New cooling and freezing house in Beneden-Leeuwen: Installation up and running according to LEED certification

In Beneden-Leeuwen a new cold store is being built. Fruit juices and concentrates will be produced and stored here. The new building should be ready in September 2022.

A total of 11,000 m2 of floor space will be added to the existing cold store. A central corridor will provide access to storage that can both chill and freeze.

The construction consists of a concrete foundation with a steel structure on top, which is fitted with sandwich panels. It is the installations in particular that make the building special. It will be built according to LEED certification. This is an American certification that so far has not been used very often in the Netherlands. It is similar to BREEAM, only it is less administrative work.

An engineering and consulting firm assists the builder with this LEED certification. This way, the employees know exactly what the materials, installations and building must meet. The client wants to achieve one of the highest grades, which gives another dimension to the project. The cooling technologies are contemporary and comply with the latest regulations.

A work to be proud of

The construction and associated collaborations are going smoothly. For the cooperating parties, it is a great reference project, a work to be proud of. Initially, however, the project got off to a slow start due to a zoning change that was required and the strict requirements set by various parties, such as the fire department, insurer and client. Finally, in the summer of 2021, pile driving work was started. It is expected that around September of this year the last freezer cell will be ready and furnished.

Cascade system for refrigerated and freezer storage

Van Kempen Koudetechniek is a specialized installer in the field of industrial refrigeration and freezing applications. For the cold store in Beneden-Leeuwen, the company is realizing a cascade system with NH₃-CO2 for seven large freezer cells with a capacity of over 100,000 m3. Shipping aisles are also cooled thanks to Van Kempen's expertise and seven explosion-proof ADR rooms are conditioned.

The cold store is being built according to LEED certification. The residual heat from the refrigeration is therefore used to heat the canteen, packaging areas and the floor heating of the freezer cells. Marcel Denecke, account manager at Van Kempen Koudetechniek, says: "The cascade installation works with natural refrigerants, which results in a favorable energy efficiency. In addition, the system is controlled by our VK-Dynamics control system." This is realized by Van Kempen itself, so the installation is controlled in a way that suits the specific situation. Denecke: "Everything can be monitored and looked back at. We can operate the installation remotely and keep an overview regarding the operation and energy consumption."

At H&S Coldstores, Van Kempen Koudetechniek works in a construction team. The various disciplines work together to achieve the best result. In addition to Cold Technology and Process Automation, the Service Department goes to work on the maintenance of the installation. Furthermore, the company has the disciplines Cell Construction and Air Conditioning and Climate in house. "Because we have the various disciplines in house, we can think along with the customer and provide customized designs," Denecke said.