FAQ – Designing a Refrigeration Unit? Here’s What to Consider

Designing a refrigeration unit—whether it’s a display cabinet, prep table or cold room—requires careful selection of components that meet both functional and regulatory requirements. The quality of components affects not only system performance but also safety, energy consumption, and compliance with EU regulations.

Below is a breakdown of the key component groups to consider during the design process:

1. Refrigeration System – the heart of the unit

• Compressor
  Selection based on required cooling capacity and operating conditions. Recommended: certification according to PN-EN 12900 (performance) and EN 60335 (safety).
• Condenser
  E.g., finned or microchannel, compliant with PN-EN 13215. Selected based on refrigerant type, capacity, and mounting location.
• Evaporator
  Chosen based on evaporation temperature and dimensions of the refrigerated space.
• Refrigerant
  Recommended: natural refrigerants R290 (propane) or R744 (CO₂), in accordance with Regulation 2024/573 (F-Gas) and the Green Deal policy.

2. Electrical Components and Automation

• Fan motors (e.g., EC)
  Must comply with Regulation 2019/1781 and energy efficiency class IE3 or higher. ATEX-certified versions recommended for R290 systems.
• Controllers, sensors, relays
  Compatible with RS485 protocols (e.g., XWEB). Enable precise temperature control, monitoring, and analytics.
• LED modules, power supplies, and automation systems
  Compliance with EN 60335 (safety), EN 60598 (luminaires), EN 62471 (photobiological safety).

3. Lighting

• High-efficiency LED modules
  Must meet Regulation 2019/2020. Efficiency ≥ 120 lm/W, low flicker.
• Class VI power supplies
  Compliant with energy efficiency and safety standards (ECODESIGN + EN/IEC 61347).

4. Enclosure, Insulation & Structural Elements

• Insulated doors and gaskets
  Compliant with EN 12150 (safety glass), EN 14285 (gasket durability), designed to reduce thermal bridges.
• Hinges, handles, slides
  Made from certified materials, resistant to wear and humidity. Compliant with Regulation 1935/2004 (food contact).
• Use of AISI-304 stainless steel
  Corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, compliant with EN 1672-2 (hygiene in food machinery).

5. Additional Functional Components

• Condensate evaporation systems
  Automatic, no need for drainage – ideal for mobile or retrofit applications.
• Ventilation, adjustable feet, bumpers
  Support service ergonomics, device safety, and durability.

Why is proper component selection so important?

• Ensures compliance with EU standards (EEI – 2019/2024, EED, ESPR, F-Gas, REACH)
• Improves energy efficiency and reduces power consumption
• Speeds up installation and simplifies servicing
• Reduces TCO – total cost of ownership

Looking for components? At AiFO Components we offer:

• Refrigeration and freezer monoblocks – ready-to-use systems
  – https://b2b.aifo.pl/en/products/cold-freezing-rooms-and-components/monoblocks-for-cold-room/2-1832.
• Refrigeration system components: condensers, evaporators, compressors, bent pipes – https://b2b.aifo.pl/en/products/refrigeration-components-for-furniture-constructio/refrigeration-system-components/2-1788.
• Electrical components: motors, fans, heaters – https://b2b.aifo.pl/en/products/refrigeration-components-for-furniture-constructio/electrical-components-fans-heaters/2-1789.
• Hardware: handles, hinges, adjustable legs – https://b2b.aifo.pl/en/products/hardware-fittings/2-1783.
• Profiles and gaskets – https://b2b.aifo.pl/en/products/refrigeration-components-for-furniture-constructio/construction-profiles-gaskets-and-magnets/2-1791.
• Project support and technical consulting.
• Components compliant with current and future EU standards.

Contact us if you want to build a refrigeration unit aligned with today’s efficiency and reliability standards.