Conference Agenda

The most common method of defrosting ammonia evaporators in large cold store or freezer systems uses hot gas. There are several methods of achieving an effective defrost but they can cause a significant penalty in system capacity and operating cost if they are not maintained in good condition. This paper describes the options for hot gas defrost and outlines the steps required to maintain good performance, with the consequences of failure to do so. Design guidance to eliminate the problems for the construction of new systems is provided and maintenance checks are described.

The international standard for frozen foods is -18°C (0°F). The "Three-Degrees-of change" initiative proposes to explore the interest of raising from -18°C to -15°C the frozen storage temperature in order to save energy. The analysis on the impact of this initiative on the quality of frozen foods shows that a 30% loss in shelf life is expected for food stored at -15°C compared to -18°C (Le-Bail et al., 2025). A focus is proposed in this study on the impact of temperature oscillation during storage; indeed, in the case of foods with a lower initial freezing point (ie IFP of -5°C vs -1°C), a same temperature oscillation will result in a larger change in LOF and a_w. Therefore, the shelf life is likely to be more affected in a food with a lower IFP.

Fresh food (meat, dairy products…) needs to be kept between 0 and 8°C during transport and storage in a cold chain by refrigeration systems and suitable packaging. In this work, we focus on secondary packaging, which is used to transport products from production to the point of sale. EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) boxes are often used because of their thermal efficacy, low weight, and cost. However, because of its large volume and low density, EPS is difficult to recycle in many countries. Cardboard is an alternative to EPS and numerous studies have shown its potential from an environmental point of view or based on its thermal performance. Using an experimentally validated thermal model, different designs of cardboard packaging with modified air spaces or corners are tested. Our objective is to find a design that can withstand high temperatures for a certain duration.

Rising global temperatures are straining refrigeration systems, increasing cooling loads, reducing efficiency, and amplifying peak electricity demand. Thermal Energy Storage (TES) offers a cost-effective, scalable solution by shifting refrigeration loads, enhancing efficiency, and improving grid flexibility. Unlike batteries, TES has a longer lifespan, requires less maintenance, and eliminates fire risk, making it an ideal demand-side resource.

This paper explores TES as a climate adaptation tool, demonstrating its ability to shift cooling demand, reduce peak loads, and enhance grid resilience. TES enables long-term energy storage without degradation, providing refrigeration industries with a sustainable, cost-effective alternative amid intensifying climate challenges. As utilities and policymakers prioritize grid-stabilizing solutions, TES emerges as a proven strategy for resilience, operational efficiency, and decarbonization.

Keywords: Thermal Energy Storage, Refrigeration Energy Management, Peak Load Shifting, Demand Response, Grid Resilience, Decarbonization