CO₂ systems made easy
in Modern Refrigeration
Insights from the AHT Cooling Systems Webinar, February 2025
Refrigeration technology is constantly evolving and CO₂ refrigeration systems are becoming increasingly important in commercial cooling applications. As businesses look for sustainable refrigeration solutions, the demand for energy-efficient CO₂ cooling technology continues to grow. In AHT Cooling Systems’ February webinar, we explored key challenges in modern CO₂ refrigeration technology and presented effective solutions. Here is a summary of the most important insights:
Market Overview: CO₂ as a Natural Refrigerant on the Rise
CO₂ (R744) has established itself as a sustainable alternative to synthetic refrigerants. Due to the EU F-Gas Regulation, the transition to climate-friendly cooling solutions is accelerating. By 2023, approximately 68,500 food retail stores in the EU were operating with CO₂ refrigeration systems – an increase of 4.5% compared to 2022. This trend highlights the growing importance of environmentally friendly cooling technologies in supermarkets, convenience stores and food retail chains.
Challenges in
CO₂ Refrigeration
_Skilled Labor Shortage and Increasing System Complexity
The commercial refrigeration industry faces a dual challenge: increasingly complex CO₂ cooling systems require specialized HVAC-R technicians, who are, however, difficult to find. Modern refrigeration units operate under high pressure (transcritical CO₂ systems) and feature advanced digital control mechanisms, making maintenance and service more demanding. The ongoing shortage of refrigeration engineers in Europe further complicates the availability of qualified service technicians.
_Space and Noise Constraints
Many retail stores & supermarkets have limited space available, requiring compact refrigeration solutions. Additionally, CO₂ compressors can generate higher noise levels, which may cause issues, particularly in urban areas with strict noise control regulations.
_Maintenance-Intensive Components
Semi-hermetic CO₂ compressors pose a higher risk of refrigerant leakage and require frequent maintenance. Long piping distances and height differences between the compressor unit and refrigerated display cases or cold storage rooms can increase operational costs. Manual oil management also requires skilled personnel, leading to additional maintenance expenses.
Efficient Solutions
for CO₂ Refrigeration
_Standardization and Training
The implementation of factory-tested refrigeration systems and plug-and-play compact units simplifies both installation and servicing. Additionally, online training programs and remote maintenance technologies enhance the availability of skilled technicians and reduce downtime.
_Optimized Space Utilization and Noise Reduction
Compact CO₂ refrigeration units with integrated compressors and gas coolers significantly reduce space requirements. Flexible installation options enable optimized placement, ensuring lower noise emissions and improved operational efficiency.
_Advanced Components and Automation
The use of hermetic compressors minimizes maintenance efforts and reduces refrigerant leak risks. Smart refrigeration controllers ensure optimized energy efficiency, prevent unnecessary restarts and contribute to longer system lifespan. A fully automated oil management system eliminates manual maintenance, enhancing overall system reliability and reducing long-term operating costs.
CO₂ ZEAS -
The Future
of Commercial CO₂ Refrigeration
With CO₂ ZEAS, Daikin offers a standardized, factory-tested cooling solution that simplifies installation and maintenance. The system requires up to 40% less space than conventional rack refrigeration systems and includes built-in redundancy with three CO₂ compressors, ensuring high operational reliability and energy efficiency.
Additionally, AHT Cooling Systems provides a comprehensive CO₂ refrigeration portfolio, including:
- Compressor units
- Gas coolers
- Cold room refrigeration systems
- Remote CO₂ cooling and freezing units for supermarkets and food retail stores.
Why CO₂ Refrigeration is a big part of the Future of Sustainable Cooling
Modern CO₂ refrigeration technology offers numerous environmental and economic benefits, but also presents technical challenges. These can be effectively addressed through system standardization, automation and technician training. The CO₂ ZEAS system from Daikin is an efficient, space-saving and low-maintenance solution for the food retail sector and other commercial cooling applications.
Want to Learn More About CO₂ Refrigeration?
Contact us for more details on energy-efficient CO₂ cooling solutions and how they can benefit your business!