SKOPE’s Resource Efficiency Developments Catch Judges’ Eyes
SKOPE Industries Ltd has been named a finalist in the Project & Product: Resource Efficient Design category of the New Zealand Engineering Excellence Awards.
The Christchurch-based company has developed a new cooler that uses CO2 as the refrigerant, eliminating the need for the
high global warming R134a refrigerant (HFC = Hydrofluorocarbon). It is this product that has been selected as a finalist
in the awards.
Through considerable investment in Research and Development, SKOPE has designed the B600F-3 CO2 refrigeration system to
be very cost effective, whilst maintaining its high refrigeration capacity to ensure the rapid chilling of product. Most
importantly, the B600F-3 uses less energy than its R134a predecessor (which was Very High Efficiency in its own right).
As there are tens of thousands of beverage coolers in Australasia that could utilise CO2 as a refrigerant, the potential
for reduction in power consumption, combined with reduction in environmental impact, is large.
Dominic Blissett, SKOPE’s Refrigeration Design Engineers, says SKOPE was awarded a Research & Development Grant by the Callaghan Innovation, Science and Innovation Grants this year. “It is through considerable
investment in Research & Development that we have been able to design this product,” says Blissett.
SKOPE’s new environmental test chamber significantly increases testing capacity, ensuring faster project turnaround
times and improved accuracy. Blissett explains that almost any environment can be simulated within the chamber, ensuring
the cabinet’s performance in the harshest of climates.
“The new environmental test chamber was key to the success of this project, as we tested the refrigeration system in
varied conditions, loads and ambient conditions using a ‘Dynamic Heat Loading Simulator’. We can replicate any condition
then push it further if it’s not enough to meet the SKOPE standard,” says Blissett.
SKOPE sets its standards high to ensure client expectations are exceeded. “We design products that are made to last,
with a focus on durability and extended product life. SKOPE is recognised on the global stage for our work in energy
efficiency and natural refrigerant systems.”
The award winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland on 28 November 2014.
ENDS