Beijer Ref has introduced a CO2-based ice builder developed in New Zealand

Beijer Ref has introduced a CO2-based ice builder designed and developed in New Zealand, which the company says is the first of its kind in the region. The system is intended for dairy industry applications, where efficient and sustainable ice production is critical.

The unit is housed in a Kilkenny insulated tank and features custom-engineered evaporator coils. It operates with Beijer Ref’s SMTDX10 transcritical R744 refrigeration system and requires 14 kg of CO2 refrigerant. According to Chris Gibbons, Product Development Manager at SCM REF NZ, this represents a lower refrigerant charge compared to synthetic alternatives.

The ice builder offers approximately 500 kg of ice storage capacity. A larger 1,000 kg model is currently in development to meet higher demand.

The system uses four Danfoss AKV pulse valves controlled by a single Danfoss case controller to stabilise evaporator performance without risking low superheat at the compressor.

In testing under ambient conditions of 14°C in Auckland, the unit achieved consistent performance at minimal compressor speed, maintaining target saturated suction temperature (SST). Gibbons reports the system achieves a coefficient of performance (COP) of around 4.5.

“It’s an economical unit to build ice, which helps reduce farm overheads as well as being able to build ice in cheaper off-peak power,” said Chris Gibbons.