New ‘Smart Store’ paves the way for 21st century supermarkets

New “Smart Store” will work as Danfoss’ test center for energy efficiency technology. ‘The Smart Store’ is expected to be approximately 50% more energy efficient compared to a typical supermarket with a first-generation CO2 refrigeration system. - Runs off sustainable energy sources - Reuses the excess heat created by cooling cases, reducing supermarket heating costs by up to 90% - Not only operates as a functioning supermarket, but is also a development center for testing new technology Scalable technologies The installations and technologies in the supermarket are scalable. They can be applied in the smallest store up to the biggest hypermarket. The supermarket cooling (refrigeration and comfort cooling) systems run exclusively on natural refrigerants (CO2). CO2-based refrigerants do not deplete the ozone layer and have the lowest possible Global Warming Potential (GWP) score. In addition, CO2 refrigerants outperform traditional HFC-systems when it comes to energy efficiency in different weather conditions. The supermarket is equipped with a heat recovery unit capturing excess heat from the cooling systems to provide space heating for the entire store as well as the surrounding community through the district heating network. The heat recovery unit, can by re-using the excess heat from the cooling system, reduce the external heat requirement with up to 89,7%. Furthermore, the energy pack can supply additional heating and cooling when needed. Smart energy systems applied 100 KW solar panels on the roof help to optimize store operations. On sunny days, solar energy can be accumulated in the freezers. Turning the temperature in the freezers further down from e.g., -18 to -25 help accumulate solar energy ( while reducing battery storage). When the solar panels are less efficient due to no sun the temperature rises back to normal settings. Co-developing with customers The supermarket has two separate refrigeration systems installed that run independently of each other. Therefore, operations of a supermarket continue while Danfoss co-develops new solutions with customers. And when future applications are being tested, the cooling cabinets and freezers stay cool.

Website: https://www.danfoss.com/en/markets/food-and-beverage/dcs/danfoss-smart-store-adc/