At Chillventa 2024, Sergei Mukminov, the editor-in-chief of RefIndustry.com, had an insightful conversation at the Epta Group booth with Vanessa Curti, Group Communication Manager, and Patrick Lissardy, Product Manager of Power Packs and Systems. The discussion revolved around Epta's latest refrigeration innovations, including their new Power Pack solutions that highlight their commitment to natural refrigerants and efficient systems. With a presence across multiple continents, Epta’s expertise in CO2 refrigeration systems and natural refrigerants continues to evolve, setting new industry standards.
Vanessa Curti, Group Communication Manager
Patrick Lissardy, Product Manager of Power Packs and Systems
Sergei Mukminov (SM): Vanessa, Patrick, thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. Epta has always been at the forefront of refrigeration technology. Could you start by telling us about the main products and solutions you are showcasing here at Chillventa 2024?
Vanessa Curti (VC): Thank you, Sergei, for the opportunity. We’re excited to present a wide range of solutions here at Chillventa, focusing on natural refrigerants. One of the highlights is our CO2 refrigeration systems, which we've been working on for many years. In this regard, Epta boasts the distinction of having been the first to implement a CO2 system in Europe in 1999 in Sweden.
Today, with the increasing focus on regulations, sustainability and energy efficiency, we are offering a variety of solutions tailored to meet the needs of different customers, from small to large-scale applications.
Patrick Lissardy (PL): We are showcasing several different technologies, including the new Power Pack ECO2Compacta, an innovative refrigeration unit that achieves new milestones in terms of performance, power and cooling capacity.
Specifically designed for convenience stores, this modular power pack is compact, efficient, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. It is also designed to minimize maintenance needs by requiring access from only one side, which is a significant improvement in terms of installation flexibility.
SM: That sounds very promising. Could you explain more about how the new ECO2Compacta power pack differs from others in the market?
PL: The ECO2Compacta is unique because it is designed with the user in mind, focusing on both energy efficiency and ease of use. It features widely used standard controllers such as Carel and Danfoss, and integrated noise insulation into the design, which makes it ideal for urban areas or locations where noise might be a concern. Additionally, the unit is built for maintenance efficiency. Unlike other systems that may require access from multiple sides, ECO2Compacta only needs one side for service, which means it can be placed against a wall without compromising accessibility.
SM: You mentioned sustainability earlier. How do your systems support the shift towards greener refrigerants, especially with CO2?
VC: Sustainability is at the core of Epta's mission. All of our solutions, including the new Power Packs, are designed with natural refrigerants. While CO2 is a major focus for us, we also offer solutions with R290, a propane-based refrigerant, for plug-in cabinets. This combination allows us to provide a set of versatile, energy-efficient solutions that align with the regulatory requirements of different regions.
PL: Another innovation we are showcasing is our CO2 backup unit. In critical plants where there’s a risk of power loss, managing CO2 pressure can be challenging due to the increasing temperatures. Traditionally, this has required auxiliary cooling systems, which add complexity to installations. Our new backup unit, however, can complement a standard configuration by cooling the CO₂ directly in the liquid receiver, while ensuring that pressure stays under control, even during a power outage, without any additional refrigerants in the system. The backup unit will be available starting January 2025, at no extra cost compared to previous versions.
SM: Impressive! It sounds like Epta is leading the way in terms of innovation. Can you tell me more about where these products are available? Are they limited to certain markets?
VC: Epta operates globally, and we have a presence on every continent, guaranteed by 40 technical and commercial premises, a presence in over 100 countries and 11 production sites in Limana, Solesino and Casale Monferrato in Italy, Hendaye in France, Bradford in the UK, Porvoo in Finland, Columbus in the USA, Rosario in Argentina, Çorlu in Turkey, Quingdao in China and Cha-Am in Thailand.. The products we develop are customized for different markets, but the core focus on sustainability and efficiency remains the same across all regions.
SM: It's fascinating to see how widespread Epta’s operations are. How important is local production to your strategy?
VC: Local production is crucial, especially in the refrigeration industry, where transportation of large systems like Power Packs can be challenging. By producing locally, we not only reduce transportation costs but also ensure that our products are tailored to meet local regulations and market needs. This allows us to offer our customers more flexibility and quicker lead times.
SM: Epta’s global reach is impressive. Looking at the future, what are some of the main trends or challenges you see in the refrigeration industry?
PL: One of the biggest trends we are seeing is the shift towards natural refrigerants, driven by both regulatory changes and a growing awareness of environmental impacts. This is pushing manufacturers to develop systems that are not only energy-efficient but also flexible enough to adapt to different market needs. At Epta, we are continually innovating to stay ahead of these changes, and our goal is to provide sustainable, future-proof solutions to all our customers.
VC: I’d also add that digitalization is playing a huge role in shaping the future of the industry. Systems are becoming more connected, allowing for better control, monitoring, and maintenance. At Epta, we are investing heavily in smart solutions by EptaService to provide real-time data to our customers, which helps improve the efficiency and longevity of the systems.
SM: It’s clear that Epta is not just keeping up with trends but leading the charge in many areas. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to highlight about your presence here at Chillventa or the future of Epta?
VC: We are proud to be showcasing such a diverse range of products here at Chillventa, and we are excited about what the future holds for the industry. Our focus remains on innovation and sustainability, and we look forward to continuing to provide cutting-edge solutions to our customers around the world.
PL: Yes, and I’d like to invite everyone to visit our production facilities and see firsthand how we design and build our systems. We believe that transparency is key to building strong relationships with our customers, and we’re always happy to show how our products come to life.
SM: Thank you both for your time. It’s been a pleasure learning more about Epta’s innovative products and vision for the future.