In summer 2024, CIMCO Refrigeration completed its largest CO₂ refrigeration installation in Quebec at Deslauriers’ new cold storage warehouse in Boisbriand, north of Montreal. CIMCO designed and installed two identical CO₂ systems to ensure 50% redundancy at all times.

This state-of-the-art facility in Boisbriand spans 102,000 square feet and offers storage capacity for over 22,000 pallets across three sections maintained at temperatures ranging from -30°C to +4°C. The space is leased to various clients, with temperatures adjusted to meet each client’s specific needs.

The project began when general contractor Guimond Construction approached CIMCO for a custom CO₂ refrigeration solution. Deslauriers aimed to adopt natural refrigerants and reduce its environmental footprint by moving away from fluorinated refrigerants used in its existing warehouses.

“The client chose CO₂ refrigeration primarily for environmental reasons,” explains Paolo Pecora, CIMCO’s Montreal Sales Director, who led the project. “Deslauriers wanted to reduce its environmental impact by switching to a natural refrigerant with minimal global warming potential.”

Innovative Redundancy Design

What sets this installation apart is CIMCO’s innovative approach to redundancy. Instead of relying on a single system, CIMCO designed a solution with two refrigeration units, strategically distributing evaporators and other equipment between them.

“We split all the equipment between the two systems,” says Pecora. “For example, with 16 evaporators, we placed eight on one system and eight on the other, creating a redundant setup.”

This design provides Deslauriers with a crucial operational advantage: if one system fails, the other can continue running, preventing catastrophic temperature loss and protecting stored products. This redundancy was especially appealing to Deslauriers, offering peace of mind for their 24/7 operations.

Temperature Flexibility for Diverse Client Needs

As a rental cold storage facility, Deslauriers required exceptional flexibility to meet the varied demands of its clients. CIMCO’s system offers high versatility, allowing temperature control down to -30°C.

This flexibility enables Deslauriers to quickly respond to market demands. For example, if a client needs emergency space to store excess ice cream at very low temperatures, Deslauriers can adjust certain zones to -30°C. For products requiring less stringent control, they can operate at -18°C, optimizing energy consumption.

Technical Specifications

The complete system designed and installed by CIMCO includes two identical CO₂ units, each with a capacity of 155 TR.

The total refrigeration capacity of 295 TR includes:

• Freezer 1: 180 TR at -30°C
• Freezer 2: 50 TR at -30°C
• Refrigerator: 20 TR at +4°C
• Shipping Area: 45 TR at +4°C

The facility includes 12 loading docks and is SQF (Safe Quality Food) certified, meeting food safety standards for Deslauriers’ clients.

Heat Recovery Integration

The installation includes a heat recovery system, enhancing overall efficiency. Recovered heat is used to warm glycol circulating under the freezer floors, preventing frost heave and structural damage. It also helps maintain a comfortable temperature in the dock area.

Climate Considerations

Quebec’s climate offers favorable conditions for CO₂ refrigeration. Cooler ambient temperatures allow the system to operate efficiently, with minimal time spent in less efficient transcritical mode during warmer periods.

“Right now, it’s very cost-effective to work with CO₂ here. Very efficient,” confirms Pecora, highlighting the synergy between refrigerant choice and local climate.