Is CO2 Right for your Small Format Store?

What is a Small Format Store?

A Small format store typically measures less than 25,000 ft² and requires less than 30 tons of refrigeration capacity. These stores often include convenience stores, small grocery stores, and pharmacies. Due to their size, small format stores lack the space or lease agreements needed to install the large rack units favored by large-format retailers. Additionally, organizing small format stores to fit display cases presents another complication.

Why CO2?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) as a refrigerant offers several advantages:

• It significantly reduces the environmental impact and plays a crucial role in combating climate change.
• CO2 is the gold standard for ozone depletion potential (ODP) at 0.
• It has a global warming potential (GWP) of 1.

Many countries, including the US, are phasing out high-GWP synthetic refrigerants and enforcing stricter environmental regulations. Embracing CO2 ensures compliance with these evolving regulations, avoiding penalties and legal complications.

CO2 is nonflammable, nontoxic, and a low-cost refrigerant. The recent advent of high-pressure, iron-impregnated copper has allowed the transition from traditionally stainless-steel piping to familiar brazed copper piping, further improving value and simplifying repairs.

Is CO2 Right for Your Small Format Store?

CO2 is also a low-cost refrigerant. Most synthetic refrigerants can cost upwards of $20 per lb, whereas the current price of CO2 is around $3 per lb. CO2 systems require smaller copper pipes than other refrigeration systems, which decreases installation costs. Additionally, CO2 systems have excellent energy efficiency, minimizing operational costs. Its high density and low viscosity increase coil efficiency, allow for smaller line sizes, and take advantage of smaller compressors.

Although everyone with a CO2 system can enjoy its benefits, small format stores can go a step further. Since small format refrigeration systems require less refrigerant, they do not need heat removal through air conditioning. This means the heat reclaim can be used for space heating, dehumidification, commercial kitchens, and restrooms.

Zero Zone understands that one size does not fit all. Our Genesys™ Natural Refrigeration Systems can be tailored for small format stores with the following products.

Indoor Parallel Systems

Outdoor Parallel Systems

Distributed Refrigeration Systems

Real World Examples

Here are some case studies of using Zero Zone’s CO2 Genesys™ Natural Refrigeration Systems in small format stores:

Small grocery store in Stapleton, CO

• Zero Zone completed this project using an indoor parallel system that can operate on a mezzanine in a mechanical room in a  5B climate zone. It has a remote adiabatic gas cooler, negating the need for air conditioning. The design pressure is 120 bar on the high side and 45 bar on the low side.

Small format store in Islandia, NY

• This store is located in a  4A climate zone and home to one of Zero Zone’s outdoor parallel roof-mounted rack systems. This system has a remote air-cooled gas cooler and a design pressure of 120 bar high side and 90 bar low side.

Convenience Store in Dayton, MN

• Zero Zone also has an outdoor parallel system mounted on the roof in a  6A climate zone. This system measures 120 bar on its high side and 45 bar on its low side. This location also uses the heat reclaim for heating the backroom air coil and water.

A common myth surrounding CO₂ as a refrigerant is that it can only be used in certain climates. This is true only for certain types of CO₂ systems. Transcritical CO₂ systems can only be used in cooler climate zones. Subcritical CO₂ systems can be used in any climate zone. At Zero Zone, we have a solution for natural refrigerants in any climate.

Are You Ready for Zero Zone’s Genesys™ CO­₂ System?

To start a project or learn more about how Zero Zone can help, contact one of our sales representatives.