Coolers and Freezers: definition and guidelines
Coolers and Freezers: definition
Coolers and Freezers are thermally isolated spaces designed to store and cool goods or food, controlling the internal temperature to preserve freshness and prevent bacterial proliferation..
Utilized in sectors such as the food industry and logistics, the freezer employs refrigeration systems to maintain optimal storage conditions, ensuring the quality and integrity of the stored products.
Criteria and Requirements for Good Design of Coolers and Freezers in Food Environments
- surfaces must be suitable for food contact
- the insulation present in the panels must not absorb water or vapor, as this would decrease thermal resistance and lead to mold formation
- all joints must be properly sealed to create barriers to airflow between the interior and exterior of the cell
- the cell floor, especially in the case of above-ground levels, must be properly insulated to prevent condensation formation in the floors of lower levels
Sandwich panels, composed of insulating layers sandwiched between two materials, play a crucial role in coolers and freezers, significantly contributing to energy savings. These panels offer high thermal resistance, minimizing heat conduction between the interior and exterior of the cell. Thanks to this insulating capacity, thermal dispersion is limited, and a constant temperature is maintained inside, reducing the need for constant energy.
Guidelines for Coolers and freezers
In the design of coolers and freezers, it is important to follow the standards and guidelines established to ensure safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. In Europe, the most relevant standards include:
- UNI EN 14509: This standard concerns thermal insulation panels and their characteristics, including those used in coolers and freezers. It establishes requirements for the thermal, mechanical, and fire behavior properties of sandwich panels.
- UNI EN 13468: This standard specifies the characteristics of extruded polystyrene insulation panels (XPS) used for thermal insulation.
- UNI EN 16825:2016: This standard specifies requirements for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of refrigeration systems, including those used in coolers and freezers.
- UNI EN 13771:2008: Provides guidelines for the design and installation of coolers and freezers and cold storage warehouses.
Why Invest in Coolers and Freezers
The selection of high-quality insulation materials, such as extruded polystyrene, , allows for high thermal performance. This not only preserves the freshness of food but also reduces the energy demand of refrigeration systems, significantly contributing to overall energy savings for the structure.
Furthermore, energy efficiency promotes sustainable and environmentally responsible resource management, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs associated with air conditioning.
