Commercial Refrigeration

-refers to the cold storage equipment used in commercial settings, example

include the reach in refrigerators and freezes found in supermarkets, food
stores and etc.

Different Types of Commercial Refrigeration

There is a wide variety of commercial refrigeration systems:
Reach-in vertical cases and refrigerators.
Plug-in enclosed vending machines.
Semi-vertical display cabinets.
Horizontal cases. ...
Deli cases.
Drop-in coolers.
Draft beer systems.
Undercounter refrigerators.

Difference between commercial and industrial refrigeration

From a temperature standpoint, industrial applications cover a wider range than
commercial: Below-ambient industrial applications can go from 50° to -300°F or below,
while commercial work stops around -10°F.

4 Types of Refrigeration Systems

Evaporative Cooling. Evaporative cooling units are also referred to as swamp coolers.
Mechanical-Compression Refrigeration Systems. Mechanical compression is used in
commercial and industrial refrigeration, as well as air conditioning. ...
Absorption. ...
Thermoelectric.

HOW DOES COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION WORK?

THE COOLING PROCESS

All refrigeration works via a principle called the Second Law of
Thermodynamics. This principle states that when two objects of different
temperatures come close together, heat will always travel from the warmer
object to the colder one. As a result, commercial refrigeration systems utilize a
refrigerant solution to transfer heat from the food inside the refrigeration unit’s
storage area to the refrigerant.

Refrigerant solutions obey a second physical principle: gases cool as they

expand and heat up as they compress. While cycling through the refrigeration
system, the refrigerant is sent through a series of pressure changes to improve
efficiency and speed. It removes heat from the refrigerated space to keep it cold.

THE REFRIGERANT

Refrigerant is the key to the success of modern commercial refrigeration

systems. In the past, Freon was the most common refrigerant found in both air
conditioning units and refrigerators. However, Freon was found to damage the
Earth’s ozone layer, causing an increase in solar radiation reaching the planet’s
surface and changes in the global climate.

Currently, Freon is out of use in the United States. Other refrigerants, such as
tetrafluoroethane, are taking their place to improve the efficiency and eco-
friendliness of modern refrigeration systems continually.

Today, the commercial refrigeration system has expanded to a massive

industry. The chilling process can be high-temperature to get the environment
to low-temperature freezing.

STORING FOOD & BEVERAGES

Freezers hold fundamental importance in the food business. If your

refrigerating system does not work correctly, that could jeopardize your entire
company.

Commercial refrigeration presents a challenge to the technicians, owners, and

installers who deal with them daily. You may need a new industrial freezer
installation, including networks, parts, costs, and more.
Commercial refrigeration systems operate using a circuit that works with an
absorption system or vapor compressor to cool or dry the air. The general
refrigeration principle expands the liquid into a gas and eliminates heat from
the local area. One of the simple refrigeration cycle components is the
commercial refrigeration compressor.
WHAT ROLE DO COMPRESSORS PLAY IN COMMERCIAL

REFRIGERATION?

Compressors in commercial refrigeration let the refrigerant run the circuit. The
compressor plays a role in the commercial cooler like a heart in a living
creature’s body.

HOW COMPRESSORS WORK

The power comes from the electric motor fixed in the system. This process
eases the pressure on the refrigerant system.

First, the refrigerant flows from the compressor through a condenser. When
this process happens, it is in the condenser where vapor converts into liquid
form and emanates heat.

In air-cooled process chillers, moisture increases higher than the air going
through the condenser. In water-cooled process refrigerant systems, the
refrigerant vapor passes through a higher temperature than the water going
through the condenser.

HOW CONDENSERS WORK

The refrigerant process completes its cycle in the condenser. Then, it goes
through the metering device or expansion valve, and the pressure drops.

Finally, the refrigerant reaches the evaporator; here, the heat causes it to
vaporize. The evaporator collects heat from the space that needs to be cooled.
Then, the refrigerant goes back to the compressor, and the entire cycle starts
once again.

