Select your language

Centralized or distributed systems

Myths and realities of this kind of systems implemented in commercial refrigeration in supermarkets and supermarkets. by Giovanni Barletta*

The refrigeration of supermarkets, and large supermarkets, also called "food cold", has always been the object of conceptualization on the ideal way of designing the architecture that involves the furniture, and the (or the) production centers of "cold". And all this happens, from different technologies, through many refrigerant options and a number of new and recent regulations.

From the traditional direct expansion systems, through the technologies of natural refrigerants, such as CO2, Ammonia, among others, and the recently called "loop loop" arrangements that use condensers of the water-cooled type, resembling more of a self-contained.

Traditionally, two architectures have been discussed: both with successful trajectories in many end users and markets and also differ from country to country, even competing according to trends between the West and Europe.

- Publicidad -

Conceptualization of the most common architectures
Typically the two most common and generalized options move between centralized systems and distributed systems and this connotation has impacts not only from the very location of the cold plant with respect to refrigerated furniture, but also with regard to copper pipe networks, control systems, wiring, labor and countless other factors that we will try to summarize in schemes and criteria that, although not universal, have validity in favor of one or the other.

We could say in some way that the centralized system is understood as the "traditional" system and we will try to show the most recent trend and migration towards an architecture that proposes control from the furniture, and "loop" type networks or also what this article enunciates as "distributed system".

In the Centralized Systems we will find a cold plant full of elements: multiple copper pipes entering and leaving-from there they also call it "multicircuit" to this type of architecture, with solenoid in each branch, suction pressure regulating valves that comes pre-installed by the manufacturer, likewise all the control managed from an intelligent central and from there commands everything, only depending on analog input signals of sensors that come from the point of sale and from the furniture and refrigerated chambers, also all the wiring of force and control reaches the rack.

Numerous input and output cards to be able to command all these maneuvers which are on the board receiving and returning signals from the control.

The network of copper pipes at the point of sale becomes very extensive, since each line of exhibitors requires its own food. This extensive network of copper pipes is associated with a significant load of refrigerant, in its installation a qualified workforce, support costs, insulation and accessories. From the point of view of efficiency, there is also a penalty for pressure drops, due to the long travels and accessories that this demands.
In the Distributed Systems or control from the furniture, we find a network of pipes type "loop" also called in some markets as "fishbone", where very few branches come out from the rack and are subdivided to each piece of furniture or group. At the same time, a controller is located near them,  autonomous and capable of acting on its own, only sending signals, interconnected with each other, to the central located in the rack. Figure 1 shows the different control schemes between the two architectures for the same store arrangement.

Figure 1. Differences in control systems for two types of architecture.

- Publicidad -

From the control point of view, the implementation and addition of control elements that allow better regulation, such as electronic expansion valves, and better de-icing system, condensation control, as summarized in Figure 2, is facilitated.

Simultaneously this type of scheme demands a smaller number of pipes and thus less amount of refrigerant charge

Figure 2. Components associated with distributed systems that improve control and regulation.

Given this, the question arises: What has generated this change in trends? Why migrate from a traditional system to new control architectures and pipeline lines?

Figure 3 shows how the variables of energy, labor, the impact on the carbon footprint, and the unpredictable cost of copper in international markets have behaved over the past 20 years. To all the above is added that the costs of electronic controls of furniture due to the developments of electronic production systems have decreased considerably and make it more competitive.

- Publicidad -

Perhaps the factor that has most impacted the migration from one architecture to another has been the cost of energy, Figure 4 shows how distributed systems, which began in Europe many years ago and in the United States only from the 90's, coincides with the fact that the Old Continent has more than 90% in distributed systems vs. the 20% that the US currently has (Figure 4).

The best and clearest evidence of the way these two variables are associated can be seen in Figure 5, where the higher the energy cost, the higher the % of stores with distributed systems, in Europe, contrary to what has been happening in the United States.

Figure 3. Variables that impact migration to distributed systems.

Figure 4. Participation of technologies in the world market.

Figure 5. Comparison between US and Europe and their growth in distributed systems vs the cost of energy.

Although some of these statements are relative and depend on the market and in the country in which it is analyzed based on the costs of energy, labor and other indirect costs, it could be generalized by saying that the benefits of distributed architectures or control from the furniture are summarized in the following:

  • Low installation cost, impacted by retail: pipe laying, less welding and insulation, fewer electrical panels in the field, less sensor wiring, and less refrigerant gas load.
  • Lower energy consumption, due to finer adjustment in electronic expansion valves and in turn benefits in low condensation applications.
  • Lower maintenance cost because it does not require adjustment of the thermostatic expansion valve, and shorter start-up time. Additionally, it allows light control.
  • Higher food quality/safety, by finer temperature control.
  • Environmental benefits from lower refrigerant load and lower carbon footprint.

