INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
FEATURE
environmental sustainability are still evolving . While international agreements like the Kigali Amendment signal a global commitment to phasing out harmful refrigerants , implementation and enforcement vary across regions . While South Africa is a signatory , Howitt notes the absence of stringent local regulations compared to Europe , where compliance is more rigorously enforced . Despite efforts to raise awareness through workshops and conferences , regulatory deadlines remain ambiguous , reflecting a slower pace of change in the African market .
“ However , the long-term benefits of natural refrigerants like CO 2
, including lower maintenance costs and reduced environmental impact , make them increasingly attractive despite the initial capital investment .”
He highlights the importance of considering lifecycle costs over upfront investments , particularly for large retailing groups . “ While upfront capital expenditure may be higher for eco-friendly refrigeration solutions , the lower maintenance costs and enhanced sustainability align with the companies ' environmental commitments and long-term objectives . Moreover , the push towards carbon neutrality and sustainability goals further incentivises investment in green technologies , driving demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly refrigeration systems .”
Beyond regulatory compliance and cost considerations , there is a broader cultural shift towards quality control and food preservation . “ By maintaining consistent temperatures throughout the supply chain — from manufacturing to distribution to retail — companies can enhance food quality and reduce waste . This holistic approach underscores the importance of temperature control as a critical factor in ensuring product integrity and consumer satisfaction .”
Cold Link Africa
While regulatory challenges and market dynamics present obstacles to widespread adoption of eco-friendly refrigeration solutions , there ' s a clear momentum towards sustainability and environmental responsibility . By addressing regulatory uncertainties , promoting technological innovation , and aligning incentives with longterm sustainability goals , the refrigeration industry can pave the way for a greener , more efficient future .
CO 2
INSTALLATIONS SET TO REVOLUTIONISE SUPERMARKET REFRIGERATION
The world is looking closely at CO 2 systems in South Africa because it had not been thought that CO 2 systems were suited to hot climates – yet they perform well in hot South Africa when designed in more robust forms .
Richard Drinkrow , MD of Mainstream Refrigeration , says CO 2 installations have rapidly gained popularity among supermarkets in recent years . " For at least the past 15 years ," he explains , " supermarkets have been on a journey to save energy , convert to non-greenhouse gases , and move away from ozone-depleting freons ." This journey , rooted in both environmental responsibility and business pragmatism , has yielded substantial energy savings for supermarkets over time .
One of the pivotal moments in the evolution of CO 2 installations was the advent of advanced technologies designed to enhance energy efficiency . Drinkrow recounts a groundbreaking project initiated some years ago , which aimed to test the efficacy of various energy-saving technologies in refrigeration systems .
“ We implemented electronic expansion valves , high-speed EC fans , variable speed drives on compressors , and other innovative solutions , the team achieving significant energy savings of over 45 %. This success laid the benchmark for subsequent endeavours focused on further reducing energy consumption in refrigeration systems ,” he says .
Industry focus then shifted to alternatives to traditional refrigerants with high global warming potential , such as R404a . Two main options emerged : CO 2 and hydrocarbons . Drinkrow emphasises the superiority of CO 2 due to its minimal environmental impact and non-flammable properties .
" While hydrocarbons pose lower pressure risks ," he noted , " the safety and environmental benefits of CO 2 make it the preferred choice for most supermarkets ." This shift towards CO 2 installations has proven highly successful , with energy savings exceeding expectations .
Today , approximately 95 % of the new refrigeration systems installed in projects Mainstream Refrigeration is involved in utilise
CO 2 technology , underscoring the industry ' s commitment to sustainability and their efficacy in achieving both environmental and economic goals .
“ Initially , one of the primary challenges encountered with CO 2 installations was the scarcity of equipment capable of handling the high pressures associated with this refrigerant . However , the market has since evolved , with a plethora of products specifically designed for CO 2 refrigeration now readily available . Furthermore , in the beginning the premium paid for CO 2 plants could range from 30 to 35 %. However , as the market matured this margin has significantly decreased to around 5 to 10 %." This reduction in cost differential highlights the increasing affordability and viability of CO 2 installations for supermarkets . However , notwithstanding the clear advantages of CO 2 technology , Drinkrow says not all supermarket chains have embraced it uniformly , highlighted varying philosophies among companies regarding equipment investment and maintenance practices .
" Some supermarket groups prioritise longterm efficiency and reliability . They invest in high-quality equipment designed to operate efficiently for over 15 years before considering upgrades . In contrast , others adopt a more short-term approach , opting for cheaper systems with shorter lifespans ,” he adds . Driven by multinational retailer interest in
CO 2
, the technology is expanding beyond the borders of South Africa , as far as Dubai , with local manufacturers like Mainstream Refrigeration leveraging word-of-mouth referrals and inquiries to secure projects globally . “ Word of mouth plays a significant role . Potential clients seek information , leading to discussions and eventual collaborations . African nations like Namibia are spearheading initiatives to transition to eco-friendly refrigerants , presenting
While there is a convenience in open display cases , the energy-saving benefits of enclosed units is trumping convenience . opportunities for local manufacturers to export their expertise and products .
“ Beyond Africa , global interest in CO 2 technology extends to regions like the Middle East , where extreme temperatures and power challenges necessitate resilient refrigeration solutions .” Despite competition from international players , South African companies are poised to capitalise on their reputation for quality and reliability .”
As to why such systems are generating interest as far afield as Dubai , Drinkrow attributes the success of CO 2 installations in challenging environments , such as hot climates and regions prone to power outages , to their reliability and durability . “ This is due to the robustness of the software linked to them – while imitators can copy parts – the software is a differentiator that is stimulating interest in South African CO 2 systems . “ Surviving frequent power disruptions and adapting to extreme conditions demonstrate the robustness of our CO 2 technology in realworld scenarios ,” he adds .
Drinkrow reinforces the critical role of software controls in optimising CO 2 refrigeration systems . Drawing parallels with automotive advancements , he highlights how electronics and engine management systems have revolutionised energy efficiency in refrigeration . With precise control over variables such as fan speed , compressor operation and energy consumption , CO 2 systems are continually evolving to deliver greater efficiency and performance .
Addressing concerns about skills shortages , particularly in South Africa , Drinkrow emphasises the resilience and adaptability of modern refrigeration systems . Advanced controls and remote monitoring capabilities empower technicians to troubleshoot and maintain CO 2 plants effectively , even with limited on-site resources .
“ A commitment to research and development underpins the industry ' s quest for continuous improvement . Companies are constantly exploring new technologies and methodologies to enhance system efficiency and reliability . While not every endeavour yields success , the willingness to experiment and innovate ensures that CO 2 refrigeration remains at the forefront of sustainable cooling solutions .”
While CO 2 systems offer numerous advantages , integrating them with existing infrastructure can pose challenges . Drinkrow cautions against using components designed for conventional refrigerants , as the higher pressures of CO 2 systems require specialised equipment . Safety remains paramount , with precautions necessary to prevent pressurerelated incidents and ensure proper system functionality .
“ By preventing temperature fluctuations and minimising energy loss , refrigeration units with doors offer substantial efficiency gains , with potential energy savings ranging from 40 % to 50 %.”
COLD LINK AFRICA • March / April 2024 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za 15