Share article Refra Launches Standard Transcritical CO2 Rack for Small-Format Stores Author: Christina Hayes CO2 refrigeration system. © Ilona Brant Pavšukova Refra has launched a standard transcritical CO2 (R744) refrigeration system for small supermarkets and convenience stores with a cooling demand of up to 53kW (15.1TR). The CO2 Light was first created in 2021 but has since undergone further testing and development to become a standard product with guaranteed performance parameters, according to the manufacturer. “The CO2 Light product is aimed at small shops and was developed specifically for one of our customers who needed a refrigeration unit to serve a small-format store. The main requirements were compactness and price. For these reasons, we created a vertical frame and produced a unit with adequate power parameters at an affordable price. To date, Refra has sold more than 50 of its CO2 Light racks.”– says Ilona Brant Pavšukova, Marketing manager at Refra. Marketing manager at Refra Ilona Brant Pavšukova. © Refra Refra also released a standard CO2 light product line so that customers can choose the right parameters faster and easier, the rack comes in five basic models, ranging from 14kW (4TR) to 53kW at an ambient temperature of 35°C (95°F) and an evaporating temperature of -10°C (14°F) for medium temperature (MT) and -30°C (-22°F) for low temperature (LT). Refra’s CO2 transcritical rack for MT includes two compressors, while its transcritical CO2 booster system features two MT compressors and one LT compressor. The compressors are housed on an in-house made welded and powder-coated frame with reliable insulation material to ensure proper unit protection and noise reduction. Standard units can then be customized with additional features, including a heat recovery module, specialty controllers and a gas cooler. Customers can also choose between an open or close frame for the CO2 Light rack. Custom made refrigeration system at Refra factory. © Ilona Brant Pavšukova The open type frame construction is designed to house the system indoors. It is a conveniently assembled refrigeration unit that can be easily brought in and installed inside the premises. If there is no room for the refrigeration system indoors, the CO2 Light model can be made with a special protective frame, which allows you to install the equipment outdoors and connect it to the premises. Doors on both the front and side of the closed unit allow for easy servicing. Click her to see the video of the rack. CO2 vs f-gases Compared to HFCs and HCFCs, CO2 refrigerant is a better choice for supermarkets for many reasons. R744 has excellent thermodynamic properties that make it highly energy efficient, which means it requires less energy to achieve the same cooling effect and can lead to lower energy consumption and operating costs in some CO2 systems. R744 aligns with the goals of international agreements like the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which aims to reduce the use of HFCs. CO2-based refrigeration systems can also recover waste heat for space heating or generating hot water, which can enhance overall system efficiency even further. As a refrigerant, CO2 is low-GWP (one) and non-toxic, removing any concerns around environmental regulation. CO2 light refrigeration system. © Ilona Brant Pavšukova Natural Refrigeration expertise Refra has been manufacturing CO2-based systems since 2011 and has tripled its production area for these systems over the last few years. In addition to R744, Refra also produces propane (R290)-based HVAC&R equipment like chillers and heat pumps, which currently make up the largest portion of its production. Refra one of the very first companies who predicted the rise of propane and started producing them very early on. CO2 light refrigeration system. © Ilona Brant Pavšukova
