05 November 2024
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The SEC-200 works alongside a Danfoss Optyma Slim condensing unit in the butter preparation room at Netherend Farm
High efficiency heat recovery from SCM Frigo’s SEC-200 (Sustainable Energy Controller) is transforming the cooling performance of a farm producing artisan butter for some of the UK’s leading hotels.
FridgeHUB, Beijer Ref’s specialist refrigeration equipment service, worked with service and maintenance provider Severn Cooling & Electrical throughout the project at Netherend Farm in Gloucestershire, led by FridgeDIRECT product specialists with backing from FridgeTECH application engineers for system design.
As part of the upgrade of cooling equipment for the butter preparation room, Forest of Dean-based Severn Cooling was asked to explore alternatives to replace an existing heat recovery system which had experienced issues with water side freezing as it recovered heat to generate hot water. The SEC-200 unit was presented as a solution which demonstrated potential savings in energy use, the ability to help reduce the factories carbon footprint and the prospect of a short ROI all appealed to the end user.
A further incentive was SEC’s ability to maintain hot water production when the cooling system was satisfied and in a thermostat off condition, with high hot water demands for wash down and other processes. The increase in hot water capacity and a stable supply were viewed as significant benefits.
The unit was installed to recover heat from a system comprising a Danfoss Optyma Slim condensing unit and a compact stainless steel Modine evaporator, with all equipment supplied by the FridgeDIRECT team. The system, operating on refrigerant R449A, maintains the temperature in the preparation room at a constant 14°C.
Seamless process
Todd Montague, Director, Severn Cooling & Electrical, said: “We engaged FridgeDIRECT to select and design the system and the support from the FridgeTECH team in terms of design and commissioning made the whole process seamless.
“The install was straightforward, with prompt deliveries ensuring minimal downtime, and we are already looking for our next project using SEC.’’
Netherend Farm produces artisan butter for some of the UK's leading hotels, as well as customers further afield
A family business since 1936, Netherend Farm branched out into producing butter in 1990 and now supplies some of the top hotels and restaurants in the country. It also exports as far afield and South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as supplying the world-famous Orient Express train service.
The business is passionate about sustainable manufacturing and reducing its environmental impact. Manager Alison Hutchinson explained: “One of the key drivers for the business is to be more sustainable and remove carbon from our manufacturing process. We had tried heat recovery previously, supplied by other contractors, but had issues with water side freezing in winter. SEC was appealing given the return on investment being short and the money it could save.’’
Project Kit List
- SEC-200 (Sustainable Energy Controller)
- Danfoss Optyma SL MSXM046MLW05G: compact condensing unit, low noise, efficient microchannel condenser
- Modine GCE352E6ED: stainless steel evaporator, compact, low refrigerant volume due to high-efficiency coils with inner grooved tubes and aluminium fins
Beijer Ref UK’s Sustainable Solutions team offers a free consultancy and system design service for anyone considering SEC for a project. For more information on how heat recovery can contribute towards your Net Zero targets, contact [email protected]
