Orwell Design Associates partnered with Brunel University London to upgrade its refrigeration test centre from HFC systems to CO₂ technology. The project supported the University's Centre for Sustainable Energy Use in Food Chains (CSEF), enabling it to continue researching and testing the next generation of refrigeration systems using natural refrigerants.
The Challenge
Unlike a conventional refrigeration installation, the systems were designed for a specialist testing environment. They needed to comply with BS EN 23953 testing standards while providing the flexibility to test a wide range of refrigerated display cabinets under varying operating conditions.
The bespoke nature of the project required innovative engineering solutions, including custom-designed components capable of operating at high pressures without compromising measurement accuracy or system performance.
Our Approach
ODA designed and delivered a bespoke CO₂ refrigeration solution tailored specifically for laboratory testing. The integrated condensing units combined compressors, receivers, controllers and gas coolers into compact systems capable of supporting both medium and low temperature testing.
The CO2 refrigeration systems installation was completed successfully and in line with our original brief. The help and support provided throughout the project was particularly valuable, especially by the Technical Engineers, and it was a pleasure to work together on this project.
Kostas Tsamos, Brunel University
Working closely with Brunel University, we also developed specialist component layouts, custom thermocouple pockets and precision instrumentation to meet demanding testing standards while maintaining accurate refrigerant flow and performance monitoring.
Key Elements
- CO₂ refrigeration system design
- Bespoke laboratory testing solution
- Compliance with BS EN 23953 testing standards
- Medium and low temperature test systems
- Custom component and instrumentation design
- CAREL supervisory controls
- Performance monitoring and optimisation
The Outcome
The completed installation enables Brunel University to test refrigerated display cabinets using the latest CO₂ refrigeration technology, supporting research into more sustainable refrigeration systems. The flexible, fully monitored solution provides a future-ready platform for industry testing while helping manufacturers and retailers evaluate system performance using natural refrigerants.
