Sustainable cooling: HANOS invests in state-of-the-art CO₂ booster system
An innovative CO₂ booster system supplied by [CF] Systems maintains optimal temperatures for HANOS, the Dutch hospitality wholesaler based in Venlo. The system combines highly efficient system components with state-of-the-art control technology. A total of twelve BITZER ECOLINE reciprocating compressors reliably provide the necessary cooling capacities for medium and low temperature applications. The compressors are optimised for the natural refrigerant CO₂, which boasts low environmental impact and thus represents future compatibility for the operator.
From fresh fish and selected wines to artisan cheeses, the hospitality wholesaler HANOS offers a wide range of fresh goods and other foods and is a valued partner for the hospitality sector. The location in Venlo supplies both the Dutch and German markets. Measuring around 15,000 m² in size, the cash and carry wholesale space is also available for shopping. Reliable cooling is essential to keeping goods fresh in the warehouse and salesroom. To reduce energy consumption and future-proof the location in accordance with current refrigerant regulations in the EU, the operator chose to modernise its refrigeration system, placing its trust in [CF] Systems, which planned and implemented the new CO₂ booster system in partnership with JH Koudetechniek B.V. The system was commissioned in May 2024.
Powerful with CO₂
BITZER ECOLINE reciprocating compressors form the heart of the system. [CF] Systems and BITZER have worked together for many years. The proven BITZER ECOLINE series comprises reciprocating compressors which are optimised for both subcritical and transcritical CO2 applications. With an extensive selection of models to choose from, different compressors can be combined to create a powerful CO₂ booster system optimally tailored to project requirements. Five ECOLINE reciprocating compressors for transcritical CO₂ applications (types 6FTE-50K, 6CTE-50K) are used in the medium temperature stage and are joined by four ECOLINE reciprocating compressors for subcritical CO₂ applications (type 4VSL-15K) in the low temperature stage. The parallel compressor stage of the CO₂ booster system features three additional ECOLINE reciprocating compressors (types 4HTE-20K, 6FTE-50K). Flow-optimised pressure and discharge gas ports and coordinated motors ensure high compressor efficiency, whilst sophisticated oil management maintains low oil carry over rates.
A compressor fitted with the IQ MODULE CM-RC-02 offers additional benefits in terms of efficiency and reliability. The compressor module’s intelligent functions optimise operation and ensure high availability, which is important particularly when it comes to large quantities of goods in the wholesale market. With the aid of extension boards, additional compressor functions can be added and controlled with ease using the IQ MODULE. For example, 6FTE-50K compressors in the parallel compressor stage are fitted with VARISTEP mechanical capacity control, enabling a wide modulation range from ten to 100% and thus precise adjustment of compressor capacity based on actual cooling demand for even higher efficiency – especially in part load.
Tailored refrigeration technology
The CO₂ booster system supplies a medium cooling capacity of 350 kW (t0 = –10°C) and a low cooling capacity of 225 kW (t0 = –30°C). In addition, the system offers heat recovery of 780 kW – for example, for ceiling-mounted air heaters that provide pleasant temperatures in the market on cool days.
The lack of space on-site required a tailored system concept. Because the system was too big to fit through the door of the machinery room, a wall had to be opened up to enable assembly on-site. The system was preassembled at the [CF] System’s factory in Kernen im Remstal and then installed step by step in Venlo, optimally adapted to local conditions.
A central control system connects all the relevant system components: the CO₂ booster system, all the evaporators, heat recovery and the ceiling-mounted air heater. As a central interface, this control system offers both the operator and the supporting refrigeration specialist JH Koudetechniek B.V. a straightforward overview of all the functions, which helps with system analysis and optimisation.
A system for the future
From the initial concept and the technical design to commissioning, the teams worked hand in hand. Thanks to the outstanding collaboration between all the project partners, the modernisation project was successfully completed within four months – to HANOS’ full satisfaction. The new refrigeration system boasts high efficiency and reliability, improves fresh-goods logistics at the location and represents significant progress on the path to sustainable use of energy. By using the natural refrigerant CO₂, the hospitality wholesaler HANOS has invested in a sustainable future for its location in Venlo.
