One of the largest fruit producers in south-east England has just completed the final phase of a multi-year project to increase its cold storage capacity. With carbon emissions reduction a top priority and an eye on developments in UK regulations on fluorinated greenhouse gases, the producer sought to replace R-134a (GWP 14301) with a low-GWP refrigerant in 12 new controlled atmosphere cold rooms, bringing the total to 30.
Selecting a sustainable refrigerant
Castle Commercial Refrigeration, a specialist in commercial refrigeration systems, was tasked with finding a suitable alternative. After evaluating the various options with Climalife, Castle recommended R-513A (GWP 631/6291) for its lower GWP and similar energy efficiency.
Advantages of R-513A
- Low GWP: 56% reduction compared to R-134a
- Excellent capacity and energy efficiency equivalent to that of R-134a.
- Performance similar to R-134a in retrofit and new installations.
- Zero slip (azeotropic).
- Non-flammable, classified as A12
Director Shaun Jupp explains: “We have been working together for many years and have a close relationship. The Climalife team provides us with
valuable advice on legislative changes and products, including how to use them.”
Equipment and implementation
Castle collaborated with a leading manufacturer of refrigeration equipment to select Bitzer compressors approved for R-513A.
Centauro units, new evaporators and condensers were installed for these new cold rooms. Despite tight deadlines, the team managed to commission the refrigeration systems while the rooms were partially filled with fruit, thereby minimising disruption.
The implementation of 160 kg of R-513A went smoothly, without requiring any major changes from previous practices with R-134a. The new units are delivering the expected performance and energy efficiency.
System design and technical support
The system design includes Bitzer semi-hermetic compressors adapted to the properties of R-513A, LU-VE air condensers sized for UK ambient conditions, and Danfoss electronic controllers and valves for precise superheat and pressure control. Dixell controllers and the XWEB remote monitoring system enable real-time performance monitoring and remote defrost control. Climalife UK provided technical support throughout the project, including refrigerant charge calculation and compliance with the EN 378 safety standard.
A Dixell XWEB remote monitoring system is installed in all storage rooms, enabling real-time monitoring of compressor performance, superheating and subcooling. Remote defrost control and cameras installed behind the evaporators enable proactive maintenance, even in cold rooms with limited access.
Results and outlook
Since its commissioning in January 2023, the system has provided reliable temperature control, reduced emissions and lowered operating costs. The producer is currently evaluating the possibility of upgrading its old R-134a chambers to meet supermarkets’ sustainability expectations.
1In accordance with Assessment Report 4 (AR4) and European F-Gas III regulations.
2ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) and ISO 817.