Reliable cold‑chain performance for fresh fruit and vegetables
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FACTS
End user: Aartsen, Belgium
Contractor: Climagroup
Segment: Cold storage
Background: New 10,000 m2 international distribution center
Products: SteelXL parallel MT-only 7+2x0
Specifications:
- Heat recovery with a false-load chiller
- Ultra-Low Superheat
- Parallel compressors
- Permanent magnet motors on all compressors
- Multiple suction groups
Challenges
Aartsen’s previous facility had reached its spatial and operational limits, restricting both assortment growth and energy optimisation.
The new location needed to support a broader product range while ensuring stable temperature zones, reliable refrigeration and significantly improved energy performance – crucial for fresh produce quality and cold‑chain continuity.
At the same time, sustainability was a core requirement for the new site.
Solution
The new building was designed and equipped to operate with high energy efficiency and low environmental impact, integrating modern cooling and heating principles aligned with cold‑chain logistics requirements:
- Using multiple suction groups makes each suction group operate at a pressure matched to its temperature load, so no load runs colder than necessary. This ensures better part-load regulation, lower energy costs and stable and precise temperature control per application. Medium temperature (MT1):
- 320 kW at -7 °C
- 273 kW at -2 °C.
- Heat recovery with a false-load chiller module, connected to a ground water source
- Energy‑efficient system with Ultra-Low Superheat with liquid ejectors on each MT suction group, parallel compressors, and permanent magnet motors on all compressors, reducing overall energy demand while maintaining performance
- On‑site renewable energy integration, including solar panels and a large battery system, supporting the ambition to operate in an energy‑neutral manner
- EU F‑gas compliant using natural refrigerants
- Commissioning support on site for maximum energy efficiency
Results
- Consistent cold‑chain performance, supporting a wider and more diverse fresh product assortment
- Lower energy consumption, contributing directly to reduced operational footprint
- Improved operational reliability, ensuring uninterrupted cooling and climate conditions during daily operations
- Enhanced sustainability profile, aligned with Aartsen’s long‑term growth and environmental ambitions