Innovative Sustainable Refrigeration Solutions: VaCom's CO2/NH3 System in Los Angeles
VaCom Technologies
Your refrigeration and energy efficiency trusted advisors delivering world class industrial refrigeration systems.
At VaCom Technologies , we're proud to announce the successful implementation of our cutting-edge CO2/NH3 refrigeration system at a mid-sized food processing facility in Los Angeles, CA. This project marks a significant milestone in our commitment to environmental stewardship and operational excellence.
Commissioned in May 2024 after two years of meticulous planning and arduous work in partnership with leading contractors, this project aligns perfectly with regulatory standards such as the EPA’s AIM Act 2023 and California SB 1206. By replacing a legacy 55,000 lbs. Freon plant with our state-of-the-art design, we've not only enhanced efficiency but also eliminated the environmental impact associated with synthetic refrigerants.
Key to our solution is a low-charge ammonia design integrated with CO2 brine and glycol secondary refrigerants, bolstered by advanced supervisory and machine-level controls. This innovative approach not only ensures optimal performance at varying loads but also provides redundancy critical for uninterrupted operations.
The centerpiece of our system is a cascade configuration featuring 9,000 lbs. of Ammonia and 8,300 lbs. of CO2. This setup includes an innovative CO2/NH3 condenser that effectively doubles cooling capacity, supporting essential processes like spiral freezing and liquid product chilling. With a total cooling capacity of 1200 TR across low and medium temperatures, our solution is designed for robust, scalable performance.
Our technology leverages five BITZER US ACP.95 Ammonia Compressor Packs, optimized with double slider technology for efficient Vi regulation and stepless capacity control. Managed through the BITZER IQ Module and VaCom’s UL-Listed rPRO Series panels, our refrigeration plant operates seamlessly with advanced floating pressures control algorithms, ensuring energy efficiency and operational reliability.
Furthermore, our cloud-based VaCom Digital Services Platform provides real-time data insights for continuous monitoring, optimization, and predictive maintenance, maximizing system performance and longevity
Recommended by LinkedIn
This project underscores VaCom’s commitment to sustainable refrigeration solutions that not only meet regulatory requirements but also exceed industry standards. For more information on how VaCom can enhance your facility’s refrigeration efficiency and sustainability, visit www.vacomtech.com.
Join us in shaping the future of refrigeration technology today.
--
Written By Quang Truong Ngo // Edited By Ashley E.
Chief Refrigeration Engineer at VaCom-a subsidiary of Bitzer
3moI am very proud of our team and what we delivered to our client, JLB. Despite all the obstacles (Covid), we showed extreme resiliency. This is a low-charge ammonia system design and we replaced 55,000 lbs of R-22 with 9,000 lbs. of ammonia. Certain aspects of the system are unique and first of its kind in terms of low-charge design. First, the vertical glycol chiller is very low charge and robust. Second, our integrated NH3/CO2 DX condenser, and finally, a fully DX with critically charged system. In Conclusion, I wish to thank our client JLB, and its ever-gracious CEO, MR. Sean Lee. We woe it all to you. Cheers, Nasser Karimzadeh, P.E.