Ice Cream cabinets using a hydrocarbon refrigerant: from technology concept to Global rollout

In 2000, the world largest ice cream producer Unilever made a commitment to implement by 2005 a non- HFC purchasing policy for ice cream freezer cabinets in all countries where commercially viable alternatives can be legally used. After thoroughly investigating all alternatives, R290 (Propane) has been chosen as the replacement for HFCs in this application. Between 2000 and 2003, small scale trials have been performed, and measurements in the field showed that there was no significant difference in reliability and performance between R290 and HFC cabinets. As a side-effect, the cabinets using R290 appeared to be more energy efficient. Supporting work has been undertaken to assess and quantify the risks of using R290. As a result of this work, some very minor changes to the design of these cabinets have been identified, in order to further minimise the risks. Recognising that servicing (maintenance and repair) activities on those cabinets represent the highest risk, a detailed training package for maintenance & repair technicians has been developed and made available to servicing companies. Since 2003, R290 cabinets are being rolled out globally, and by mid 2008 about 270,000 units operate in the field (of a total fleet of more than 2 million). Data from the field and from climate room tests reconfirm that there is no difference in safety, reliability and performance between cabinets with R290 or HFC refrigerants, and that the R290 cabinets are more energy efficient.