WITH EPTA, ZERO-IMPACT REFRIGERATION IN THE MOST SUSTAINABLE LIDL ITALIA STORE EVER

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Epta has contributed to the realisation of the most sustainable Lidl Italia store ever, designing an innovative zero-impact refrigeration system.

Composed of a transcritical CO₂ refrigeration unit, refrigerated furniture with built-in propane unit and a heat energy recovery system, the system was designed to optimise the performance of the cold chain of the first format of supermarket of the future, inaugurated in Villafranca, in the province of Verona.

​The firsts of the new store are multiple: totally self-sufficient in terms of energy and built with recycled materials, it minimises energy dispersion and emissions into the atmosphere, for all round eco-compatibility.

THE ACTION PLAN FOR NATURAL COLD IN EVERY SEASON

Epta proposed natural refrigeration solutions, efficient in every season thanks to a CO₂ system geared to calibrating its parameters depending on the different climate conditions.

The entire system is based on heat energy recovery which in spring and autumn provides for the release of excess heat produced by the furniture into the atmosphere, in favour of a significant reduction in energy consumption and perfect operation in summer, even in extreme heat conditions thanks to ETE technology. Finally, in the winter season, below 15°C, a Heat recovery system enhances the surplus of thermal energy originated by the cabinets, to heat the store.

At the heart of the system is a powerful version of the CO₂ transcritical unit Eco₂Small. A mix of compactness and modularity, it combines with an ETE Extreme Temperature Efficiency subcooler to ensure cooling of the refrigerant fluid and significant saving above 40°C.

​Furthermore, the innovation of the Group reaches an unprecedented level in the Lidl store of Villafranca: for the first time, the system operates on subcritical CO_2, without the need to pass to transcritical during Heat Recovery mode, active in winter.

CLOSED DOORS, OPEN FUTURE: FOR WASTE-FREE REFRIGERATION

Lidl Italia opts for closure of the refrigerated cabinets in its new store, adopting a winning strategy to fight waste. With the goal of limiting cold dispersion inside the store, the retail chain has selected the top of the range Costan technological offer, closed with glass doors, always produced by Epta.

​The models installed in the store include: 

• The vertical negative built-in Sound Top operating on propane, which confirms itself as absolute protagonist in the frozen food area, thanks to a display surface area which has doubled in size for the same floor space. 

• The vertical positive GranVista of the GranFit family and Arcade of the Fundamenta line, both branded Costan, which respectively ensure excellent product visibility, thanks to exclusively designed doors equipped with transparent handles, and improved performance, calculated between 12 and 22%, compared to preceding models, thanks to high efficiency evaporators and low-power fans.

An approach which demonstrates how sustainability for Epta is represented in every detail, from the overall system to the single piece of furniture.