Whether you run a restaurant or a school, you know just how important it is to
keep your commercial cooler in good working condition. When a problem pops
up, it can ruin your stored items if you don’t quickly find a solution.
5 SIGNS THAT YOU NEED COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION REPAIR
1) EXCESSIVE CONDENSATION OR FROST
All efficient commercial refrigerators work efficiently to maintain an excellent
balance between the hot and cold atmosphere of the fridge. But if you begin
noticing excessive frost or condensation inside your refrigerator, it means that
your refrigerator is not functioning well and cooling properly. To observe
condensation in your refrigerator, examine its rubber sealing.
In case of malfunctioning, you are likely to find excessive condensation, mold,
or mildew present on rubber sealing on the door of your refrigerator. In case of
a mild condensation on the rubber sealing, you may replace the worn-out
rubber sealing on your own, and the fridge is good to go.
However, if there is excessive condensation inside the refrigerator, it may be
due to poor temperature settings and maintenance. Again, you may try
adjusting the temperature on your own. However, if the temperature issues
continue and aggravate, it may spoil food and liquors stored inside your fridge.
The risks of business loss may multiply with even a single day of your
commercial refrigerator malfunctioning. Take extra care to look for excessive
condensation and frost in your freezer maintenance checklist.

2) SEVERE MOTOR DEFECTS

Another significant sign that you need to replace your commercial refrigerator
quickly is motor breakdowns. Most of the refrigerator issues begin with motor
failures. When you place your hand at the back of your refrigerator, it is a
common experience that you might feel a regular warm temperature change.
However, if your refrigerator is transmitting excessive amounts of heat, it is
apparent that something is wrong with your refrigerator.
Overheating in the refrigerators occurs due to dirty coils. The coils fixed at the
back of your refrigerator are insulated. Hence, it must store the heat. In this
case, there is a defect in your fridge. As part of your freezer maintenance
checklist, you can clean coils by brushing or vacuuming them.
In addition to this, other motor issues include the refrigerator motor
continuously running at maximum speed, making a loud noise. This type of
motor defect occurs due to a failing temperature control board. The constant
energy transmission to the fan motors and compressor also turns the
refrigerator too cold and releases extra energy leading to an outrageous energy
bill. Turn to a technician for help but if the motor noise continues, invest in a
new refrigerator to save sky-rocketing energy bills.

3) EXCESSIVE FOOD EXPIRATION

Food spoilage and expiry are signs for commercial owners that their
commercial refrigerators are about to break down. Sometimes, the food takes
longer to cool or expires faster than the expected expiry date. To ensure that
your refrigerator works well, immediately examine the gasket on the door. Dirty
or worn-out gaskets do not trap cool air and keep the warm air outside as they
are supposed to.
You may consider replacing your gasket, which is feasible and inexpensive.
However, if the issue persists and your food still takes longer to cool, it cannot
regulate the required temperature. It uses unnecessary energy, leading to an
excessive need for emergency freezer service.
You invest more money on extra energy bills and pay for the food spoilage.
Hence, it would be better to invest this money in a new and efficient
commercial refrigerator for your business.

4) YOUR TEMPERATURE SETTINGS ARE NOT RESPONDING

Your commercial refrigerator operates efficiently at zero degrees according to
the ideal temperature setting. However, if the temperature feels colder or you
begin observing ice formation on every object in the refrigerator, it may lead to
some severe issues.
One of the first freezer maintenance tips in this situation is to defrost it and
examine its functioning. If the problem persists, it might be time to invest in
new industrial freezer installation.

5) HIGH ELECTRICITY BILLS

Last but not least, in case you are getting an unusually higher energy bill even
after using the appliance for the same period, it may be due to your refrigerator
defect. Hire a technician to inspect and fix the issue. However, it would be
better to invest in a new refrigerator rather than consecutive repairs and higher
energy bills.
You may also consider calling a repair technician to inspect and remedy the
coils and the motor. Replacing the coils could be an option in case of mild
malfunctioning.

5 TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION

EQUIPMENT

1) MAINTAIN DOOR SEALS

Part of your regular maintenance checklist should be checking the door seals.
They form the seal that keeps cool air in and warm air out, so they are perhaps
one of the most important components.
Check them once a month using the dollar bill test. Put a dollar bill in the
doorframe with some sticking out, and shut the door. Try to pull the note out.
If it comes out easily, you might need your door seals repaired.
Then, give the door seals a good clean every six months. In a commercial
setting, you might need to use a strong cleaner. A mix of sodium bicarbonate
and water also works wonders.
You might find that bits of food collect in the door seal. In that case, you can
remove these with a damp cloth and then use a small brush (such as a
toothbrush) for really deep cleaning.

