Natural refrigeration technology is gaining traction with end users, yet, despite technological successes, there are still challenges to overcome in the form of regulatory obstacles and skill shortages.

This case study documents one year of operating experience with a transcritical carbon dioxide (TC CO₂) booster refrigeration system at Delhaize America’s Hannaford supermarket location in Turner, Maine. This store, which began operation in June 2013, is the first supermarket installation in the U.S. of a TC CO₂ booster refrigeration system.

To continue to meet refrigeration needs, f-gas proponents are turning to low-global warming potential (GWP) HFCs and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) while advocates of so-called natural solutions — hydrocarbons (HCs), CO2, and ammonia — continue to build their cases.

The following article was prepared by Parker Hannifin Corp. Micro Thermo Technologies and describes one of the approaches for use of CO2 in transcritical systems for refrigeration.

Hussmann Corp. and Systemes LMP, Quebec, Canada, have announced an alliance to provide customized solutions for CO2 transcritical refrigeration systems. Together, the two companies expect to expand the reach of their products to a broader audience.

Commercial refrigeration systems, whether utilized in supermarkets or restaurants, seem to be constantly changing. 

CO2 as a refrigerant has been a part of the refrigeration landscape for close to a decade. The most anticipated next step was running CO2 as a standalone refrigerant in a system, which is being done in Europe in more and larger applications. Finally, the approach crossed the Atlantic.

CO2 as a refrigerant has been a part of the refrigeration landscape for close to a decade and continues to gain more and more attention in the states in refrigeration applications. Most recently, CO2 was showcased as a hot topic at the Food Marketing Institute Expo in Chicago.

Sprouts Farmers Market announced that it is opening a new store in the metro-Atlanta area using CO2 refrigeration. According to the company, it will be the first CO2-based supermarket refrigeration system in a warm weather market in North America.

Mike Ellinger of Whole Foods Market talks about a transcritical CO2 installation at a store in Brooklyn, N.Y., during a press event hosted by Danfoss during the AHR Expo in New York City.