SCM Frigo Installs 6MW Transcritical CO₂ System in Ecuadorian Shrimp Processing Facility

Italian manufacturer SCM Frigo has installed a 6MW (1,700TR) transcritical CO₂ (R744) refrigeration system in an Ecuadorian shrimp processing facility, which it said demonstrates the technology’s scalability and efficiency.

“In the industrial refrigeration landscape, CO₂ transcritical systems are proving to be both a high-efficiency and sustainable alternative to traditional refrigerants,” SCM Frigo said. “The scale and complexity of this installation highlight the growing shift toward environmentally responsible and high-performance refrigeration solutions.”

System capacities: According to SCM Frigo, the design ensures energy optimization and high thermal stability, using 46 medium-temperature (MT) transcritical compressors and 33 low-temperature (LT) compressors.

• The system provides numerous refrigeration and freezing capacities, including 1.6MW (460TR) of ultra-low freezing at −45/−42°C (−49/−44°F), 1.5MW (430TR) of LT refrigeration at −32/−25°C (−26/−13°F), 460kW (130TR) of MT direct expansion at −5/−3°C (23/27°F), and 640kW (180TR) for a 1°C (34°F) glycol brine system.
• It also supplies facility HVAC heating and cooling, with a 1MW (284TR) cooling capacity for air-conditioning water at 1°C and a 1.3MW (370TR) heating capacity with outlet water at 55/65°C (131/149°F).
• The total gas cooler heat rejection is 8.3MW (2,400TR).

Integrated design: The system capitalizes on advanced refrigeration principles and efficient heat transfer, according to the manufacturer.

• The design reduces flash gas formation to increase cooling capacity without additional energy consumption with mechanical subcooling.
• Vapor ejectors reduce compressor workload by recovering lost energy in the pressure reduction from the gas cooler to the liquid line.
• Heat recovery from the refrigeration cycle preheats water and supports the hot gas defrost of the evaporators.

New CO₂ heat pump: SCM Frigo and Danish OEM Fenagy have partnered on the development of a range of CO₂ heat pumps for commercial and light-industrial applications, with capacities from 30 to 300kW (8.5 to 85TR).

• The range consists of 11 water-to-water and seven air-to-water models, providing water temperatures of up to 85°C (185°F).
• The two companies presented the new heat pump line in October at Chillventa 2024, indicating it would be available in early 2025.
• Both SCM Frigo and Fenagy have received the ATMO Approved Natural Refrigerants Label from ATMOsphere.

“CO₂ transcritical systems are proving to be both a high-efficiency and sustainable alternative to traditional refrigerants.”

SCM Frigo