EMI supermarket is setting new standards in sustainable refrigeration with its innovative system featuring Opteon™ XL20 (R-454C) and CO₂ cascade technology. With a GWP of just 146 and outstanding efficiency, Opteon™ XL20 helps retailers meet regulatory demands while maintaining high performance and environmental responsibility. Learn more about EMI’s journey in our case study.
The commercial refrigeration sector is constantly evolving, driven by new European regulations and the need to reduce environmental impact. A concrete example of this transition is the EMI supermarket in Umbertide (Umbria), which has adopted the Opteon® XL20 (R-454C) refrigerant in an innovative R-454C - CO2 cascade system. This case study highlights the advantages of this solution and the crucial role played by GeneralGas in its implementation.
The F-Gas Regulation 2024/573 imposes increasingly stringent restrictions on refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP), prompting the industry to seek more sustainable alternatives. For supermarket owners, the challenge is to find solutions that guarantee energy efficiency, safety and ease of maintenance.
Why Opteon® XL20 (R-454C)?
The choice of refrigerant was determined by several factors:
- Low GWP (<150), in line with environmental regulations.
- High energy efficiency, thanks to its thermodynamic characteristics.
- Greater safety during installation and maintenance.
- Compatibility with existing infrastructure, reducing upgrade costs.
The EMI supermarket in Umbertide, with a sales area of 1500 m², has adopted an R-454C - CO2 cascade system designed by Umbria Frigo S.r.l.
The solution guarantees:
- Total TN cooling capacity: 80 kW
- Total BT cooling capacity: 38 kW
- Optimised energy efficiency, with a minimum COP of 1.92
- Safety in accordance with EN 378, thanks to the support of GeneralGas
The benefits of cascade technology
One of the main advantages of this technology is thermal stability, even during summer heat waves. Thanks to the use of CO2 in liquid phase, the system maintains constant performance, ensuring:
- Lower temperature variations in refrigerated cabinets
- High efficiency under stress
- Longer compressor life and reliability
GeneralGas continues to be a strategic partner for companies that want to face the future with cutting-edge technologies and in full compliance with environmental regulations. For years, it has been a point of reference in the supply of refrigerant gases and regulatory consulting. The company has supported the implementation of this solution with:
- Technical consulting on the choice of refrigerant
- Safety verification with the Smart378 tool
- Supply of tailor-made solutions to optimise costs and performance
The complete case study in PDF can be downloaded here
