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Saving Advice Refrigeration plants

Saving Advice Refrigeration plants

Refrigeration energy consumption costs British industry some £300 million a year. In certain sectors - notably food & drink, chemicals, food supermarkets and cold storage - it accounts for a significant proportion of overall site energy costs. A small percentage reduction in these refrigeration energy costs can represent huge financial savings. Refrigeration equipment can be divided into 'tailor-made' systems and 'plug-in' appliances. Many refrigeration plants can be improved to save up to 20% of their energy consumption, much of which can be done at little or no cost, with paybacks on investment of well under two years being the norm.

 

Key Measures

  • Is cooling really needed?
  • Good housekeeping and maintenance helps ensure efficient and reliable operation.
  • Evaporators remove the heat from the cooled space - condensers then reject the heat from the plant to the surroundings. For every 1°C fall in evaporator, or 1°C rise in condenser temperature increases running costs by 2 to 4%.
  • Refrigerant leaks reduce efficiency. Refrigerants also have a significant environmental impact in themselves - it is illegal to knowingly vent them.
  • Factor in efficiency considerations to procurement of plant and maintenance services.

 

Practical Tips

Do not set controls for a lower temperature than necessary. Too cold will waste energy: 5°C too low will add 10 -20% to the electricity consumption.

 

Ensure condensers are cleaned regularly. Blocked condensers increase the condensing temperature and cooling capacity drops.

 

Ensure the medium (air or water) surrounding condensers is as cool as possible. Shade condensers from sunlight if necessary and ensure warm air/water is not re-circulated. Remove obstructions to airflows. Also, check that defrosting is working properly so that evaporators do not become iced up and so less efficient.

 

 

Ensure plant is regularly checked for refrigerant leaks - ideally six-monthly.

 

On cooled rooms and appliances, keep the doors closed as much as possible. Appliances storing non-perishable goods (e.g. soft drinks, etc.) should be turned off when not needed.

 

Keep door seals in good condition.

 

Cold refrigerant pipes between evaporator and compressor will pick up heat from their surroundings. They should be well insulated and not run through hot areas.

 

Further information on refrigeration