FEATURE
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
Continued from page 37 allows companies to pay for refrigeration as a utility without owning the system . Basically , we install , manage , and own the refrigeration system on site , while the client only pays for the amount of refrigeration that they use , at an agreed-upon Randper-kilowatt-hours-refrigeration ( R / kWhR ) rate . Operation and maintenance are no longer the responsibility of the client , who can then focus on their core business .
To do this , we first had to overcome one significant hurdle before we could offer refrigeration to clients as a utility : measuring the refrigeration that a client actually uses is one of the trickier parts of an endeavour such as this . The only existing systems that were accurate enough were too expensive , so we first had to develop an affordable , accurate meter to accompany the systems we install .
Added to this , the installed cooling systems are also equipped with access to a Web-based dashboard , enabling clients to keep track of performance , key temperatures , billing , and the energy
consumption of the plant 24 / 7 , while also allowing remote monitoring and operation of the system as required .
Clients maintain the right to assume ownership of the plant at any time .
Energy Partners Refrigeration already has a number of these projects under its belt . These include the installation of refrigeration plants for cold storage at a large dairy processor and an abattoir . New energy-efficient refrigeration systems have also been installed at four Pick n Pay and Spar supermarkets . In all cases , the systems have already achieved substantial savings for the clients , on top of the added peace of mind that their cooling is in the hands of experts .
Large corporates are also gradually moving towards this way of thinking . Yet , we have found that the large players in this industry still prefer to own the refrigeration systems themselves . Many of them , however , have begun to see the advantages of outsourcing operation and maintenance , since this saves them
A large-scale ammonia refrigeration plant providing 24-hour cooling for an ice rink .
Some clients are starting to see the advantages of outsourcing operation and maintenance , since this saves them both time and money in the long run . both time and money in the long run . GWK ’ s abattoirs in the Northern Cape are currently being provided with low-cost hot water from our high-temperature heat pumps on an outsourced basis , and there is a project in the planning phase to outsource their refrigeration as well .
By understanding the fundamental dilemma our customers face in trying to reduce the cost of cooling , we could identify opportunities to reduce technical and financial inefficiencies in the energy industry and invest in these opportunities . CLA
COLD LINK AFRICA • July / August 2018 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za
39