With increased product throughput, different operating conditions and the need to improve energy efficiency, it was time for Lindsay Fresh Logistics to undertake an upgrade at its distribution warehouse at the Brisbane Markets.
After 20 years of relying on Bitzer's open drive screw racks, Buffalo Trident LDV condensers and Thermfresh air handlers, it was time for a change.
With an operating charge in excess of 2,000 Kilograms of R22, contained in just three systems, maintaining the system would be too expensive.
As the site needed to keep operating during the upgrade, on-site discussions were held between Lindsay Fresh Logistics, Cool Dynamics (QLD) and Bitzer.
Thinking outside the box, it was decided that each room would have its own dedicated small charge system which would allow for the other rooms to continue operating on the existing plant as each new system was installed and commissioned.
For efficiency the site went with four Commech screw sets, two semi hermetic racks with Varispeed lead compressors, two Varispeed basic units and one semi-hermetic basic unit.
All were selected to operate on R134a and combined with Buffalo FMC condensers featuring EC fans. These were mounted remotely on a condenser platform engineered and installed by SBP Australia on the warehouse roof and designed to ensure optimal condensing temperatures could be easily maintained regardless of ambient temperature.
Evaporators to replace the existing Thermfresh air handlers were the new Buffalo BBM series designed for optimal humidity and air flow.
All of the Bitzer compressor sets were supplied pre-wired with Carel control systems which were then connected via BACnet to a custom Innotech BMS system to allow for remote communication.The project was completed over six months.
Soon after completion Lindsay Fresh Logistics received a 29 per cent power saving on its first power bill.
As the last of the new equipment was commissioned and the old plant decommissioned the power savings continued to improve showing a 37 per cent decrease (compared to the same period a year earlier) even with building additions of three fumigation Rooms, 1 DAF (Department of Agriculture & Fisheries) Conditioned facility and 3 Fast Cooler Rooms.
Rocklea Markets general manager, Bob McMillan, said the equipment changeover took place with minimal disruption to operations due to great communication from Cool Dynamics (QLD) during every stage of the project.