Every day, millions of people enter supermarkets, butcher shops, delicatessens, and grocery stores in search of fresh, safe, and high-quality products. The increased demand for food is accompanied by a need for variety, regardless of seasonality and the origin of the products.

Consequently, the ability to store, preserve, and control the ripening processes of food is fundamental to meeting consumer needs and maximizing business revenue by adapting to demand.

Monobloc units for cold storage chambers

There are typically two approaches to refrigeration management in cold storage chambers:

• Modular , in which one or more monobloc units are installed in each camera;

• Centralized , in which one or more evaporators installed inside the chamber are combined with an external condensing unit or a central refrigeration system.

The modular approach is ideal for small-volume chambers (up to approximately 50 m³) and simplifies installation and integration.

The monobloc solution is characterized by:

• Ease of installation : It is quick and simple to assemble, reducing start-up costs as it does not require highly specialized technical personnel.

• Compactness : the compact design and the availability of wall and ceiling models allow you to adapt your choice to the available space.

• Reliability : The units are factory-assembled. Mass production reduces the risk of refrigerant leaks and simplifies diagnostics in case of failure. Furthermore, advanced electronic controls, such as the IJF , allow for constant monitoring of unit operation and rapid identification of any faults.

A centralized approach is generally more common in higher-capacity refrigeration applications. However, installing multiple independent units—possibly networked—in the same cold room allows monobloc units to also be used in warehouses and refrigerated storage centers.

R290 and low environmental impact

Environmental sustainability is an increasingly important factor in the choice of refrigeration equipment. With the entry into force of the new F-Gas regulation, which progressively restricts the use of fluorinated gases with high GWP ( Global Warming Potential ), interest in natural refrigerants, such as propane (R290) , is growing.

Propane is a natural gas with a very low GWP (equal to 3). It offers excellent thermodynamic performance and minimal environmental impact.

Some manufacturers, when developing high-efficiency units, choose to integrate variable-speed VCC compressor management and continuous superheat modulation via an ExV electronic valve, expanding the range of on/off units with the inclusion of premium models.

Therefore, choosing intelligent control solutions is fundamental to implementing optimized logic capable of minimizing consumption at all stages of the unit's operation. Control logic designed to ensure temperature stability, adapt the unit's operation according to door openings, and minimize the number and duration of defrost cycles are key to reliable, energy-efficient solutions.

Minimize food waste

The UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024 reveals that in 2022, 1.05 billion tons of food were wasted globally, with the restaurant and retail sectors contributing 290 million and 131 million tons , respectively. The report identifies inadequate storage conditions as a major cause of food waste, often due to insufficient or non-existent refrigeration.

The availability of simple solutions facilitates the adoption of systems that guarantee ideal food preservation conditions.

Precise temperature control in cold storage chambers, sometimes combined with the regulation of environmental conditions (humidity and concentration of gases such as CO₂ or ethylene), can maximize the shelf life of products. This extends the period of availability for sale, increasing the likelihood of purchase and reducing food waste.

The adoption of monobloc solutions in cold storage chambers ensures high reliability , supporting service continuity and preventing interruptions in the cold chain.

The integration of supervisory systems for monitoring storage conditions provides additional support in identifying anomalies and taking timely corrective measures.

Scalability in service of sustainability.

Simple installation and compact design facilitate the implementation of refrigeration solutions in cold storage chambers throughout the entire cold chain — from local producers to distribution at the point of sale.

The use of modular solutions with propane monoblocks also promotes the transition to environmentally sustainable units, contributing to a responsible response to growing demand.