43 select professionals from across all spheres of the cold chain industry joined together in Wiesbaden, Germany, for the EUROVENT KÄLTE KOLLOQUIUM. Over two days, from 4th - 5th June, operators, planners and manufacturers explored reliable refrigeration systems for the cold chain, "From Farm to Supermarket."
Organised by Eurovent Certification and COOLPLAN, with media partners CCI and KKA, the kolloquium scrutinised the latest trends in refrigeration, from analysing innovative projects paving the way for decarbonisation and net-zero, to boldly tackling issues such as underperformance and its impact on food quality and energy efficiency.
With presentations delving into the world of natural refrigerants, product certification, sustainable transport cooling, green building concepts, along with refrigeration components and systems, the event featured speakers from Eurovent Certification, Kratschmayer, ECOOLTEC, REWE, Evapco, LU-VE, Danfoss, Epta and TÜV SÜD. A comprehensive technical programme took delegates from theory to practical, with a mix of seminars and excursions, perfectly blended to encourage learning, discussion and networking in inspiring surroundings.
Summary of the Refrigeration Colloquium in Germany
Day 1: Kloster Eberbach
The colloquium commenced at the historic Kloster Eberbach near Wiesbaden, a monastery dating back to 1136. The atmospheric venue provided a unique setting for the event, contrasting the typical hotel conference environment. Delegates were welcomed with coffee and snacks before moving into the monk's refectory for the technical program, which covered certification, farming, transport, supermarket, and components within the food cold chain.
Key Presentations:
- Eurovent Certification Programs: Tim Kröger highlighted the importance of third-party product certification and the advantages of Eurovent Certified Performance.
- Refrigeration System Comparison (R744/R290): Micha Kluge discussed the DyNatCool project, comparing long-term fruit storage systems using propane and CO2.
- Sustainable Transport Cooling with Natural Refrigerants (R1270/R744): Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Süß explained the safe use of flammable natural refrigerants in transport cooling systems.
- Planning, Tendering, and Operation of R744 Green Building Concepts: Tobias Frey and Manfred Rössling presented REWE’s green farming market pilot store, incorporating a supermarket with a rooftop farm.
- Heat Dissipation in Logistics Cold Stores: Michael Rabenstein elaborated on the types and principles of cooling towers and the impact of uncertified data.
- Certification and Comparison of Finned Heat Exchangers: Stefano Filippini discussed Eurovent Certification for heat exchangers and their thermodynamic principles.
- Smart Store Concept and the Path to an Emission-Free Supermarket: Jörg Saar introduced the Danfoss Smart Store in Nordborg, Denmark, emphasizing energy reduction, reuse, and green energy sourcing.
- Cooling in a Circuit with Water-Loop Refrigeration Cabinets: Daniel Vöhringer covered water-loop system design and real-life examples of semi-plug-in systems.
- Testing and Certification of Refrigeration Systems and Components: Peter Schnepf detailed the certification process at TÜV SÜD, including various refrigeration systems and components.
After the technical sessions, delegates explored Kloster Eberbach, enjoyed a guided tour, and sampled local wines before concluding the day with a dinner at the monastery’s restaurant.
Day 2: Excursion
Green Farming Market Day two featured a practical exploration of cold food chain technology, starting with a visit to REWE’s Green Farming Market in Wiesbaden. Delegates toured the innovative site, which combines a supermarket with a rooftop farm for fish and basil production. Highlights included the CO2 refrigeration system, sustainable building materials, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient features.
NH3/CO2 Logistics Warehouse The final stop was REWE’s logistics warehouse in Raunheim, featuring 47,000 sqm of refrigerated space. The tour covered various plant rooms with ammonia chillers, Eurovent Certified Evapco cooling towers, and extensive photovoltaic installations. Delegates experienced the different temperature zones within the cold rooms and learned about the distribution process.
The event concluded with reflections on the technical presentations, tours, and networking opportunities, before delegates departed for Frankfurt airport. This year’s EUROVENT KÄLTE KOLLOQUIUM was praised for its exceptional content and unique approach.
