Swedish supermarket chain ICA has installed its first propane (R290)-based self-contained refrigeration display cases with a hydroloop glycol system at its newest store in Gävle, Sweden, according to a recent statement from the equipment’s Lithuanian manufacturer, Freor.
This is the first time that ICA is using propane as a refrigerant instead of CO2 (R744). The R290 cases are from Freor’s Green Wave R290 range.
ICA will monitor the new system’s energy consumption to assess whether it can help the chain’s smaller convenience stores – ICA Nära – meet sustainability goals. The chain will also compare the R290 system with its existing CO2 systems.
As one of Sweden’s largest supermarket chains, ICA is working to achieve a net-zero climate impact across its operations by 2030, which includes improvements to the performance of its refrigeration systems.
According to Freor, “for a supermarket, or any store, rethinking the cooling strategy is essential to any goal of being environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and future-proof.”
“For a supermarket, or any store, rethinking the cooling strategy is essential to any goal of being environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and future-proof.”
Freor
Heat reclaim as well
Freor’s hydroloop system connects to the store’s R290 plug-in refrigeration equipment and removes excess condensation heat via pipes filled with an environmentally friendly glycol solution. This heat can then be used to warm a store’s premises during winter months. Alternatively, in summer months, the excess heat is eliminated from the store.
According to Freor, the system requires very little refrigerant, saves space in the store and lowers energy consumption, all of which will help ICA meet its sustainability goals.
ICA has chosen a wide range of Freor’s Green Wave R290 refrigerators and freezers to connect to the hydroloop system at its Gävle store.
JUPITER multideck refrigerators were installed with glass doors for better energy efficiency and PLUTON SPACE semi verticals were chosen to clearly display fresh products and allow for easy access to products by customers and staff.
VEGA SPACE QB LG self-service counters and VEGA SPACE QB CONVERT convertible counters were installed to allow for greater flexibility of store functionality.
ERIDA upright freezers were chosen for product visibility, while LEDA freezer islands with push glass lids enhance merchandising and ensure better energy consumption.
Freor’s local partner Coolfors Sweden installed the hydroloop glycol system and refrigeration equipment after helping ICA choose the correct system for the store.
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