#Energy Efficiency #United Kingdom #Glasgow #Star Refrigeration #Dr Dermot Cotter

Introduction

The energy efficiency of industrial refrigeration systems is a pressing concern for many sectors, especially in food, drink, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Dr. Dermot Cotter, Managing Director of Star Technical Solutions, is set to present significant findings on this subject during the IOR TechTalk webinar, shedding light on potential improvements and sustainable practices relevant to these sectors. This research is part of a broader effort to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy usage in industrial applications.

Overview of the Research

The research paper titled "Energy Usage in the Industrial Sector: Food, Drink, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Refrigeration," co-authored with Dr. Catarina Marques from London South Bank University, is informed by extensive surveys conducted at twenty industrial sites. Funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), this study forms part of the Transport Industrial and Commercial Refrigeration (TICR) project, which primarily aims at identifying and mitigating carbon emissions associated with refrigeration technologies.

Key Findings

From the comprehensive analysis, the study highlights significant opportunities for improved energy efficiency and reduced emissions from refrigeration systems. Dr. Cotter emphasizes two primary strategies:

1. Enhanced System Design Specifications: By emphasizing energy-efficient designs right from the conceptual phase, industries can drastically lower energy consumption.

2. Proactive Maintenance Strategies: Moving away from traditional maintenance practices that merely focus on system uptime, industries should adopt maintenance approaches that prioritize energy optimization.

The research draws attention to the roles of the Chemical and Pharmaceuticals sectors, which collectively account for 10.9% of the UK's manufacturing turnover, alongside the food and drink manufacturing sector, which contributes 17%. With more than 60% of food relying on cold chain processes, the implications of this research are substantial.

Technological Considerations

Among technical insights, the study reports that while refrigeration technologies like compressors, condensers, and controls remain consistent across various industries, specific applications often dictate the types of evaporators employed. These can range from votators to fin tube heat exchangers. Notably, the choice of refrigerants, including Ammonia (R717) and Carbon Dioxide (R744), also influences carbon emissions, pointing to crucial areas for sustainable improvement.

Maintenance Practices

The research points out that many sites have untapped potential for energy savings, mostly through better maintenance and optimization of systems. For example, significant energy consumption increases were noted in air-cooled condensers due to fouling, emphasizing the need for routine maintenance practices. Dr. Cotter also revealed that even minimal adjustments—such as adjusting evaporating temperatures from -38°C to -35°C—could enhance compressor efficiency by up to 11.6%.

The Role of Data in Optimization

Despite the evident benefits of data-driven maintenance strategies, the research found that only five out of the surveyed sites employed sub-metering for their refrigeration systems. Among these, only one site utilized this data proactively for performance monitoring. This indicates a broader trend in the industry where the potential of data remains largely underutilized, presenting an avenue for future improvement.

Conclusion

The TICR project is pivotal in presenting analyses and benchmarks that facilitate the refrigeration sector's transition toward better energy management. The complete findings from this extensive study will be made public in March 2025, accompanied by detailed recommendations for the manufacturing sector. As industries continue to grapple with energy consumption and environmental impact, insights from Dr. Cotter's presentation will undoubtedly assist in shaping more sustainable practices within the industrial refrigeration landscape.

For further information about the IOR TechTalk, including registration and access to the research paper, interested parties can visit the TechTalk website.