TECHNICAL
BMS software can integrate refrigerant monitoring as part of its functions . BMS continuously monitors various building systems , including refrigeration . It provides real-time data and can be configured to send alerts via email , SMS or in-app notifications when leaks are detected .
CONCLUSION
As supermarkets in South Africa navigate the complexities of environmental responsibility and compliance , investing in advanced refrigerant leak detection solutions is not just a choice but a necessity . By adopting ecofriendly refrigerants and leveraging cuttingedge detection technology , supermarkets can improve both environmental preservation and operational efficiency . Moreover , staying compliant with global regulations not only helps secure the future of our planet but also fosters a positive image for the supermarket industry as a whole . Embracing these changes today can pave the way for a sustainable tomorrow . CLA
Most supermarket companies have millions of pounds of refrigerant in their stores ’ refrigeration systems across the enterprise .
Active monitoring solutions for detecting refrigerant leaks in supermarkets involve continuous , automated systems .
gases , including refrigerants . Technicians can move these devices close to potential leak points , and the detector will alarm when it detects gas concentrations above a certain threshold , effectively locating the source of the leak . They are commonly used in commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems .
• Ultrasonic leak detectors : Ultrasonic leak detectors can also be used to detect the sound generated by a leak . They convert the ultrasonic sound waves into audible signals , helping technicians pinpoint the exact location of the leak . These detectors are beneficial in detecting leaks in compressed air systems and vacuum systems .
INTEGRATED IOT SOLUTIONS
Cloud-based monitoring solutions collect data from sensors and devices installed in the supermarket ' s refrigeration systems or external monitors and consolidate and visualise it for trend analysis across multiple locations . These solutions offer remote access , allowing authorised personnel to monitor the system ' s status from anywhere . Cloud platforms often come with analytics tools that provide insights into system performance and trends .
REFERENCES
1 . North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council ( NASRC ), “ The HFC Problem ”, https :// nasrc . org / the-hfc-problem
2 . Department of Mineral Resources and Energy ( DMRE ), Department of Forestry , Fisheries , and the Environment ( DFFE ), “ South Africa National Cooling Plan ( NCP )” https :// escholarship . org / uc / item / 41r8r3dg
3 . J . Evans , Y . Ge , S . A . Tasou and A . Hadawey , “ Energy Consumption and Conservation in Food Retailing ” https :// www . grimsby . ac . uk / documents / defra / retl-retailrefrigeration . pdf
4 . Food Industry Association ( FMI ), “ Food Industry Facts ”, https :// www . fmi . org / our-research / food-industryfacts
5 . “ Costs of a Refrigerant Leak ”, RACA Journal , April 7 , 2022 ( https :// refrigerationandaircon . co . za / costsof-a-refrigerant-leak /)
6 . EIA , “ Leaking Havoc : Exposing Your Supermarket ’ s Invisible Climate Pollution ”, ( https :// www . climatefriendlysupermarkets . org / leaking-havoc )
7 . Refrigerant Management Program , US Govt . Clean Air Act Section 608 - National Recycling & Emissions Reduction Program : 42 USC 7671g , ( https :// www . gpo . gov / fdsys / pkg / USCODE-2013-title42 / html / USCODE-2013-title42-chap85-subchapVI-sec7671g . htm )
8 . EPA , Recycling and Emissions Reduction : 40 CFR 82.150 – 82.169 , ( https :// www . ecfr . gov / current / title-40 / chapter-I / subchapter-C / part-82 / subpart-F )
9 . EPA , GreenChill , “ Keeping Cool For Fifteen Years 2007-2022 ”, ( https :// www . epa . gov / system / files / documents / 2022-09 / GreenChill-Keeping-Cool-for-15-Years-2022 _ 1 . pdf )
32 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za COLD LINK AFRICA • March / April 2024