With the efficiency of natural refrigerants in high ambient temperature regions often in the spotlight, shecco Managing Director Marc Chasserot explained why the conference had been held in Spain: “One of the big challenges facing natural refrigerants – at least in the eyes of some – is: do they work in warm climates? This is why we wanted to hold ATMOsphere in Barcelona: to showcase the latest technology, and to prove that they do work and that they are cost-efficient.”
ATMO plays host to two cutting-edge technology launches
ATMOsphere Europe saw the launch of two innovative products for commercial refrigeration. The first seeks to put a definitive end to the so-called ‘CO2 equator’ – the oft-cited alleged geographical limit for cost-effective installation of CO2 refrigeration systems – while the second answers the call for HFC-free technology for small store formats.
Carrier Commercial Refrigeration and CAREL have joined forces to develop and industrialise a range of modulating ejectors designed to increase the efficiency of transcritical CO2 systems in warmer climates in all food retail store formats. The modulating ejector reduces installation costs and complexity by continuously and instantly adapting to specific operating conditions. Continuous modulation guarantees optimum energy efficiency by using just one simple auto-adapting device.
Another major announcement came from Swedish manufacturer Green & Cool, which launched its new ‘COY’ stand-alone condensing unit for CO2 systems at the conference in Barcelona. “The unit is basic and inexpensive, but still bears a state-of-the-art eco-performance,” said Sales Engineer Johan Hellman.
Solutions for southern Europe are already available
In view of the 2022 ban on HFCs with GWP > 150 under the F-Gas Regulation, retailers are on the lookout for cost-effective and compliant solutions for all climates and all store formats. With more than 20 CO2 transcritical installations using ejector technology already in the field, energy efficient HFC-free equipment for supermarkets is becoming more accessible to southern European countries.
Carrefour, the second biggest retailer in the world, told ATMOsphere Europe participants that they are already operating 12 CO2 transcritical installations in Spain. The retail giant said its shift towards natural refrigerants is being driven by the EU F-Gas Regulation as well as by Spain’s f-gas tax, which is currently increasing the cost of operating an HFC store. Another retailer, Delhaize, announced plans to further roll out integrated CO2 transcritical systems combining refrigeration, heating and cooling as well as to test ejectors and hydrocarbon plug-and-play systems.
Latest market, tech trends unfold across 85 presentations, 3 workshops
Besides focusing on the latest trends and achievements in the field of natural refrigerant technology, the two-day event set the stage for unparalleled networking and explored untapped business opportunities and future perspectives for the HVAC&R industry. Some 70 speakers gave a total of 85 presentations over the two days. Commercial refrigeration was at the heart of the discussion but a wide variety of other sectors were also covered, including transport & magnetic cooling, light commercial refrigeration, air conditioning, industrial refrigeration and heat pumps.
Ahead of opening day, the partners of the SuperSmart, a project to accelerate the adoption of climate-friendly and energy-efficient HVAC&R solutions in European food retail – including shecco – held a workshop to inform manufacturers, retailers and other market players about the project’s objectives and the ways in which interested parties can contribute to its activities.
The European Commission and Öko-Recherche gave participants the opportunity to contribute to an ongoing evaluation of the feasibility of the 2022 HFC ban in commercial refrigeration, which according to the F-Gas Regulation shall be completed by July 2017.
With solutions for southern European countries firmly on the conference radar and high participation from Spanish companies, shecco held a workshop in Spanish, co-moderated by a Spanish government representative.
ATMOsphere moves east
Following the success of ATMOsphere Europe 2016, which saw the event leave Brussels for the first time, shecco plans to organised the next European ATMO in Berlin in spring 2017.
About shecco
For the past 15 years market accelerator shecco has been active in helping bring climate friendly technologies faster to market. shecco supports over 150+ partners worldwide in the HVAC&R sector, where the focus is on sustainable refrigeration, heating & cooling technologies using natural refrigerants. shecco offers a variety of services in three areas: 1) media, including online industry platforms, magazines and a catalogue of dedicated research reports; 2) market development, including market research, consultancy and public affairs services, as well as special international projects; and 3) events, including international conferences and national workshops.
Contacts
Franziska Menten
Chief Events Officer
shecco
franziska.menten@shecco.eu
Andrew Williams
Editor & Senior Reporter
shecco
andrew.williams@shecco.eu
