Optimising the operation of existing cold rooms

Keeping your company’s cold rooms running smoothly

In food production and related sectors such as catering, sales and gastronomy, respect of the cold chain is essential. Cold rooms are essential for establishments handling large quantities of food. The electricity consumption of this equipment is very high, especially during the summer months. It is therefore crucial to optimise its use.

The approach described below helps to optimise the use of the system.

Definition of requirements with a view to optimising the use of cold rooms

Analysis of current energy consumption

In the case of high consumption, it is essential to determine the consumption profile. Temporary or permanent installation of measurement points is recommended.

Analysis of cold room management

• Assessment of cold room use, e.g. temperature setting, loading frequency, frequency of defrosting of indoor unit
• Identify potential incorrect operating modes, e.g. too many starts, defrost frequency too high, etc.
• Monitoring of the electricity consumption of the installation
• Assessment of the general condition of the installation
• Analysis of whether the installation is suitable for energy-saving operation, including an evaluation of the control system and possible recommended adjustments
• Identification of easily implementable modifications to the installation

Visual check of the installation

• Visual inspection of the entire periphery of the installation, including pipework, insulation and indoor and outdoor units.

Implementation of cold room optimisation measures

Adapting operations to comply with good hygiene practice

• Adjust the temperature to specific needs
• Optimise operating periods, e.g. by temporarily adjusting set points and programming shutdown periods
• Optimise defrosting of the indoor unit, e.g. by keeping defrosting periods to a minimum and using an intelligent defrosting system.
• Interruption of indoor unit operation during loading phases.
• Automatic light cut-out in cold rooms.

Raising employee awareness

• Train staff to use cold rooms correctly
• Make sure that cold rooms are filled in the right way, e.g. avoid storing hot goods and blocking the coolers

Maintenance and periodic inspection

• Have maintenance and checks carried out by a qualified professional (refrigeration installer)
• Regular cleaning of external condensers

Subsidy application

Aides étatiques

Fit 4 Sustainability programme

The Fit 4 Sustainability programme provides co-financing for environmental audits and action plans on one or more topics selected by the company (energy, GHG, waste, water, etc.).
Aid of up to 60%, 70% and 80%, depending on the size of the company, for the fees associated with carrying out an environmental study (energy audit and/or carbon footprint assessment) and a detailed, costed action plan to reduce its consumption/GHG emissions (medium- and long-term investments, ROI, etc.) – open to SMEs and large companies (except those that must carry out studies required by the environmental authorities, including mandatory energy audits)
For questions: Luxinnovation

SME Packages – Sustainability

• Financial Aid for small and medium-sized enterprises covering up to 70% of eligible costs for the implementation of a project aimed at reducing the environmental impact. The eligible project budget must be in a range from 3.000 € to 25.000 € excl. VAT.
• For more information:
  • Chambre des Métiers for craft companies
  • Chamber of Commerce for businesses in the non-craft sectors

Tax relief for investment in an ecological and energy transition project

The tax relief is calculated based on the investments and operating expenses incurred as part of an ecological and energy transition project.
The tax relief rate is set at 18% and is applied directly to the amount of tax due.
This deduction can be combined with standard state subsidies.

For the project to be eligible, it must meet at least one of the following objectives:

• Improve the energy efficiency of a production process
• Improve the material efficiency of a production process
• Decarbonise a production process
• Reduce air pollution at the production site (excluding CO2 emissions)
• Produce or store renewable energy for self-consumption
• Promote the extended use of products through reuse

For certain objectives, minimum thresholds must be met.
To verify your eligibility and ensure that these thresholds are satisfied, it is recommended that the impact of the measure on one of the above conditions be certified by an expert or a design office.

Further details and conditions: Guichet.lu
For questions: Ministry of Economy – Bonus