Optimising the operation of existing cold rooms

Keeping your company’s cold rooms running smoothly

In food production and related sectors such as catering, sales and gastronomy, respect of the cold chain is essential. Cold rooms are essential for establishments handling large quantities of food. The electricity consumption of this equipment is very high, especially during the summer months. It is therefore crucial to optimise its use.

The approach described below helps to optimise the use of the system.

Definition of requirements with a view to optimising the use of cold rooms

Analysis of current energy consumption

In the case of high consumption, it is essential to determine the consumption profile. Temporary or permanent installation of measurement points is recommended.

Analysis of cold room management

• Assessment of cold room use, e.g. temperature setting, loading frequency, frequency of defrosting of indoor unit
• Identify potential incorrect operating modes, e.g. too many starts, defrost frequency too high, etc.

Visual check of the installation

• Visual inspection of the entire periphery of the installation, including pipework, insulation and indoor and outdoor units.

Implementation of cold room optimisation measures

Adapting operations to comply with good hygiene practice

• Adjust the temperature to specific needs
• Optimise operating periods, e.g. by temporarily adjusting set points and programming shutdown periods
• Optimise defrosting of the indoor unit, e.g. by keeping defrosting periods to a minimum and using an intelligent defrosting system.
• Interruption of indoor unit operation during loading phases.
• Automatic light cut-out in cold rooms.

Raising employee awareness

• Train staff to use cold rooms correctly
• Make sure that cold rooms are filled in the right way, e.g. avoid storing hot goods and blocking the coolers

Maintenance and periodic inspection

• Have maintenance and checks carried out by a qualified professional (refrigeration installer)
• Regular cleaning of external condensers

Subsidy application

Aides étatiques

Temporary environmental impact aid

Extended “SME Packages Sustainability” aid scheme, to give companies greater incentives to invest in measures that significantly improve their environmental impact. Investments under this climate protection measure amount to 70 % for small businesses, 60 % for medium-sized businesses and 50 % for large businesses for projects costing more than €7 500, with a maximum subsidy amount of €100 000.

• Verification of company eligibility and costs: General Directorate for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME Aid Department)
• Any questions?
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • Chambre des Métiers (Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts)

Fit 4 Sustainability” programme:

• The “Fit 4 Sustainability” programme provides co-financing for an environmental audit and action plan on one or more topics chosen by the company (energy, greenhouse gases, waste, water, etc.)
• Subsidy of up to 50 %, 60 % and 70 % of the fees for carrying out an environmental study (energy audit and/or carbon footprint) + detailed, costed action plan to reduce consumption/GHGs (greenhouse gases) (medium- and long-term investment, ROI, etc.) – open to SMEs and large companies (except those required to carry out a statutory audit)
• Any questions? Luxinnovation

SME Packages – Sustainability

• Subsidies for small and medium-sized businesses for sustainable projects costing between €6,650 and €25,000 excluding VAT.
• Points of contact:
  • Chambre des Métiers for craftsmen (Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts)
  • Chamber of Commerce for companies in the non-craft sectors