Refrigerated cases are a workhorse in any supermarket, presenting a tantalizing display of grocery staples and indulgences alike. While most grocery store operators often only give serious thought to their display case technology when something goes awry, it should be a focus as retailers look ahead, whether planning remodels or new stores. The next few years will be pivotal for grocers, which must prepare to adapt to changing environmental regulations that will require the phase-out of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants.
“We are working with retailers to develop strategies to future-proof stores, with many deciding to make changes now, rather than waiting,” said Daniel May, manager of engineering and project management at AHT Cooling Systems, a leading manufacturer and innovator of glycol waterloop refrigeration and freezer systems. He points to a potential conflict in supply and demand for those that haven’t prioritized seguing to a natural refrigerant, given the substantial amount of equipment that will need to be replaced or retrofitted because of policy changes.
AHT becomes a dominant market payer with industry-leading technology
AHT leads the waterloop display case industry in the European market and has expanded its portfolio in the United States, launching industry-first products that respond to market demand and meeting the forthcoming regulations while also addressing a number of other common supermarket pain points.
In 2003, AHT Europe launched its first low GWP refrigerant R290 propane case; and in 2015, AHT launched R290 propane multideck systems and frozen case lineups. The refrigeration system, which is known as glycol waterloop, has several benefits over traditional refrigeration cases and systems. The lack of refrigerant piping means reduced costs related to material and installation. In addition, the solutions offer increased flexibility for retailers that need to alter store layouts, because they can move case locations without having to remove existing circuits and repipe.
In addition, the AHT cases are energy-efficient, using less energy than traditional systems while also helping reduce a store’s overall energy bill through heat-recovery technology. This allows grocers to use “free heat” and redeploy it to other areas of the store, which, in turn, can save money on utility and water costs.
Finally, AHT’s solution is prized for operating with a leak rate of less than 1.5%, compared with traditional retail industry leak rates for remote rack systems that average 12% and above annually. “AHT has a great solution for retailers who want to remove the pain point of paying for Freon because of ongoing refrigeration leak and repairs. Being able to show the cost-benefit analysis to retailers makes this technology intriguing,” said Clay Galloway, North America sales director for AHT Cooling Systems.
Backed by industry expertise
AHT was acquired by climate-solutions company Daikin Industries, Ltd., the world’s No. 1 air conditioning company, in 2019, along with three additional companies — Hubbard, one of the U.K.’s leading designers, manufacturers and suppliers of commercial cooling equipment; Spain-based Tewis Smart Systems SL (Tewis), a leading developer of CO2 systems; and Zanotti, which offers cold-room solutions as well as transport and industrial refrigeration systems.
Together they are establishing strength within key markets with an extensive suite of products. “Being able to collaborate and have access to Daikin’s existing industry-leading products combined with AHT’s low GWP R290 solutions has allowed for great synergies and innovation,” Galloway said.
American-Made, American-Serviced
Although its parent company has headquarters in Rottenmann, Austria, AHT’s Vento multidecks, frozen door lineups and Monoblocks are manufactured in Ladson, South Carolina, and its training center with showroom recently opened in Southern California. This proximity means U.S. customers can be assured parts and service are readily available. “We want retailers and contractors to feel confident this local site means they’ll be able to get parts in a timely manner and quick responses to questions they have regarding our products,” Galloway said.
To increase industry awareness, AHT routinely participates in industry training events and offers no-cost training and education for retailers and contractors to ensure they know how to conduct proper preventive maintenance, service and repair.
Hames Corp., a wholesale grocer in Sitka, Alaska, has adopted AHT systems for several reasons, including reduced operational costs, increased efficiency and improved aesthetics, said Jade Culbertson, president and managing partner of Core Energy & Infrastructure, LLC, which works with Hames. He reports that AHT has made several trips to its location, in addition to hosting his team at its South Carolina factory.
“Not only have they have been great in educating us on the differences and benefits of their products and systems, but they have worked side by side with our installers and consultants to ensure the design is correct and our crews are up to speed on proper installation and operation,” he said.
Comprehensive training is crucial, May explained, given that switching from a traditional HFC system to a waterloop system requires a paradigm shift, much like the pivot from a gas-powered car to an electric vehicle. May acknowledged that embracing a new perspective could be challenging, especially when retailers were already contending with a barrage of competing priorities, including evolving consumer expectations, new technologies and ever-tightening budgets.
“AHT does not offer HFC refrigerants because we are 100% committed to using natural refrigerants across our portfolio. Being able to assist retailers with offering future-proof solutions is what makes our portfolio unique,” Galloway said.
If you would you like to explore how this environment-friendly refrigerant can help shrink your eco-footprint, streamline your store operations and save money, find out more at AHT Cooling Systems today.
