A central pack system is similar to a traditional condensing unit in that the evaporator is located in the refrigerated space but the cooling system is located elsewhere.  It differs from an individual condensing unit in that it is effect one large condensing unit capable of providing enough cooling for numerous refrigerated spaces connected to it.  The heat removed from the refrigerated space is then expelled either to the area around the which is usually located on the roof of the building or in a plant room.  Alternatively if no suitable location can be identified into which the heat can be expelled it can be removed by water.

In the correct application pack refrigeration systems can be more energy efficient than traditional condensing units.  The principal of a pack refrigeration system is to match the capacity available more equally to the capacity required.  Where as a traditional condensing unit will start and stop in line with the demanded refrigeration capacity causing high 'spikes' in the electrical supply the pack will reduce these to a minimum.  Further savings can be made if thought is given to the design of the pack to select the optimum number of compressors to balance the size of each system with the estimated demand of the loads connected to it.  This ensures that the efficiency of the system if maximised as much as is possible at all times.

Pack efficiency can be increased still further with the introduction of capacity control both at the pack and the load connected to it.

At the pack the capacity provided can be 'fine tuned' to exactly the match the capacity required by the connected loads.  Further performance improvements can be made by allowing the pack to adjust it's own operating parameters based on the environment in which it is located.

The load can be fitted with controls again too 'fine tune' the capacity demanded to the capacity required to maintain the refrigerated space at the required temperature.

For more information on High Efficiency, Low Energy Packs click here

Minimises effect of environmental conditions on unit performance

Refrigeration capacity matched to demand

Improved energy efficiency over remote systems if applied correctly

High refrigerant content

Installations are fixed due to pipework

Requires planning at design stage

Will almost certainly fall under FGas regulations

Not suitable for small loads or small number of appliances

Not available at present for Hydrocarbon refrigerants