IIR member news: Star Refrigeration chooses CO2 to cool down a beer warehouse

The warehouse, owned by Brewdog, is located in Motherwell, Scotland. With a capacity of 80,000m³, it had to be cooled to a temperature of +5°C to provide optimal storage conditions for beer. Brewdog wanted a solution using natural refrigerants, to meet current and future regulatory requirements.

In this type of infrastructure, ammonia (R717) is frequently used. It has good heat transfer properties, a GWP of 0, it is energy efficient and its cost is much lower compared to that of HFCs. It nevertheless requires the use of a secondary fluid such as glycol, whichleads to a lower evaporation temperature, and therefore decreases the overall efficiency of the system.

Star Refrigeration has selected CO₂ (R744) as a refrigerant, which it sees as a safer and more efficient option.

Star has designed a direct expansion system, associated with six air coolers in the room. The CO2 unit is designed for a refrigerating capacity of 480 kW at a room temperature of + 50°C.

The CO₂ refrigeration package was installed outside the building and connected to chillers with pipes.

The choice of CO₂ has reduced the size of equipment compared to other systems using alternative refrigerants.

Star's solution resulted in a 30% financial saving over a solution using ammonia and glycol.

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