This concept of shortening pipe travel and avoiding efficiency penalties due to pressure drop in the pipes also generated more compact and lighter cooling plants which are very close to refrigerated furniture, either on the roofs or at the head of the refrigerated shelves. Its appearance is similar to an Air Conditioning condensing unit, as shown in Figure 6. This is possible thanks to technologies such as the Scroll compressor that being very light with respect to its capacity allows these models of the well-called MiniRack's or Scroll Pack.

Figure 6. Cooling center for distributed architectures.

Under this concept, the pipe lines are reduced, as shown in Figure 7, under the idea that the units are located near the furniture. All this should be analyzed in the balance of cost overruns, on reinforcing the covers vs. the benefit of not occupying sales area in the engine room

Figure 7. Difference in pipeline paths between a centralized system and a distributed one.

References
- Energy & Store Development Conference (FMI) Minneapolis Sept 2010
DOE ( US Department of Energy )
- http://betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov/alliance/technology-solution/refrigeration

* Giovanni Barletta is the Technical Manager of Emerson's Andean, Caribbean and Central Americas Area, and current president of the Colombian Association of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (ACAIRE). You can be contacted at the electronic broker: [email protected]

Duván Chaverra Agudelo
Duván Chaverra AgudeloEmail: [email protected]
Jefe Editorial de las revistas AVI Latinoamérica, ACR Latinoamérica, Ventas de Seguridad, Zona de Pinturas, Aftermarket Internation, Gerencia de Edificios, TV y Video, y Director Académico en Latin Press, Inc,.
Comunicador Social y Periodista con experiencia de más de 18 años en medios de comunicación. Apasionado por la tecnología y por esta industria.

No comments

• If you're already registered, please log in first. Your email will not be published.

Leave your comment

In reply to Some User
Air-Con International Signs Distribution Agreement with TOSOT and Expands Its HVAC Solutions Portfolio

Air-Con International Signs Distribution Agreement with TOSOT and Expands Its HVAC Solutions Portfolio

United States. Air-Con International announced a new distribution agreement with TOSOT, a brand internationally recognized for its innovative heating and cooling solutions.

Top 10 in Latin America 2025: leaders in cold chain

Top 10 in Latin America 2025: leaders in cold chain

International. Every year, the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) produces and publishes a report with the world's leading cold chain warehousing and logistics companies. This ranking, known as the...

Montería will host ACAIRegión 2025, the great meeting of the HVAC/R sector

Montería will host ACAIRegión 2025, the great meeting of the HVAC/R sector

Colombia. The Colombian Association of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (ACAIRE), together with the Montería Vive initiative, announce the realization of ACAIRegión 2025 on May 22 and 23 at the...

Samsung bets on connectivity and Artificial Intelligence to redefine air conditioning in Mexico

Samsung bets on connectivity and Artificial Intelligence to redefine air conditioning in Mexico

Mexico. With a focus on innovation, energy efficiency and user experience, Samsung has consolidated its showroom in Mexico City as a technological benchmark.

Johnson Controls Celebrates 140 Years of Innovation in the Smart Building Industry

Johnson Controls Celebrates 140 Years of Innovation in the Smart Building Industry

United States. Johnson Controls, a global company specializing in smart, safe and sustainable building solutions, is commemorating its 140th anniversary by highlighting its legacy of innovation and...

TEKO assembles equipment for the first time in Colombia: a technological milestone for Latin America

TEKO assembles equipment for the first time in Colombia: a technological milestone for Latin America

Colombia. The German company TEKO has taken a significant step in its expansion strategy in Latin America by assembling, for the first time in Colombia, three ecological refrigeration systems with...

Efficient Cooling: The Key Thermal Challenge for Data Center Sustainability

Efficient Cooling: The Key Thermal Challenge for Data Center Sustainability

International. In a context where data centers process increasing amounts of information, the challenge of dissipating the heat generated by servers has become a strategic priority.

Advantages of Integrated Propane and CO2 Systems in Commercial Refrigeration Projects

Advantages of Integrated Propane and CO2 Systems in Commercial Refrigeration Projects

By integrating these technologies, companies gain the flexibility to design systems that are perfectly suited to their specific operational needs. By Alonso Amor*

KNX Latin America Building Automation Days: a key event to boost your business in automation and home automation

KNX Latin America Building Automation Days: a key event to boost your business in automation and home automation

Chile. On May 15, Santiago de Chile will be the meeting point for automation and intelligent technology professionals, with the holding of the Building Automation Days by KNX LATAM – Chile Edition.

Europe accelerates the transition to natural refrigerants in the rail sector

Europe accelerates the transition to natural refrigerants in the rail sector

International. BITZER presents efficient and sustainable solutions for HVAC systems in trains. European regulation accelerates the transition to natural refrigerants in mobile applications, boosting...

Free Subscription
Remember Me
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
DO YOU NEED A SERVICE OR PRODUCT QUOTE?
LASTEST INTERVIEWS
SITE SPONSORS










LASTEST NEWSLETTER
Ultimo Info-Boletin