Ammonia/CO2 refrigeration system keeps AGF products fresh, fresh and at quality

VDH Forwarding & Warehousing, Ridderkerk

VDH Forwarding & Warehousing is taking an important step in its growth plans, with the realization of a new and state-of-the-art distribution center in Ridderkerk. The building of more than 30,000 square meters is specifically designed for the storage and distribution of AGF fresh produce and is fully cooled with the ammonia/CO2 refrigeration system of Paauw Industrial Refrigeration Solutions.

Paauw Industrial Refrigeration Solutions is a refrigeration design and installation company, specializing in innovative and advanced industrial refrigeration systems for the storage and handling of fruits and vegetables, ripening systems and pre-cooling systems. The company distinguishes itself through innovative, customized designs and a conscious choice of natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO2. All installations are designed and installed according to applicable standards, such as PED (Pressure Equipment Directive), (N)EN-378, NPR-7601, HCCP and BRC. "We also have extensive experience with BREEAM projects, such as in Ridderkerk," says owner Marc Paauw of Paauw Industrial Refrigeration Solutions.

Specific knowledge and expertise

The refrigerated storage of fruits and vegetables requires specific knowledge and expertise, which Paauw Industrial Refrigeration Solutions has plenty of. Not for nothing was the refrigeration design and installation company from Bodegraven involved in the new construction of VDH Forwarding & Warehousing as early as 2023. "AGF products (Potatoes, Vegetables and Fruit) are living organisms that continue to breathe and perspire after their harvest," Paauw clarifies. "To maintain their quality and freshness, it is very important that these products are stored at the optimal temperature, with proper air flow. This reduces moisture loss and slows down the aging process, keeping the products fresher longer. Balanced air distribution and optimal control of temperature and humidity are essential for preserving these fragile products, which we are excellent at providing."

Efficient and environmentally friendly cooling with ammonia and CO2

Ammonia has excellent thermodynamic properties, Paauw knows. "A refrigeration system with ammonia can achieve very good energetic performance. Not for nothing was a central ammonia installation prescribed in the design drawings and specifications for the VDH distribution center, in combination with CO2 as a refrigerant for the cooling of the cold stores and shipping department. To further increase the energy performance, however, this central ammonia refrigeration plant was split on our recommendation. At its base is now a liquid ammonia pumping system, which keeps the building's cold rooms at a temperature of -1 to 10°C. In addition, there will be a separation exchanger in the engine room. This also allows VDH to take advantage of the benefits of CO2 as a cold carrier, for cooling the shipping and repacking areas where a temperature of 4 to 10°C is sufficient. The waste heat released during the cooling process is used sustainably to heat the offices."

BREEAM Excellent

VDH Forwarding & Warehousing's new distribution center is over 30,000 m2 in size and features 24 cold stores, four shipping zones, a large mezzanine and fresh storage above the shipping area. The DC also has 42 dock shelters. "The total cooling capacity we need to cool this building is 2.3 MW," says Paauw. "By consciously choosing efficient and natural refrigerants, EC fans, frequency-controlled compressors, heat recovery as well as advanced computer-controlled control, measurement and regulation technology, we are not only ensuring an efficient and environmentally friendly installation, but also making an important contribution to the BREEAM Excellent ambition in this project."