In an era where sustainability is paramount , supermarket chains are rewriting the playbook for refrigeration equipment .
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
FEATURE
Supermarkets opt for SA ’ s cutting-edge green chill Compiled by Eamonn Ryan
In an era where sustainability is paramount , supermarket chains are rewriting the playbook for refrigeration equipment .
Gone are the days of energy-guzzling , emissions-pumping cooling systems ; instead , they ’ re embracing eco-friendly commercial refrigeration . From closed door freezers to smart sensors and natural refrigerants , forward-thinking stores are setting a new standard for environmentally responsible supermarket cooling . Check out this month ’ s project as an illustration .
CO 2 supermarket refrigeration cabinets had not been thought appropriate for hot climates like South Africa – but this country is developing into a centre of excellence for them , driven by leading retailers such as Woolworths which has been installing such systems for the past 15 years .
There are several types of refrigerators and cabinets that are commonly used in supermarkets . Here are some of the most common types and their uses :
• Curved glass fridges : These fridges come in a variety of sizes and shapes and are particularly well-suited for storing deli meats . They give customers a full and unimpeded top and front view of products through the curved panels .
• Upright glass fridges : These fridges have sliding or static square glass fronts and can often be used as alternatives to curved glass ones . They serve extremely well at deli counters or butcheries .
• Baine Marie : This is a serve-over counter-type fridge , a variation on curved glass refrigerators . These are ideal for deli counters and the service of prepared foods . They feature stainless steel containers with lids , over a section filled with water . The water is held at a constant temperature to keep the foods warm or cold – whichever is applicable .
• Wall chillers : These are upright fridges that are designed to be placed against a wall . They are ideal for storing drinks and other items that need to be kept cool .
• Island fridges : These are large , open fridges that are designed to be placed in the middle of a supermarket floor . They are ideal for storing large quantities of items that need to be kept cool , such as fruits and vegetables .
• Low boys : These are low-height fridges that are designed to be placed under counters . They are ideal for storing items that need to be kept cool , such as drinks and dairy products .
The refrigeration and cooling equipment industry faces challenges in terms of energy efficiency and the use of natural refrigerants . However , there are opportunities to improve the efficiency of the equipment and to use new technologies such as magnetic bearings , graphene and aerogels .
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROPER SUPERMARKET REFRIGERATOR MAINTENANCE
Breakdowns to commercial refrigeration can be extremely costly to a supermarket . For this reason , it is vital that fridges be
maintained carefully and consistently . Just Refrigeration shares its essential recommendations for good commercial refrigerator maintenance .
• Deep clean your fridges inside and outside : Your fridges will need a deep clean every few months . Remove all items from the interior and move them to another unit . Scrub the shelves and interior walls with a soft brush and a warm soap or vinegar solution . Remove the shelves and soak them before scrubbing them individually . Be sure to clean up any spills or stains . Wipe down the exterior of the fridges and remove any dirt that may have collected on the door seals .
• Clean the condenser coils : Every three months , you should clean your condenser unit . Dirt or dust that may collect on the unit can make it difficult for the fridge to maintain a consistent temperature . First , disconnect the power and use a stiff-bristled brush to clean away dust . You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt .
• Clean the evaporator coil : Keep the evaporator coil clean as well . It can be cleaned in much the same way as the condenser coils .
• Clean tubes and drain pans : These should be cleaned every month . Clean the pan using a vinegar solution or warm soap water and keep a careful lookout for any blockages in the tubes .
• Clean the door seals : They seem like such an insignificant component , but door seals are actually more important than you realise . They can be cleaned monthly , or even more frequently if the fridge is positioned in a kitchen where grease is regularly used .
SUPERMARKET EQUIPMENT SECTOR ADAPTS TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLINESS
South African companies are at the forefront of innovation for rugged conditions , developing solutions tailored to local market needs and attracting swelling global interest , says Mark Howitt , sales director : HC Group .
There is a heavy reliance on local manufacturers for equipment and components in South Africa . While CO 2 technology has gained traction domestically , challenges have persisted in ensuring consistent supply and accessibility of parts .
HC Group itself is at the forefront of pioneering initiatives to meet growing demand for eco-friendly refrigeration solutions in the supermarket sector . By leveraging new technology , HC Group aims to set new standards for energy efficiency and environmental stewardship .
“ Though market trends in refrigeration equipment have seen minimal changes over the past decade , HC Group subsidiary RRC ( Refrigerated Retail Cabinets ) differentiates
Cold Link Africa Cold Link Africa itself through adherence to European standards and robust design tailored for the African market . Unlike European suppliers whose products may prioritise aesthetics over durability , we rather prioritise functionality and resilience to withstand the rigours of African conditions . Additionally , our efficient assembly process and extensive stock availability contribute to shorter lead times , providing customers with swift and reliable service , enabling the group to facilitate tailoring their refrigeration solutions to specific needs and preferences ,” he adds .
RRC adopts a collaborative approach to manufacturing , sourcing standard cabinet components from Europe and customising them to suit African requirements . “ By modifying the design to enhance durability and incorporating metal components in place of plastic , we can ensure that our refrigeration units are built to withstand the challenges of African transportation and usage .”
The context for HC Group ’ s innovation drive is a supermarket refrigeration equipment sector that faces increasing
1
2 pressure to prioritise energy efficiency and environmentally friendly refrigeration and cooling equipment .
Another trend Howitt points to is the widespread transition from simplex refrigeration systems to more efficient multiplex systems . While this shift has been ongoing for years , it remains the central strategy for enhancing energy efficiency in supermarket operations . However , challenges persist in outlying areas , where technical expertise and availability of components may limit the adoption of advanced systems .
There is a heavy reliance on local manufacturers for equipment and components in South Africa . While CO 2 technology has gained traction domestically , challenges persist in ensuring consistent supply and accessibility of parts .
“ Efforts to enhance energy efficiency extend beyond refrigeration systems to include innovations such as cabinet doors . The widespread adoption of glass or acrylic doors in supermarkets reflects a collective commitment to reducing energy
1 and 2 : Closed doors on supermarket display cabinets alone can lead to energy savings of up to 55 %.
COLD LINK AFRICA • March / April 2024 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za 13