Energy Efficient Buildings | Refrigeration

With an infrastructure that includes a refrigeration system, the traditional approach to the design of mechanical systems does not help to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

CanmetENERGY recommends an integrated approach to the energy analysis of buildings where refrigeration is a major source of energy consumption. The CoolSolution^® approach combines advanced practices and technologies in the design and operation of refrigeration systems that provide efficient building operation while preserving the quality of the environment and is based on three elements:

Heat recovery

The practices and technologies are designed to recover heat rejected by refrigeration systems to heat occupied spaces, ventilation air (integration of refrigeration systems with heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings) and domestic water. This practice is quite different from the traditional approach, which consists in using different equipment to meet both heating and cooling requirements. In many cases, by recovering the heat rejected by refrigeration systems, it is possible to meet practically all space and water heating requirements. This approach requires engineers responsible for HVAC systems in buildings to work closely with refrigeration contractors.

For more information on the application of this element of CoolSolution^®, watch the videos on heat recovery in arenas.

More energy-efficient systems

The practices and technologies are designed to optimize the operation of refrigeration equipment. Strange as it may seem, the majority of refrigeration systems do not take advantage of the local cold weather to reduce their energy consumption. In using ambient air to satisfy refrigeration requirements (principle of free cooling) or in operating at the lowest condensing pressure possible (result of floating head pressure strategy), significant reductions in the energy consumption of refrigeration systems could occur. When, due to local weather, the refrigeration equipment can not benefit from these energy efficiency strategies, mechanical subcooling becomes an interesting alternative.

For more information on the application of this element of CoolSolution^®, watch the videos on better performance refrigeration systems.

Reducing synthetic refrigerant

The practices and technologies are designed to distribute cold and heat in buildings through secondary loops, using a heat transfer fluid that is not harmful to the environment rather than synthetic refrigerants that are powerful greenhouse gases (1,500 to 4,000 times more harmful than carbon dioxide). This helps to confine synthetic refrigerants to the mechanical room and minimize leaks into the atmosphere. Wherever possible, natural refrigerants, such as ammonia and carbon dioxide (CO₂), should be used in refrigeration systems.
For more information on the application of this element of CoolSolution^®, watch the videos on how to reduce synthetic refrigerant charge in arenas.