Fajne Potraviny, a food retailer based in Slovakia, has implemented Freor’s propane (R290)-based cabinet system, which uses a glycol-loop system to remove condensation heat, in a second store.
Based on the energy efficiency achieved by its initial installation last year of the Freor’s R290 system at a store in Košice, Slovakia, Fajne Potraviny decided to install it in a renovated Košice store this year, according to a case study posted by Freor on its website.
Freor describes its glycol-loop technology, called Hydroloop, as “an energy-efficient system that connects multiple plug-in refrigerators and/or cold rooms to a glycol condensing system, allowing excess heat from condensation reuse for the store’s needs.” A space-saving version for smaller stores, the Hydroloop Hybrid WPI system, was chosen by Fajne Potraviny for the new installation.
The Hydroloop Hybrid WPI system eliminates the need for the main pump station as each refrigeration cabinet contains an integrated small-sized circulatory water pump, saving space in the store, noted Freor. The water pumps work alongside compressors for up to 16 hours a day, unlike the traditional Hydroloopsystem’s main pump station that runs constantly. “This results in a significant reduction of about 30% in energy consumption,” Freor said.
In the winter, the system can emit condensation heat directly into the store via an air condenser mounted in the equipment, while in the summer heat is removed via a glycol line to the outside.
Energy saving via continuous cooling
By using R290, the system, combined with Freor’s Continuous Cooling system, can improve energy efficiency by up to 70%, compared to traditional control systems, the company said, adding, “These significant energy efficiency results were the reason Fajne Potraviny chose Freor.”
Continuous cooling, which is available for all of Freor’s R290-based refrigeration equipment, combines an inverter compressor with an advanced controller to adjust compressor speed based on the temperature inside a cabinet, enhancing efficiency, explains the manufacturer on its website.
The renovated Fajne Potraviny store installed a version of Freor’s JUPITER multideck cabinets with lower front height called JUPITER LOW FRONT. Almost all multidecks were chosen with glass doors for better energy consumption; one open version for fruits and vegetables employs an additional front glass packet for better energy efficiency. Additionally, the store was equipped with Freor’s ERIDA upright freezers and VEGA SPACE QB HG serve-over cabinets.
The equipment features LED lighting and energy-saving electronically commutated fans.
Hydroloop is “an energy-efficient system that connects multiple plug-in refrigerators and/or cold rooms to a glycol condensing system, allowing excess heat from condensation reuse for the store’s needs.”
Freor
