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Transcritical CO2 Refrigeration Technology to be Showcased at CCI Hub

by Mae Valdezin Uncategorized

Transcritical CO2 condensing unit and showcase chiller from Hussman-Panasonic will be among the “next generation” cold chain technologies that will be featured at  Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) CCI Hub through the Global Partnership for Improving the Food Cold Chain in the Philippines (FCC) project..

On July 13, 2022,  Hussman-Panasonic Australia Mr. Gregory Malcolm, together with the Philippine Panasonic Management team, visited the CCI-Hub to inspect and survey the site  for the installation of a Transcritical CO2 Condensing Unit and Chiller.  They were welcomed by TESDA Regional Training Center – National Capital Region (RTC-NCR) Administrator Mr. Rizal Bautista, CCI-Hub Focal Person Engr. Nico Nuevo, and  CCI Hub Coordinator Mr. Manuel P. Azucena. An orientation was given by Mr. Bautista on the operation and structure of the RTC-NCR where the CCI-Hub is housed.

CO2  released in the atmosphere causes global warming, but as a refrigerant, it could be also be a solution to global warming. Unlike hydroflourocarbons (HFCs), CO2 refrigerants have very low Global Warming Potential (GWP) and is considered climate-friendly. It is non-flammable and non-toxic, and it has good heat transfer properties. Concerns in using CO2 for refrigeration systems are due to its high pressure requirements, but this can be addressed by safety standards and proper training of technicians. Transcritical CO2 Refrigeration is mostly used for commercial and retail. 

The transcritical CO2 condensing unit and showcase chiller will be available at the CCI Hub in August, while a training of trainers and technicians will be conducted in September. 

R600a Solar Driven Refrigerator Featured at CCI Hub

by Mae Valdezin Uncategorized

The Global Partnership for Improving the food Cold Chain in the Philippines (FCC) project features a technology showcase in the Cold Chain Innovation (CCI) Hub located at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – National Capital Region (TESDA-NCR) Compound, Taguig City. Among the first batch of technologies exhibited is an R600a Solar Driven Refrigerator contributed by Vestfrost Solutions, a key global player in the refrigeration industry based in Denmark. 

The R600a Solar Driven Refrigerator is an energy efficient unit designed for off-grid use. It uses R600, a hydrocarbon refrigerant, with low Global Warming Potential (GWP). The unit is equipped with 200 watts 12-24 DC volts compressor designed to pull down the cabinet temperature to -15 C. This type of technology is suitable for preserving produce from geographically disadvantage areas with no electricity. 

CCI Coordinator Mr. Manuel Azucena facilitated the establishment of the said unit at the CCI Hub. It operates via an off-grid power supply designed by Mr. Jerry O. Taroy, photovoltaic (PV) trainer of TESDA’s Regional Training Center (RTC) -NCR.  The equipment was set-up with 450 watts of solar panel, 24 volts 200 Ah battery and a charger controller. The unit was run for two (2) days as initial testing and the cabinet was able to reached the target temperature of -15 C after an hour of operation. The set up can lead to 12 hours of operation when there is low or no sunlight, such as night time, cloudy and rainy days. The RTC-NCR plans to set up more solar powered systems for small refrigeration units at the CCI-Hub.

The R600a Solar Driven Refrigerator and CCI Hub’s technology showcase is part of the FCC project’s goal of establishing the best in class systems and components from around the globe presented as technology product examples, exhibited on site and used for education. The said equipment will be used for training refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) technicians on climate-friendly and energy efficient cold chain technologies

Cold Chain Innovation Hub Building Inaugurated at TESDA

by Mae Valdezin Uncategorized

June 29, 2022, Taguig City – Cold Chain Innovation Hub (CCI Hub), the physical platform of the Global Partnership for Improving the Food Cold Chain in the Philippines (FCC) project, has been inaugurated at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Complex in Taguig City. The launching event started with a ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by unveiling of the building marker, blessing of the facility, welcome remarks from TESDA – NCR Regional Director Florencio Sunico Jr. and key messages from TESDA Director Genera Isidro S. Lapeña, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Country Representative Teddy G. Monroy and Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Service (DENR-FASPS) Director Al O. Orolfo. 

National Institute for Technical Education and Skills Development (NITESD) Executive Director David Bungallon presented an overview of the building and its intended purpose. The CCI Hub is a “one stop shop” for technology transfer and other functions such as capacity building, research and education. It will feature technology showcases presenting the best-in-class systems and components from around the globe and will serve as a venue for global partnership among public sector, the private sector and technology providers to promote the best available low-carbon and energy-efficient design technologies and practices. The building features a workshop and exhibit are, training room and a cold storage room for technology display. CCI Hub will play a key role in TESDA’s upskilling of the labor force for green industries and green jobs for the commercial and industrial refrigeration sector. This initiative is made possible through the Global Partnership for Improving the Food Cold Chain in the Philippines (FCC) project implemented by UNIDO, TESDA, DENR and shecco. 

