Understanding what commercial refrigeration is and how it works is helpful for business owners who want to add or update this type of tech in their operations. After all, you can’t select the best systems if you don’t know what they are or how they operate! As Gympie’s trusted experts in commercial refrigeration with over three decades of experience, Tony Stephens Refrigeration (TSR) is here to guide you through everything you need to know about commercial refrigeration systems in Australia.
Commercial refrigeration refers to the industrial-scale cooling systems used by businesses and other organisations to store, preserve, and display temperature-sensitive products such as food, medicines, drinks, plants, and more. Unlike residential fridges, commercial refrigeration systems are designed to handle larger volumes and maintain precise temperatures consistently. This makes them essential for businesses ranging from local cafes to large supermarkets.
Different industries have unique refrigeration requirements based on their products, regulations, and operational needs. Your commercial refrigeration system must be tailored to meet specific temperature ranges, storage capacities, and compliance standards for your industry.
TSR works with businesses across various sectors to design and implement custom cooling solutions that match their exact needs. Here are some of the industries that use commercial refrigeration the most, and some of the ways they do so:
Commercial businesses need specific cooling solutions that match their operational requirements, available space, and budget. From small café display units to massive cold storage facilities, commercial refrigeration systems come in various sizes and configurations. Each type serves unique purposes and offers different benefits for your business needs. Some common types of systems include:
You can also use commercial refrigeration systems for plug-in enclosed vending machines, semi-vertical cabinets, drop-in coolers, and under-counter refrigerators, to name a few.
Every commercial refrigeration system relies on several key components working together to maintain consistent cooling. Each component plays a vital role in the system’s efficiency and performance, and regular maintenance of these parts ensures your system runs reliably year-round. Key elements include:
The compressor operates as a motor and pressurises refrigerant gas to begin the cooling cycle. (Refrigerant is a special gas or liquid with a low boiling point.) Modern systems use energy-efficient compressors that reduce power consumption while maintaining optimal performance.
Next, condenser coils receive the compressed refrigerant gas from the compressor and cool it as it passes through, thus removing heat from the refrigerated space. Regular maintenance of these coils ensures your system operates at peak efficiency.
This precision component controls refrigerant flow, maintaining exact temperatures for your specific needs. The liquid coolant passes through the expansion valve (that acts as a throttling device) and the liquid expands into a gas, drops in pressure, and the temperature drops in turn.
The next step in the process is for the coolant to expand inside the evaporator coil and cycle back to the compressor.
When choosing a commercial refrigeration system, consider a variety of elements to make your decision, such as:
If you feel overwhelmed by the options, call us for some helpful advice. As specialists in this area, we know how to recommend the right type of unit(s) for your needs.
Many businesses benefit from integrating their commercial refrigeration with their air conditioning systems for optimal climate control. Learn more about our complete air conditioning solutions on our commercial air conditioning page or contact us to discuss your overall requirements today.
Proper installation of your commercial refrigeration system is vital for:
As a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience, TSR brings innovative solutions and local expertise to every commercial refrigeration project.
If you’re in Gympie, the Wide Bay, or South Burnett regions and need expert commercial refrigeration services, TSR is here to help. This article should have answered your question about “What is commercial refrigeration?” but if not, we’re always happy to explain it further. Plus, with our 24-hour service and support, we ensure your business stays running smoothly, no matter the time of day or night. Get in touch to book a service or get a quote. We pride ourselves on being your local experts committed to keeping your business cool and efficient year-round.
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