Chillventa 2024: Epta Debuts Compact CO₂ Rack for Small Grocery and Convenience Stores

Italian OEM Epta has launched a new transcritical CO₂ (R744) refrigeration rack, the ECO₂Compacta, for small supermarkets or convenience stores, filling a space between its ECO₂Mini condensing unit and its larger CO₂ rack systems, ECO₂Small+, ECO₂Middle and ECO₂Large.

 Epta announced the release of the ECO₂Compacta at Chillventa in Nuremberg, Germany, held October 8–10.

The ECO₂Compacta offers capacities ranging from 15 to 45kW (4.3 to 12.8TR) for medium-temperature applications and up to 9kW (2.6TR) for low temperatures. The unit is designed for both indoor and outdoor installations; its design allows access from one side only to facilitate installation and maintenance in confined spaces, said Epta.

The company’s product line offers capacities ranging from 1 to 1,000kW (0.28 to 284.3TR).

Though the target market for the ECO₂Compacta is Europe, “we work together with [U.S. subsidiary] Kysor Warren to find out if we can modify the unit for the U.S.,” said David Wirth, Epta’s Product Manager for Packs, Systems and Coldrooms.

Epta also announced the release of a new back-up unit for CO₂ racks that can be used for all models but the ECO₂Compacta; it will be available in January 2025. The unit is designed to maintain a CO₂ system in the event of a power failure and to facilitate maintenance. Previous back-up units have used HFCs, noted Wirth.

“We work together with [U.S. subsidiary] Kysor Warren to find out if we can modify the unit for the U.S.”

David Wirth, Epta