This is unlike any other time in the history of the commercial refrigeration industry, which is enjoying a period of unprecedented innovation. The market is changing as a result of regulatory pressures, shifting consumer habits, and increasing customer demand for more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies. A wide variety of ecologically beneficial, operationally effective, and — perhaps most crucially — regulatory-compliant solutions are available to business owners and supermarket operators to choose from.
This requires operators to negotiate a constantly expanding pool of refrigeration solutions, methods, and technologies, which can be difficult. It is essential to stay abreast of evolving technology and consumer trends, as well as anticipate future regulatory requirements, in order to maximise the return on this long-term investment.
There are other options.
The move to the next generation of refrigeration systems is, without a question, the most difficult challenge for both original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and their customers (operators). New refrigeration equipment, components, and technologies are coming online in response to global demand for refrigerants with reduced GWP (global warming potential) and lower carbon footprint. In addition, more adaptable refrigeration architectures are being introduced to meet the trend toward smaller retail footprints, which is becoming increasingly popular.
Therefore, refrigeration scenarios are becoming increasingly diverse, with each offering its own set of advantages and disadvantages for operators to consider. Several variables must be considered while making decisions, including the environmental impact of the product or service, the total cost of ownership, the long-term viability, and the ability to react to changing consumer behaviour and potential future legislation. Education will be critical in this situation; contractors and manufacturers will need to step up and assist merchants in exploring and identifying the solutions that will best meet their needs and requirements.
Enhanced interconnectedness
Automation and internet of things (IoT) technology will continue to play an increasingly important role in this industry. Compressor protection and diagnostic capabilities make it easier to manage refrigeration cycles and system operations, while system electronics aid in the management of refrigeration cycles and system operations, and system electronics aid in the management of service and maintenance activities. These interconnected components will provide facility managers with unparalleled visibility into important facility systems, which will include air quality, lighting, and energy management, in addition to refrigeration and air conditioning. Operators will be able to more efficiently oversee and optimise the operation of their facilities and energy consumption thanks to user-friendly interfaces that integrate these critical systems.
A greater degree of complexity
Contractors have a unique set of issues as a result of the transition to lower-GWP refrigerants and the development of new technologies. In order to properly recover and service new and natural refrigeration systems, such as CO2-based systems, extensive training in the right recovery and servicing techniques will be required. Contractors will also need to gain a better understanding of the landscape in order to better match the aims of their customers with the equipment alternatives accessible to them. Higher upfront investments may be required, but they will be recouped in the long run as today’s innovations become the norm.
Prepared for what lies ahead
In the refrigeration industry, Emerson is at the forefront of environmentally responsible and economically feasible refrigeration systems and supporting technologies. We have also adopted a proactive approach to contractor education, offering a wide range of choices to help technicians improve their abilities and broaden their knowledge base in order to better serve their customers and the company.
Every step of the way, we attempt to assist operators in making informed decisions that will allow them to get the most out of their investments. After all, commercial refrigeration systems have the potential to last for decades if properly maintained. As a result of the dramatic changes that are transforming the sector, operators require solutions that can adapt to and grow with the next generation of technologies as well as system designs, which is not in sight at this time. Total refrigeration system sustainability is a goal of our strategy, which aims to provide solutions that meet operational and sustainability objectives today while also anticipating the needs of tomorrow.
