VATIS UPDATE Article

In developing the HEOS Sistema, CAREL, Italy, has come up with an environmentally friendly refrigeration system for supermarkets. The system, which is being launched in the US this year, consists of condensing units that reside on top of freezer or refrigerated cabinets. Each unit is fitted with a variable-speed BLDC compressor that operates efficiently by adapting to load conditions.

CAREL’s controller supplies inverters and electronic expansion valves with continuous modulation for optimal management of the compressors. The heat of condensation is carried outside the store via a water loop that is cooled by an outdoor cooling device or chiller. At present, the HEOS operates with R410A. However, “we’re seeking a natural refrigerant solution,” said Alessandro Greggio, at CAREL.

“In Europe, where the HEOS system was introduced, the majority of installations are in medium-small supermarkets with about 40 cases. But the system can be applied to larger stores with 120 cabinets. Typically each cabinet uses one condensing unit but it depends on the size of the cabinet,” said Greggio.