Testing and monitoring of an energy-efficient indirect evaporative (dew-point) CO2 (DP-CO2) refrigeration system at a Coles supermarket in Adelaide
Chief Investigators
Purpose of project
Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) is a significant contributor to electricity consumption and peak electricity demand, often consuming up to 70% of customers’ electricity usage and about 24% of Australia’s electricity production. This project aims to develop energy efficient solutions for refrigeration to address high electricity consumption and peak electricity demand, together with the resulting high greenhouse gas emissions.
The team will model and validate the performance of a new-generation, energy-efficient indirect evaporative (dew point) carbon dioxide refrigeration system (DP-CO2). The system was developed by Glaciem and has been installed in a Coles supermarket in Adelaide. Once the site is operational it will be monitored for one year to ensure that sufficient evidence is collected on the feasibility, reliability and viability of the technology in real-world conditions.
Impact of project
The project is expected to improve refrigeration system efficiency by 16% and reduce peak demand by 24%, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ongoing operational costs for the host site.
If these results are achieved, Coles and other HVAC-R owners may be encouraged to adopt this new generation DP-CO2 refrigeration system, thereby reducing electricity consumption, peak electricity demand and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with cold chains. A2EP will assist in raising awareness and knowledge of the benefits the system can provide for consumers and the cold chain.
Project partners – industry and research
University of South Australia (Lead), Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity (A2EP), Glaciem Cooling Technologies, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Seeley International
Industry Reference Group members
Alfa Laval, Americold, Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air conditioning and Heating (AIRAH), Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC), Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Dairy Australia, Health Infrastructure NSW, Mater Health Services, Refrigerated Warehouse & Transport Association of Australia Ltd