How to reduce energy loss (heat loss) from cold storages
Cold storage is an essential part of the preservation of foods, medications, and other temperature-sensitive items, including meat and poultry, dairy and ice cream, pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, and agricultural produce.
Nonetheless, one of the key issues regarding cold storage rooms is energy loss in the units. When unwanted heat enters into the cold storage units, the refrigerator works harder to preserve the desired level of temperature. The end result is an increase in the cost of energy and a reduction in the efficiency level.
With rising electricity costs and challenges to power reliability in many parts of the world, reducing energy loss from cold storage is no longer optional. It is a necessity. This article explains the key causes of energy loss in cold storage and provides practical, easy-to-understand solutions.
What Causes Energy (Heat) Loss in Cold Storage?
Energy loss in cold storage does not happen due to a single reason. In most cases, it is the result of multiple small issues working together. Below are the most common causes.
1. Warm air entering from outside
Every time a cold storage door is opened, warm air from outside rushes in. This air carries heat and moisture, which increases the internal temperature. Frequent door opening, even for a few seconds, can cause noticeable energy loss over time.
This problem becomes more serious in busy facilities where doors are opened repeatedly throughout the day. Without proper door management systems, the refrigeration unit has to run longer to bring the temperature back down.
2. Poor insulation
Insulation is the first line of defense against heat transfer. If the insulation panels used in walls, roofs, or floors are of low quality or poorly installed, heat from outside easily passes through.
Many pre-existing cold storage rooms tend to have insulation materials that degrade over time. The presence of minute spaces, cracks, and densified insulation regions may greatly affect the insulation efficiency.
3. Air leakage
Air leakage occurs through gaps around doors, joints between panels, cable entry points, and small cracks in the structure. These leaks may seem minor, but together they allow a continuous flow of warm air into the cold storage.
In many cases, air leakage goes unnoticed because it cannot be seen. However, its impact on energy consumption can be substantial.
4. Old or inefficient equipment
Old refrigerators tend to be less efficient in comparison to newer models. They use more electricity to provide the same cooling. Worn-out compressors, outdated condensers, and inefficient fans all contribute to higher energy loss.
5. Improper temperature control
Setting temperatures lower than required does not improve product safety, but it does increase energy consumption. Misadjustments in sensors or thermometers and human error in control can contribute to overcooling.
Furthermore, a lack of temperature regulation will also make the system turn on and off intermittently, resulting in increased loss of energy.
How to Reduce Energy Loss (Heat Loss) in Cold Storage
Reducing energy loss is not just about individual upgrades, but it is a matter of combining design, materials, and maintenance. Here are the most efficient methods to minimize energy loss in cold storage.
1. Use high-quality insulation panels
Panels with good insulation properties and low thermal conductivity are essential when it comes to energy efficiency in cold storage. Panels made of PUF (Polyurethane Foam) are very popular due to their efficient insulation properties.
However, it is essential to select a suitable thickness for panels. Thicker panels provide greater resistance to heat flow, ideal for hot environments, while thinner panels are lighter, easier to install, and can be sufficient in moderate climates.
2. Seal all air leak points
Fixing air leaks is one of the most effective methods of saving lost energy. This involves sealing gaps where there are door joints, panel joints, and where services connect.
The quality of the gaskets, sealants, or vapor barriers used is also significant in the creation of the airtight environment in the cold storage facility. Seals should also be regularly inspected to prevent wear and tear.
3. Install energy-efficient doors and curtains
The cold storage doors should be designed in a way that minimizes air infiltration. The rapid-action doors, insulated sliding doors, and automatic close doors are useful in reducing the time taken for the doors to be in the open position.
PVC strip curtains or air curtains add an extra layer of protection. They limit warm air entry while allowing smooth movement of goods and workers.
4. Maintain proper temperature and humidity levels
Maintaining the correct temperature and humidity according to product requirements is essential. Overcooling and undercooling waste the energy without providing any additional benefits.