2) KEEP YOUR FREEZER WELL-STOCKED

All refrigeration appliances must be nearly full to work properly, from
residential freezers to commercial walk-in coolers. They need thermal mass,
which means having enough frozen stock inside to maintain a stable
temperature.
If a freezer is empty, it’s impacted more by opening it than a full one. This
simple trick is enough to cut down on commercial cooler repair because the
cooling unit doesn’t need to work as hard.
It shouldn’t be too difficult to keep a commercial unit full for obvious reasons.
You can fill your residential refrigerator up with jugs of water. While you can
do this in a residential freezer, make sure you account for the water’s
expansion when frozen. In short, don’t fill sealed containers.
Regularly doing this might signify that you need a smaller refrigerator or
freezer. While it can be great to have a larger unit, smaller ones are often more
efficient.

3) REGULARLY VERIFY THE THERMOSTAT

One of the biggest causes of walk-in cooler maintenance is broken thermostats.
It’s also true for home refrigerators and freezers. If left alone, a thermostat can
gradually stop reading the correct temperature.
Fortunately, it’s easy to avoid this by adding regular checks to your freezer
maintenance checklist. Buy a thermometer and make sure your appliance
reads the correct temperature.
You can check this in your owner’s manual, as commercial and residential
units often have different working temperatures. If you notice issues with the
temperature your unit’s thermostat reads, it’s easy to call in a professional
before you need emergency freezer service.

4) CLEAN YOUR CONDENSER COILS

This step might not be possible on all commercial units because it depends on
their cooling system. But, where you can, ensure you keep the condenser coils
clean.
It’s as easy on a residential freezer because they’re usually in a group,
providing you quick access. You should include the cleaning as part of your
routine walk-in cooler repair and maintenance.
To clean the condenser coils, do the following:
 Unplug the unit from the wall and move it so you can access the coils.
 If the coils are on the front, remove the grille to expose them.
  Use a vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment and gently run it over
the coils.
 You might need to get in there with a cloth to wipe the dust off.
 Put everything back where it was and turn the unit back on.
Ideally, you should do this at least twice a year, if not more, depending on
where you keep the unit. Make it part of your freezer maintenance
checklist to inspect the condenser coils regularly and then clean as needed.

5) CLEAN THE FREEZER INSIDE AND OUT

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is keeping the unit itself clean. You
probably do this already as part of your walk-in cooler repair and
maintenance if you work in a kitchen.
But, it’s just as important in a residential context. Cleaning the outside is
mainly about appearance, but it helps clean the inside of the freezer. Regular
cleaning should be part of any refrigerator or freezer maintenance schedule.
Although many appliances automatically defrost, you can combine this with
your defrosting routine. If yours doesn’t, be sure to do it manually at least once
a year. You’ll know when it’s time because there’ll be lots of ice built up around
the sides.
To defrost, remove the food and unplug the unit. After the ice melts, you can let
the water out through the built-in drain. Then, you can get started with
cleaning.
Cleaning a freezer is pretty easy. Use dish soap and hot water mix, starting
from the top and working down. Clean the inside first and then the outside.
Once you’ve gone over everything, make sure to give it a rinse with clean water
and dry it with a towel.
If there’s any glass, clean it with vinegar. Avoid harsh chemicals where
possible, as you don’t want to risk contaminating food with them.
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Refrigeration and air-conditioning end-uses typically use a refrigerant in a
vapor compression cycle to cool and/or dehumidify a substance or space, like a
refrigerator cabinet, room, office building, or warehouse.

End Uses

Chillers

Chillers typically cool water, which is then circulated to provide comfort cooling
throughout a building or other location. Chillers can be classified by
compressor type, including centrifugal, reciprocating, scroll, screw, and rotary
compressors. Chillers used to cool industrial processes are included
under Industrial Process Refrigeration.