In his speech, TESDA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña highlighted the role of the Hub in providing livelihood for Filipinos by training and upgrading their skills in priority sectors which include commercial and industrial refrigeration. UNIDO Country Representative Teddy G. Monroy underscored the role of innovation in the cold chain sector to address the challenges in food and energy security due to global events such as the war in Ukraine, the Covid 19 pandemic and climate change. DENR-FASPS Director Al O. Orolfo noted that while cold chains are vital for the economy, it must develop in a sustainable and climate-friendly way aligned with the country’s commitment to the Montreal Protocol and the Paris Agreement. 

The event showcased the following technologies from industry contributions: 1) Hydrocarbon Freezer and Chiller Display Cases for Commercial Food Retail (Epta); 2) R600a Solar Driven Refrigerator (Vestfrost Solutions); 3) Selection of Tools and Machines (Magic-Aire Industries, Inc.). The said models are part of the initial batch of equipment that will be showcased in the Hub that demonstrate energy efficient and climate-friendly refrigeration with low to zero global warming potential. Several batches of equipment and refrigeration systems are expected to arrive in the CCI Hub until September, all of which exemplifies “next generation” cold chain solutions.

The launch also presented networking and collaboration opportunities through an exhibit which was participated by Magicaire Industries, Inc., Coldfront technologies Asia, Inc., Danfoss, Mayekawa Philippines, Epta, Refrigeration and Airconditioning Technicians Association of the Philippines (RACTAP), Koppel and GEA. 

Cold Chain Industry Stakeholders Participates in CCI Hub Soft Launching

by Mae Valdezin Uncategorized

June 16, 2022 – Cold chain industry stakeholders were the first to have a look at the newly established Cold Chain Innovation (CCI) Hub at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Complex in Taguig City. This facility was built through the Global Partnership for Improving the Food Cold Chain in the Philippines (FCC) project.

The soft launching of the CCI Hub started with discussions on TESDA’s thrusts in relation to skills upgrading, industry development and TESDA’s commitment to sustaining the Hub, followed by introduction of industry stakeholders and a tour of the facility.

Mr. Jan Dusek, shecco Head of Asia and the Pacific, provided also discussed the status of the Philippine cold chain industry and opportunities in terms of sustainable technologies. This was followed by a discussion on the challenges the industry face when it comes to sustainable cold chain technologies and what the FCC project contributes in terms of addressing them.

The CCI Hub will be a “one stop shop” of cold chain technology training, research and showcase. An initial batch of equipment has arrived in the facility. The technological showcase is expected to be completed by September wherein a main activity will be conducted.   

FCC and TESDA Conducts Stakeholders Conference on Optimization of Commercial Refrigeration 

by Mae Valdezin Uncategorized

May 5-6, 2022 – The Global Partnership for Improving the Food Cold Chain in the Philippines (FCC) Project conducted its first face-to-face activity entitled “Stakeholders’ Conference on the Recommendation on Refrigeration System Operation and Optimization for the Philippines Commercial Food Retail Sector” at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – National TVET Trainers Academy in Marikina City. 

The first day opened with a welcome remark by Ms. Maria A. Roque, Center Chief of the National TVET Trainers’ Academy, as well as key messages from FCC Project Manager Mr. Adnan Atwa, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Jonas Leones delivered by Environmental Management Bureau Assistant Director Engr. Vizminda Osorio; and shecco Head of Asia and the Pacific Mr. Jan Dusek.  Mr. Edward M. Dela Rosa – Chief TESD Specialist of TESDA’s Technology Research and Development Division also welcomed and acknowledged the participants. Mr. Manuel Azucena, FCC Project’s National Project Coordinator gave the program overview, while Project Lead Engr. Gilda Garibay presented an overview of the FCC project. Engr. Jaypee Cabañas of ColdfrontTechnologies Asia, Inc. discussed the Royal Duty Free Shop Study on the First R290 waterloop system in in the Philippines which uses R290, a natural refrigerant deemed more climate friendly for its zero Global Warming Potential (GWP) and energy efficiency. shecco Head of Asia and the Pacific Mr. Jan Dusek discussed the Data Collection and Analysis of HFC-free and Energy Efficient Equipment Options for the cold chain that the industry can leapfrog to in pursuit of sustainability. 

In the afternoon, sessions include Carbon Emission from a Supermarket’s Perspective presented by Engr. Gilda Garibay; Updates on the Policies and Standards for Commercial Refrigeration presented by FCC Project Coordinator for Policy and Regulation Ms. Mae Valdez; and New Training Regulations on Refrigeration and Air-conditioning presented by Mr. Manuel Azucena.

Participants visited the Royal Duty Free in Subic, Zambales on the second day. Engr. Jaypee Cabañas, Ms. Jennifer Gonzalez Lao and Mr. Emilio Gonzalez Lao of Coldfront Technologies Asia, Inc. gave a detailed tour and discussion of the supermarket’s R290 waterloop system and R290 chillers.

This activity is an initial step on engaging RAC experts and practitioners in developing training curricula for the refrigeration and air conditioning sector which will prepare the industry in its shift to climate-friendly and energy efficient technologies in the cold chain.