As the name suggests, they use ice to build and store cooling when cooling demand and/or energy rates are low (mostly overnight), which the system then uses for air-conditioning or process purposes when energy rates are high (mostly daytime).

Benefits

  • Refrigeration systems up to 50% more compact.
  • Operational cost savings: ice formed overnight with cheaper electricity.
  • Lower energy consumption basing the cooling system on average conditions rather than peak reduces power requirements and the refrigerant charge.
  • Reduced carbon footprint: Most of the cooling occurs overnight when condensing temperatures are lower and the cooling system requires less energy.
  • Less compressor maintenance since the compressor operates continuously at full capacity and not under fluctuating partial load.
  • Thermal storage systems provide back-up cooling. 

SystemsIce around coil

  • External melt system (TSU-C/F and TSCDirect ice/water contact ensures a constant low water temperature. External melt is ideal for applications requiring constant near-freezing water temperatures (1 to 2°C)
  • Internal melt system (TSU-C/F)Internal melt is ideal for air-conditioning involving cooling at higher temperatures. 

Coil is installed in factory-assembled modular tanks, several of which are usually needed for the required cooling load. They can be installed in basements, on roofs, and inside or outside buildings

  • TSC features only a coil for ice thermal storage applications. The concrete tanks housing this are typically part of the building infrastructure.

Applications

Ice thermal storage is typically used for

  • industrial and process cooling
  • emergency cooling
  • supermarkets
  • dairies
  • breweries
  • meat processing
  • wet air pre-cooling for storage of fruit and vegetables

Does ice thermal storage for your refrigeration system sound like a good option? Contact your local BAC representative and determine the optimal ice-melt system for your application.