In 2023, Keelings Flowers, a division of the Keelings Group, opened a state-of-the-art €20 million ($22.7 million) 8,500m² (91,500ft²) flower processing facility in St. Margaret’s, Dublin. Designed with sustainability and growth in mind, the facility supports the Keelings Flowers’ goal of doubling operations by 2030.
Central to this effort is a refrigeration system featuring a propane (R290)-based chiller and heat pump supplied by Lithuanian HVAC&R manufacturer Refra.
Since its founding in 1995, Keelings Flowers has grown into one of Ireland’s leading floral producers, supplying around 5 million bouquets annually. To accommodate a wide variety of floral products, the facility was designed for maximum flexibility, offering adjustable temperature zones ranging from 2 to 22°C (35.6 to 71.6°F) and adaptable space configurations. This allows Keelings Flowers to meet seasonal and product-specific demands efficiently throughout the year.
To read more about why Keelings Flowers opted for natural refrigerants, check out part one of this story.
Staying flexible
The 380kW (108TR)-capacity Galaxy R290 chiller handles the majority of the facility’s thermal needs throughout the year, thanks to built-in heat recovery. During periods of higher heating demand, it is supported by the 120kW (34TR)-capacity reversible Ignis R290 heat pump, which can also provide an additional 102kW (29TR) of cooling capacity. The heat pump typically runs steadily for only about two weeks each year, according to the system’s designers.
A buffer tank smooths out thermal fluctuations by storing energy and releasing it during peak demand periods. The system is designed to operate in external temperatures from −5°C to 32°C (23°F to 89.6°F), with the ability to deliver internal temperatures ranging from 2 to 30°C (35.6 to 86°F).
“A combination of future-proof refrigerants, high-efficiency cooling components and heat recovery enhances operational sustainability, minimizing both energy consumption and environmental impacts,” explained Paul Beattie, Associate Director at MBA Consulting Engineers.
The chiller and heat pump were installed on the roof, safely away from indoor operations and personnel. The total refrigerant charge is less than 13kg, and both units include integrated leak detection systems and extraction fans.
Inside the facility, heating and cooling are delivered via an ethylene glycol mixture through a four-pipe system. This approach ensures the refrigerant remains outside the building envelope, further minimizing risk.
Since commissioning, the system has performed reliably. The only technical issues reported have been minor glycol leaks at valve stations, which were quickly resolved by upgrading mechanical fittings.
Industry recognition
Founded in 1994, Refra specializes in customized HVAC&R systems that use natural refrigerants. In recognition of its leadership in sustainable refrigeration, Refra was first approved for ATMOsphere’s Natural Refrigerants Label in 2024 and then reapproved in 2025.
The certification recognizes top-tier manufacturers and contractors who excel in delivering natural refrigerant systems and components. The label program is managed by ATMOsphere, publisher of NaturalRefrigerants.com. Refra is also a founding member of the Coalition for PFAS Free Cooling & Heating, a global initiative working to eliminate harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from HVAC&R systems.
“We have been on a mission to make a positive impact in the refrigeration industry since 2011, when Refra started producing refrigeration equipment with natural refrigerants,” explained Aleksej Pavšukov, CEO of Refra. “Since then, we have always followed the same path, which is why today we can offer some of the most innovative propane chillers and heat pumps on the market.”
Those innovative products have earned the project industry recognition, with Anglo Irish Refrigeration winning the 2024 Heat Pump System of the Year award from the Institute of Refrigeration Ireland. Keelings also received a nomination in the Energy Efficiency Initiative category of the 2025 Business & Finance ESG Awards.
Read part one of this story here. Another version of this article can be found here.
“A combination of future-proof refrigerants, high-efficiency cooling components and heat recovery enhances operational sustainability, minimizing both energy consumption and environmental impacts.”
Paul Beattie, Associate Director at MBA Consulting Engineers
System specs
Propane-based chiller and heat pump system for process cooling at Keelings Flowers’ flower processing facility in Dublin.
Manufacturer: Refra
Model: Galaxy R290 chiller and Ignis R290 heat pump
Heat source: Air-source and heat recovery (refrigeration)
Total cooling capacity: 482kW (137TR)
Total heating capacity: 120kW (34TR)
R290 charge: 13kg
Minimum supply temperature: −5°C (23°F)
Maximum supply temperature: 30°C (86°F)
Glycol distribution loop
RDM controls
Danfoss expansion valves