Modern control systems enable precise control and adjustment. In turn, this gives a stable condition with minimal unnecessary loading of refrigeration equipment.
5. Use modern energy-efficient refrigeration systems
Improving the efficiency of refrigeration equipment can lower electricity consumption. This is because new equipment is equipped with improved compressors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), as well as efficient airflow technology.
These technologies enable the system to vary the level of cooling production based on the demand required, thus preventing the cooling system from running at full capacity unnecessarily.
6. Improve floor and roof insulation
Heat does not only enter through walls and doors. Floors and roofs are also major sources of energy loss. The ground heat transfer through floors and the solar gain through the ceiling can increase the temperature.
Adding proper floor insulation and reflective roof materials helps reduce these effects.
7. Regular maintenance of cold storage
Regular maintenance keeps the entire system running efficiently. Dirty condenser coils, refrigerant leaks, and malfunctioning sensors all reduce efficiency. Scheduled inspections help to identify problems early. Even minor repairs can save the building’s energy as well as expenditures on future repairs.
Benefits of Energy-Efficient Cold Storage
Thus, energy efficiency investment contains multiple long-term benefits in addition to the mere reduction in power consumption. This process helps the cold storage units to function more efficiently and reduces operational costs.
Below are the key benefits of energy-efficient cold storage systems:
1. Lower electricity bills
One of the first benefits is the reduced cost of energy. When there is reduced heat loss, the refrigerator unit will work less, thus using less energy.
Eventually, these savings add up to a lot, especially for a cold storage warehouse that is operational all year round.
2. Longer life of refrigeration equipment
More efficient systems work under less stress and more varied operating conditions. These conditions increase the lifespan of the compressors, motors, and components. There will also be less wear and tear. Hence, there can be fewer breakdowns.
3. Better product quality and safety
Energy-Efficient Cold Storage protects products in storage from spoilage, dehydration, and quality loss due to a consistent temperature. This is especially essential in the case of various food items, dairy products, fruits, and pharmaceutical items. Proper storage conditions ensure the maintenance of product value and customer confidence.
4. Environment-friendly operation
Lower usage of energy translates to lower carbon emissions. Green energy storage systems, like cold storage, which is energy-efficient, promote businesses and people to live green.
In general, energy-efficient cold storage reduces heat loss and energy consumption and is beneficial in keeping temperatures constant and reducing energy expenses.
Also Read:
Benefits of Cold Storage Room
Conclusion
Minimizing energy loss and heat loss in cold storage, apart from being cost-effective, helps in engineering a strong storage system. Lack of insulation, poor airflow, and old equipment are three areas that are common and can be improved.
Simple measures such as sealing gaps, using energy-efficient doors, and optimal temperature regulation can bring fruitful results. Along with advanced refrigeration technology and insulation materials, the results get even better.
In the context of businesses looking for a reliable solution, collaborating with the best cold storage room and refrigerated transport manufacturers in Nepal, such as Nepcool, can definitely make this task simpler. The right design and support can lead to a long-term energy-efficient process
Also Feel free to check out our other blogs for more insights.
FAQ: How to reduce energy loss (heat loss) from cold storage
1. How Can I Calculate Thermal Loss From Refrigeration Systems?
You can simply calculate thermal loss by analyzing the heat transfer through walls, doors, floors, and air exchange. While calculating them, make sure to consider the factors such as insulation type, panel thickness, temperature difference, and air leakage.
2. How to Choose Energy-Efficient Door Equipment for Cold Storage
When choosing energy-efficient door equipment for cold storage, you can look for options featuring tightly closed seals, fast-action opening or closing, as well as automatic functionality, in addition to being well-insulated. Air curtains or strip curtains can also be used based on the door type and the level of traffic passing through it.
3. What can you do to reduce energy loss through refrigeration?
In order to minimize the losses of energy consumption through refrigeration, you can install cooling systems, ensure that the temperatures are properly set on the appliance, and ensure that maintenance is done on time. This includes keeping the condenser coils clean, checking levels, and adjusting temperature sensors.
