Designing a refrigeration chamber in a supermarket

19.12.2025

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Designing a refrigeration chamber in a supermarket is not merely a matter of selecting equipment — it is a comprehensive engineering process that directly affects product storage quality, energy consumption, and the overall operational stability of the store. Errors made at the design stage can result in excessive energy use, uneven cooling, and product losses.

Below are the key factors that should be considered when designing refrigeration chambers for supermarkets.

Purpose and Temperature Regime of the Chamber

The first and fundamental step is to clearly define which products will be stored in the chamber:

• chilled products (meat, dairy products, vegetables);

• frozen products;

• universal or technological chambers.

Each category requires its own temperature regime. Incorrectly set parameters may lead to:

• product spoilage;

• excessive energy consumption;

• unstable operation of refrigeration equipment.

Chamber Dimensions and Usable Volume

During the design process, it is important to consider not only the floor area of the chamber, but also the actual usable volume:

• storage height;

• type and arrangement of shelving;

• personnel aisles.

Properly selected volume allows for optimized load on the refrigeration system and helps avoid unnecessary operating costs.

Heat Loads

One of the key engineering aspects is the calculation of heat gains, which directly influence equipment selection:

• heat ingress through building envelopes;

• heat load from incoming products;

• heat generated by personnel and lighting;

• warm air infiltration during door openings.

Accurate heat load calculations ensure stable system operation without overloads.

Thermal Insulation and Enclosing Structures

The quality of thermal insulation directly affects the energy efficiency of a refrigeration chamber. Attention should be paid to:

• type of sandwich panels;

• panel thickness and thermal conductivity coefficient;

• airtightness of joints;

• quality of floor, ceiling, and door installation.

Even the most advanced equipment will not perform efficiently without properly selected insulation.

Selection of Refrigeration Equipment

At the design stage, it is essential to define the overall refrigeration concept based on the facility’s technological requirements and operating conditions. In particular, the following should be considered:

• the configuration of the refrigeration system in accordance with the scale and operating mode of the facility;

• choice of refrigerant: traditional refrigerants or modern environmentally friendly technologies, including systems using the natural refrigerant R744 (CO₂), which comply with current environmental and regulatory requirements.

Modern solutions make it possible to:

• reduce operating costs;

• improve system reliability;

• comply with environmental standards.

Equipment Layout and Logistics

Proper placement of refrigeration equipment ensures:

• convenient maintenance access;

• minimal cooling losses;

• reduced noise levels.

It is also important to plan:

• loading and unloading logistics;

• personnel movement routes;

• service access zones.

Control Systems and Automation

A modern supermarket refrigeration chamber cannot function effectively without automation systems, including:

• temperature control;

• alarm and emergency signaling;

• energy consumption monitoring;

• integration with BMS or centralized dispatching systems.

Automation not only maintains stable operating conditions but also enables rapid response to system malfunctions.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability

In the long term, energy efficiency is a key factor determining the overall economics of the project. During the design phase, it is important to consider:

• the energy efficiency class of the equipment;

• heat recovery options;

• use of environmentally friendly refrigeration technologies;

• compliance with current regulations and standards.

This is especially critical for supermarkets operating 24/7.

Conclusion

Designing a refrigeration chamber for a supermarket is a balance between precise engineering calculations, energy efficiency, and practical operation. Attention to key factors at the design stage allows to:

• reduce operational costs;

• ensure consistent product storage quality;

• prevent future operational issues.

A comprehensive approach combined with modern technologies is the foundation of a reliable refrigeration system for any supermarket.

Ralco Technic supports your company at every stage and delivers projects of any complexity.

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