Sustainability Plus: ultra-low GWP, zero ODP, energy saving 35kg capacity unit runs off 13 amp plug
British refrigeration manufacturer Precision has launched what it believes to be the foodservice market’s most environmentally friendly blast chiller. The Eco Chiller runs on one of the new HFO refrigerants, Solstice ze (R1234ze) from Honeywell, which has an ultra-low GWP (Global Warming Potential).
“There is increasing interest in green refrigeration, not only from larger groups supporting their corporate social responsibility ethos, but also independents who are committed to environment friendly solutions,” says Jeremy Hall, sales director of Precision. “We are very, very proud to be the first catering refrigeration manufacturer to develop a blast chiller that can use an HFO refrigerant.”
Solstice ze has a GWP of just 6 (based on 100 years) – compared to R404a, which has a GWP of 3,922. It’s ODP (ozone depletion potential) is zero. At the same time, the new blast chiller uses Precision’s specially developed control technology to reduce the amount of power needed, so that it can operate from a single standard 13 amp socket, unlike other systems which require at least 16 amp connections. The new unit also features the latest EC energy saving fan technology, which converts the AC supply to DC to cut the fan’s power consumption by up to 30%.
The new blast chiller’s insulation is Precision’s Envirofoam, which is based around vegetable oils rather than petrochemicals – appropriately for the foodservice industry, it is made from recycled cooking oil. It has an ODP of zero and a GWP close to zero. Envirofoam actually requires less energy to produce than conventional polyurethane foams, while it’s insulating properties and strength equal those of conventional foams.
“We considered manufacturing the cabinet using hydrocarbon refrigerant,” says Jeremy Hall. “However, we decided that the safety issues around hydrocarbon outweighed the relatively small advantage in terms of the slightly lower GWP.” Solstice ze is classified as non flammable according to ASTM E-681, and by EU Test method A-11; however it is mildly flammable at temperatures higher than +30°C and is classified as A2L according to Ashrae 34. Hydrocarbon refrigerants R290 and R1270 are classified as extremely flammable.
“We think this is the market’s most sustainable blast chiller,” Jeremy Hall adds. “It’s also very easy to use.” Precision’s simple digital control panel makes blast chilling a straightforward, totally reliable process, with virtually no staff training required. Only two button presses are needed to give a choice of 90 minute soft chill or hard chill cycles.
Full HACCP compatibility is built in, with control either by time or by food temperature using the internal food probe. When the cycle is ended, the unit switches automatically to standard chiller.
For more information check out the Precision website (www.precision-refrigeration.co.uk), or call the company directly on +44 (0)1842 753 994.