Cold Link Africa July | August 2023 | Page 18

FEATURE

INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN

Revolutionising retail : technological advances in refrigeration display cabinets

By Eamonn Ryan

Energy-saving and supermarket refrigeration cabinets go together like hand and glove for reasons of their cost and environment impact .

© Benjamin Brits | Cold Link Africa

The refrigeration landscape is changing rapidly , and supermarkets are gradually phasing in CO 2 systems while also managing their costs , from installation through to long-term rising energy costs – a stark reality in South Africa .

Open fridges are still ubiquitous among supermarkets , using far more energy to stay cool than alternatives with doors or sliding tops . Momentum is building for supermarkets to either buy closed cabinets when opening new stores and to retrofit existing units to close them – as the savings on energy consumption just by closing doors alone can be up to 55 %. The move towards CO 2 and hydrocarbons is based largely on environmental responsibility as required by the Kigali Amendment that requires Montreal Protocol parties to phase down HFC use .

According to Unido , refrigeration will account for up to 60 % of total energy costs , while technological advancements and changing consumer behaviour are contributing to lowering the total refrigeration energy costs .

Refrigeration energy consumption is affected by a number of factors :

• Display cabinet efficiency – there have been considerable advances in the efficiency of the design of display cabinets .

• Matching cabinet choice to store size – cabinets designed for smaller convenience stores typically require less energy .

• Poor maintenance - if not appropriately looked after , things will deteriorate and become less efficient .

IMPROVING CABINET EFFICIENCY Water usage in refrigeration is another concern as refrigeration systems are often the biggest users of water in industrial and commercial applications . Many companies in the food and beverage industry make

2 use of evaporative condensing in their refrigeration systems , since they are still the most energy efficient . However , these systems consume massive amounts of water , and in some cases this can be reduced by up to 75 %.

Ways to improve cabinet efficiency include :

• Fit glass doors on vertical upright cabinets or install night blinds

• Install LED lights

• Install high performance coils and EC fans

• Install electronic expansion valves

With all the above installed , cabinets are about 50 % more energy efficient than without . There is approximately a 20 % greater cabinet capital cost involved . When installed in a new store , the lower energy requirement leads to a smaller refrigeration plant size requirement which will cost less . All in all , retrofitting the above will produce a payback for the extra investment in about two years .

Insulation is a key factor in cold and freezer room efficiency . The introduction of polyurethane insulation panels has improved thermal efficiency , compared to polystyrene panels that absorb water which reduces their efficiency .

1 and 2 : Closed doors on supermarket display cabinets alone can lead to energy savings of up to 55 %.

© Benjamin Brits | Cold Link Africa

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Advanced refrigeration display cabinets are now equipped with cutting-edge technologies that optimise energy consumption without compromising performance . Intelligent control systems , such as Danfoss ' Adaptive Demand Defrost , monitor and adjust cooling needs in realtime , resulting in significant energy savings . These innovations not only benefit retailers ' bottom line but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future .

Maintaining precise temperature control is crucial for preserving the quality and safety of perishable products . Traditional refrigeration systems often struggle with temperature fluctuations , leading to food spoilage and decreased shelf life . However , modern display cabinets employ advanced electronic controls and variable-speed compressors to deliver precise and stable temperatures throughout the cabinet . By ensuring consistent cooling , these technologies extend the freshness of products and reduce waste , enhancing both customer satisfaction and profitability .

The integration of monitoring and analytics capabilities has revolutionised the way retailers manage their refrigeration systems . Remote monitoring systems , like Danfoss ' Smart Refrigeration Solution , enable real-time tracking of cabinet performance , temperature , and energy consumption . This data is then analysed to identify potential issues , optimise system performance , and proactively address maintenance requirements . By harnessing the power of data analytics , retailers can make informed decisions , improve operational efficiency , and reduce downtime .

As environmental concerns rise , the use of sustainable refrigerants has become paramount in refrigeration technology . Transitioning away from hydrofluorocarbons ( HFCs ), which have high global warming potential , manufacturers are embracing alternatives like hydrocarbons and low- GWP refrigerants . These eco-friendly refrigerants , coupled with innovative components and system designs , significantly reduce the environmental footprint of refrigeration display cabinets . By adopting these solutions , retailers demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and align with global environmental goals .

The Internet of Things ( IoT ) has unlocked new possibilities for refrigeration display cabinets . IoT-enabled systems connect various components and allow for remote monitoring , control , and diagnostics . Smart connectivity facilitates predictive maintenance , enabling retailers to identify potential issues before they escalate , reducing downtime and optimizing operational efficiency . Additionally , IoT integration enhances inventory management , as real-time data on stock levels and expiration dates can be accessed effortlessly .

Staycold

Lena le Roux , managing director of Staycold International .

THE SLOW EVOLUTION OF CUSTOMERS IN THE RETAIL SOFTDRINK CABINET MARKET Lena le Roux , managing director of Staycold International feels strongly on the subject of maintenance of beverage coolers , as do most cabinet manufacturers because every time a consumer takes a lukewarm beverage out of a malfunctioning cooling cabinet , it reflects on the manufacturer . “ Consumers expect their beverages to be chilled , and a malfunctioning cooler can lead to a disappointing experience . Store owners should strive for continuous maintenance to uphold brand reputation and deliver quality products to their customers consistently ,” she says .

Le Roux wishes the term ‘ preventative maintenance ’ be removed from the technician ’ s lexicon . She suggests a transition from the traditional concept of preventative maintenance to ‘ continuous maintenance ’. “ Retailers need to understand that maintaining a cooler is not a one-time task but rather a continuous process . By simply cleaning the condenser and ensuring suitable ventilation , retailers can avoid unnecessary malfunctions and extend the lifespan of the asset . User-friendly resources like instructional videos and manuals further facilitate the process .”

Manufacturers in the beverage cooler cabinet market often rely on European and American suppliers for components and technological advancements . She notes that while these suppliers prioritise innovation and technology , the costs associated with new technologies can make them less accessible to average customers , such as small retailers , cafes , or home industry businesses . Although large bottlers and corporate retailers may have access to international funding and can afford advanced technology , the affordability and relevance of such innovations vary among different customer segments .

18 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za COLD LINK AFRICA • July / August 2023