These demands were required to enable the client to achieve the maximum amount of BREEAM points and to utilise the natural primary and secondary refrigerants both being zero GWP (Global Warming Potential).

As opposed to other refrigeration systems available, the client specified an installation whereby the fluids were to operate at safe low fluid pressures no greater than 1.5bar and to be biodegradable.

The total complex - embracing a cuttlefish store, chill cold stores, grading zones, Beam Trawler Market and Day Boat Market - covers an area of 2,000m² and operates at a range of air temperatures from 1.5ºC up to 10ºC.

SRS Frigadon presented an engineering design based on its unique passive cooling coils, eliminating the need for energy sapping and high maintenance fans associated with conventional heat exchangers. The 55 x SRS passive cooling heat exchanger coils form part of an efficient system without the use of synthetic HFC gases.

Solution

The deployment of a 230kW SRS Frigadon FWC hydrocarbon natural refrigerant chiller with only 18kg of R1270; (4.5kg each circuit) and the Hycool® potassium formate heat transfer fluid fore filled the environmental standards demanded.

Hycool® is food safe, biodegradable and non-toxic which, coupled to its low viscosity, makes it an extremely dynamic heat transfer fluid compared with propylene glycol. Hycool® fluid has a maximum low freezing point of -50ºC.

With the close TD across the coils and the flow temperature being -4º/0ºC, the entire system was being defrosted only once a day by means of OCD (Off Cycle Defrost) maintaining fluid flow whilst inhibiting compressor operation.

In addition to the use of energy efficient EC chiller condenser fans, the Grundfos inverter pumps maximise energy efficiency by virtue of the fact that the pumps will only operate according to the system demands.

Pre-tested

External weather-proofed, pre-assembled, packaged, air-cooled SRS Frigadon chillers are all pre-tested at the Frigadon factory in Sweden before delivery to minimise the installation programme, eliminate wasted time de-bugging and reduce actual on-site commissioning time.

SRS Frigadon chillers are designed and engineered to meet the most stringent requirements and are manufactured complete with compressors, heat exchangers, inverter pumps, condensers with speed controlled fans, all hydronics, and hydrophobic condenser protection etc.

The unique Frigadon electrical control panels are designed and engineered to meet the strict safety demands for such HC refrigerant gases.

Hydrocarbon natural refrigerant R1270/R290

With the high global warming potential associated with traditional refrigerants such as R404a (3863kg/CO2 equivalent), the case for hydrocarbon natural refrigerant R1270 (3kg/CO2 equivalent) has become clear.

With the enhanced COP (Co-efficient of Performance) associated with R1270, SRS Frigadon chillers provide an increased performance and ensure minimal energy consumption.

Benefits

SRS Frigadon says that there were a number of benefits associated with the Brixham Fish Marekt SRS installation:

Utilising passive cooling coils minimises dehydration and ensures that fish quality is maintained and the iridescence of the fish scales is preserved. With the absence of fans, SRS passive cooling coils mean there is no draught and no dust, so the quality and appearance of the fresh fish is not compromised.

In high humidity whilst being stored in a chilled environment, the natural aroma of the fish is maintained and is therefore suitable for fish processing installations, preparation areas and holding cold stores.

The company claims that the sales of fish and the subsequent profit percentage will increase because of minimal shrinkage and weight loss.

SRS gravity cold room coolers without fans and without noise are energy efficient, maintenance free and reduce the demand for ice.