“The innovative refrigeration unit is a sustainable alternative for the refrigeration of inshore fishing vessels in the Bay of Biscay”
Frigolan and TECNALIA are developing an innovative refrigeration unit for inshore fishing vessels, using CO2 as a natural coolant, replacing highly polluting synthetic fluids
Nowadays, inshore fishing vessels are equipped with refrigeration units. These vessels use HFC-s, highly polluting synthetic fluids to produce ice, which are being restricted and will be phased out by 2030. For this reason, Frigolan and TECNALIA are working together on the design of an innovative unit that uses CO2 as a natural coolant.
Testing and optimisation of the unit
Following on from a design and validation phase, TECNALIA's thermal systems team has been commissioned with the manufacture of a prototype to validate the selected components, choose the appropriate lubricant and adjust the optimum coolant charge. It has also been able to verify the operational control and safety of the system and has optimised the energy performance of the unit, emulating navigation in cold and warm waters of up to 32ºC.
In this way, it has been possible to test the unit in a short period of time under nominal and extreme conditions, and to check that the quality of the ice generated is optimum.
Sustainable alternative for refrigeration systems for fishing vessels
This solution responds to Frigolan's commitment to the use of natural coolants. Frigolan was looking for a sustainable alternative for the refrigeration of inshore vessels in the Bay of Biscay.
As a result of this collaboration, the expert industrial refrigeration company has taken the first step by implementing CO2 as a coolant in around twenty ice machines. These machines, which have been previously tested, are already operational on board.
