Exploring New Opportunities for CO₂ at ATMOsphere America

The role of the natural refrigerant CO₂ in global commercial refrigeration applications has been well-proven over the last decade. In the U.S. — as the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants enters its next phase and sustainability goals are shaping equipment decisions — the business case for CO₂ refrigeration continues to grow. Emerson has been busy partnering with retail end users and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to hone CO₂ refrigeration technologies in large- and smaller-footprint retail stores. At the upcoming ATMOsphere America Summit 2023 in Washington, D.C. on June 12–13, we will be presenting alongside our OEMs partners the very latest advancements in CO₂ lab research and field trials.

 With a global warming potential (GWP) of 1, zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and high potential for heat reclamation, the sustainable A1 refrigerant (R-744) is quickly becoming a leading consideration for food retailers. Today, more retailers are mapping out their future refrigeration strategies and testing the waters by trialing CO₂ systems in new stores.

Case studies for smaller-format retail

As a gold sponsor of the ATMOsphere America Summit 2023 and long-time manufacturer of CO₂-qualified compression, controls and components, Emerson is committed to furthering the application of CO₂ refrigeration technologies. Recently, we’ve had opportunities to work with our OEM and retail partners to develop and install CO₂ transcritical booster systems that were optimized for specific store sizes and locations. These efforts will be the bases of two case studies that we will present at the upcoming ATMOsphere Summit.

Session 1: Small-format CO₂ System Delivers C-store Sustainability (June 12 at 11:30 a.m. EDT)

Although CO₂ transcritical booster systems are well-known in large-format supermarkets, many convenience store (c-store) retailers are looking to replicate these successful CO₂ installations in their smaller-format stores. In this informative session, we’ll discuss how Kwik Trip — in partnership with OEM Zero Zone and Emerson — conducted a successful CO₂ system trial in an 8,800 sq. ft. store layout.

Not only did the prototype provide the proof of concept for the application of CO₂ systems in smaller store formats, but it also gave Kwik Trip leadership the confidence to move forward with the design in its future stores. This session will provide an overview of system design and installation.

Session 2: Industry Collaboration Drives Innovation, Training & CO₂ Adoption (June 12 at 3:30 p.m. EDT)

Among Emerson’s many research and development (R&D) and testing labs, its new CO₂ supermarket lab in Sidney, Ohio, is quickly becoming an industry collaboration hub. A recent partnership among Emerson, Dover Food Retail (Hillphoenix) and AAA Refrigeration leveraged the full capabilities of this state-of-the-art CO₂ facility— simulating a real-life supermarket refrigeration system environment.

We’ll discuss how the lab was used to test various technologies and operational strategies, enabling stakeholders to evaluate them against computer simulations. Components included: 18 display cases, piping and installation diagram, and high-ambient design optimization strategies.

Session 3: Conestoga Meats Cuts Carbon Emissions Using Vilter Heat Pumps (June 12 at 3:30 p.m. EDT)

During this time, we will discuss the rapidly growing demand for heat pump solutions in North America, as well as the potential for natural refrigerants to make an impact and take market share. We will also investigate the potential and significant energy savings achieved with natural heat pump solutions.

To learn more about how these collaborations are helping the industry to establish CO₂ best practices and build confidence in CO₂ applications, please make plans to attend our sessions at the ATMOsphere America Summit 2023.