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