Cold Storage Warehouses

Cold storage warehouses store meat, produce, dairy products, and other
perishable goods. The majority of cold storage warehouses in the United States
use ammonia as the refrigerant in a vapor compression cycle, although some
rely on other refrigerants.

Commercial Ice Machines

Commercial ice machines are used in commercial establishments (e.g., hotels,

restaurants, convenience stores) to produce ice for consumer use. Ice machines
produce ice in various sizes and shapes, and with different retrieval
mechanisms (e.g., dispensers or self-retrieval from bins). Ice makers that are
part of a refrigerator-freezer are considered part of the latter end-use, while
equipment that is solely used to make ice, even if used in a domestic setting, is
considered part of the commercial ice machine’s end-use.

Household Refrigerators and Freezers

Household refrigerators and freezers are intended primarily for residential use,
although they may be used outside the home. Household freezers only offer
storage space at freezing temperatures. Products with both a refrigerator and
freezer in a single unit are most common. Small refrigerated household
appliances may also include chilled kitchen drawers, wine coolers, and mini
fridges.
Ice Skating Rinks
Ice skating rinks are used by the general public for recreational purposes and
also include professional rinks. These systems frequently use secondary loop
refrigeration systems.

Industrial Process Air Conditioning

Industrial process air-conditioning units, which are distinct from commercial

and residential air conditioning, provide comfort cooling for operators and
protect process equipment. This end-use is often used when ambient
temperatures approach 200°F (93°C) and corrosive conditions exist.

Industrial Process Refrigeration

Industrial process refrigeration systems cool process streams in industrial

applications. The choice of substitute for specific applications depends on
ambient and required operating temperatures and pressures.

Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning

Motor vehicle air-conditioning systems (MVACs) provide comfort cooling for

passengers in light-duty cars and trucks, buses, trains, and other forms of
transportation.

Non-Mechanical Heat Transfer Systems

Non-mechanical heat transfer systems include cooling systems that do not rely
on a vapor compression cycle, such as those using convection to remove heat
from an area. Two types of such systems are recirculating coolers, i.e., systems
with fluid pumps, and thermosiphons, i.e., those that rely on natural
convection currents. This end-use also includes Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)
devices that typically pump refrigerant to recover and utilize energy from lower-
temperature heat rejected from other processes.

Residential and Light Commercial Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps

This end-use includes equipment that cools enclosed spaces in households and
commercial industries, but excludes chillers―which include room air
conditioning such as window units, packaged terminal air conditioners (PTAC)
and heat pumps (PTHP), and portable air conditioners; central air conditioners
(i.e., ducted); non-ducted systems (both mini and multi splits); packaged
rooftop units; water-source and ground-source heat pumps; and other
products. Residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pumps
are often distinguished from chillers by the fact that they condition the air
directly, rather than cool (or heat) water that is then used to condition air.
Residential Dehumidifiers
Residential dehumidifiers are primarily used to remove water vapor from
ambient air or directly from indoor air for comfort or material preservation
purposes. While air-conditioning systems often combine cooling and
dehumidification, this application serves only the latter purpose.
Refrigerated Transport

Refrigerated transport moves products (e.g., perishable goods) from one place
to another by various modes of transportation while maintaining necessary
temperatures, including refrigerated ship holds, truck trailers, railway freight
cars, ships, and other shipping containers.

Retail Food Refrigeration

Retail food refrigeration, or commercial refrigeration, includes equipment

designed to store, display, process, or dispense chilled or frozen goods for
commercial sale. This end-use includes these categories of equipment: stand-
alone equipment, remote condensing units, supermarket systems, and
refrigerated food processing and dispensing equipment.

Vending Machines
Vending machines are self-contained units that dispense goods that must be
kept cold or frozen.

Very Low Temperature Refrigeration

Very low temperature refrigeration systems require maintaining temperatures

at approximately -80 degrees Fahrenheit (-62 degrees Celsius) or lower.
Examples include medical freezers and freeze-dryers, which generally require
extremely reliable refrigeration cycles to maintain low temperatures and must
meet stringent technical standards that do not normally apply to refrigeration
systems.

Water Coolers

Water coolers are self-contained units providing chilled water, and possibly
heated water, for drinking. They may or may not feature detachable containers
of water.