Mr. Butler. In June 2008 a new Tesco flagship environmentally-friendly Express store opened in Hinckley, Leicestershire. This store features many cutting edge energy-saving and environmentally friendly solutions, including the Space Engineering Services CO2 plant.

In addition, recent work with Tesco has also seen the development of new RPA units specifically to suit the needs of individual stores where it is not feasible to employ natural refrigerants.

"We recently replaced 48 existing NRC roof units with new RPA units" said Mr. Butler.

"The units are designed to operate in a higher ambient temperature, with a lower design condensing temperature and offer greater efficiencies with the latest scroll technology and EC fan sets. Designed to fit on the same footprint as the old NRC unit, we are able to ensure minimal disruption and impact when the units are changed."

"Our next challenge will be to install an RPA unit to operate with a natural refrigerant and our convenience store design can be easily adapted for this providing the ultimate solution to the replacement of HFC NRC roof units."

If you would like to know how we can help your business benefit from this new technology, email us at: CO2@space-engineering.co.uk.