FEATURE
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
the system will be. This, combined with
performance is how everything is
Retrofits of any kind on the other
optimisation of the refrigeration system
packaged together. If you look
hand, pose the challenge of
cycle, where your aim is to maintain
at one of the new generation
refrigeration system sizing and
a required temperature with as little
refrigeration solutions available
being over-specified when making
strain on the system as possible – your
today, the advanced technology
changes such as adding doors. With
system constantly going on and off,
ensures management in the most
this option the client will receive only
or taking a long time to cycle means
efficient way possible at that point in
the direct benefit of some energy
you are putting too much strain on
time, but ultimate efficiency will only
savings, but at the same time the
the system. The spec related to the
work well if your cabinet to start with
reality of an overpowered system. To
requirement needs to be correct –
is itself a very effective product. Our
benefit fully on energy consumption,
you wouldn’t put a 1.1 litre engine
new-generation cabinets have been
the refrigeration would need to be
into a truck. In refrigeration terms this
re-designed to specifically work with
adjusted to get the best possible
will ultimately result in your electricity
doors, because another element
control and efficiency. Technical
costs being higher even though the
that would need consideration
evaluations and recommendations
installation of the ‘engine’ was much
is that with or without doors, you
in this regard are available from
less. You would also dramatically
would need to accommodate
reputable companies.
reduce the lifespan and reliability of
different airflow designs to ensure
“As related products also develop,
your system due to the excess strain
you have the best possible efficiency
this opens further energy savings
put on it.”
in this regard. It’s all about the
through, for example, lighting. New
Components are always a tricky
combination of all elements, not just
LED technology has developed to
aspect to negotiate. The use of digital
one aspect, because components
such an extent that lighting consumes
controls may mean better efficiency
don’t work in isolation and your
extremely little energy. Similarly,
but also carry a higher costs. It’s a
design then needs to cater to any
older defrost functions are no longer
difficult balance for companies to
new variables,” says Faustmann.
necessary as advanced controls come
cater to the needs of the market while
Requirements with new stores
into play which further reduce the
still remaining market related. For the
and retrofits are also significantly
energy footprint,” adds Faustmann.
bottom line it does not make sense to
pair expensive components when a
market is demanding a cheaper unit.
different. With the design brief on
new installations, you are able to
take new designs, technology and
CURRENT AND FUTURE TRENDS
“We are finding that more and more
It also does not make sense to use
trends into consideration and factor
clients are renewing their jumbos (the
the most efficient design with the best
digital management with a poor-
these into the setup and subsequent
energy footprint. This offers customers
old traditional islands) and installing
self-contained or ‘plug and play’ units.
Staycold
quality compressor, and so on.
“One thing to remember when
you consider a system’s overall
not only a reduction in initial capital
outlay but also the benefit on lower
operational costs.
Again there are advantages and
disadvantages. With a jumbo, you can
accommodate 15 people shopping at
New products are developed based on needs from the
market for a low footprint, such as check-out aisles
in supermarkets.
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www.coldlinkafrica.co.za COLD LINK AFRICA • September 2020