14 Pallet Eco Vacuum Cooler

14 Pallet Eco Vacuum Cooler

This Eco model is designed as an energy-conscious alternative for operations that need fourteen-pallet batch capacity without simply oversizing pumps and refrigeration for every part of the cycle.

Compare this configuration with the standard 14 Pallet Vacuum Cooler using the same product, pallet load, temperature targets and production schedule.

Eco engineering focus

• Variable-speed vacuum pumping for controlled evacuation
• Duty-matched refrigeration rather than generic fixed assumptions
• Repeatable PLC/HMI cooling programmes
• Electrical and utility review based on real production schedules

Project sizing

Selection will be based on product type, pallet loading, batch mass, starting and target temperatures, cycle frequency and ambient conditions. Any published energy-performance claim will require supporting evidence.

14 Pallet ECO Vacuum Cooler

The Cold Change 14 Pallet ECO Vacuum Cooler is a project-engineered system for large growers, packhouses and produce processors that need fourteen-pallet batch capacity with a greater focus on controlled energy use.

The ECO configuration combines a fourteen-pallet chamber with variable-speed vacuum pumping, duty-matched refrigeration and programmable process control. Rather than assuming that every stage of every cycle requires the same pump speed and refrigeration response, the system is selected around the product, load and production schedule supplied for the project.

This makes the ECO model relevant where cooling capacity, electrical demand, process repeatability and whole-system efficiency all need to be considered together.

How the ECO configuration differs

A standard and ECO vacuum cooler can share the same fundamental cooling principle and nominal pallet format. The difference is in how the ECO system is engineered and controlled for the required duty.

• Variable-speed vacuum pumping: pump operation can be controlled across the evacuation process instead of relying only on a fixed-speed approach.
• Duty-matched refrigeration: refrigeration capacity is selected from the required product load, temperature reduction and cycle schedule.
• PLC/HMI process control: repeatable product recipes can be configured for different crops, loads and target conditions.
• Utility review: the available electrical supply, ambient conditions and operating hours are considered during selection.
• Project-specific integration: chamber access, loading flow, controls and remote-support options can be reviewed around the packhouse layout.

No fixed percentage energy saving is assumed for every application. Any comparison should be based on the proposed equipment, operating profile and supporting manufacturer data.

Fourteen-pallet batch format

The chamber is intended to accept fourteen pallets per batch. The permitted pallet dimensions, product weight and loading arrangement are confirmed during project review rather than inferred from pallet count alone.

For a reliable selection, Cold Change reviews the total product mass per batch, the number of batches required per hour, starting and target temperatures, packaging airflow, product moisture characteristics and the time available for loading and unloading.

This prevents the vacuum pumps or refrigeration plant from being selected from a generic capacity label without reference to the real production duty.

Suitable products and applications

Vacuum cooling is most effective for products that can release a small amount of moisture under reduced pressure. Potential applications include mushrooms, lettuce, broccoli, leafy vegetables, herbs, selected flowers and other suitable produce.

Suitability and expected cooling performance depend on the product, its structure and moisture behaviour, the packaging, the initial condition of the load and the required final temperature. Product trials or application data may therefore be requested before a final specification is issued.

Variable-speed vacuum pumping

The vacuum system creates the pressure conditions required for evaporative cooling. In the ECO configuration, variable-speed control allows the pumping system to respond to the programmed process rather than simply operating at one fixed speed throughout the cycle.

The intended benefit is controlled evacuation matched to the process. Actual electrical consumption depends on the selected pump package, load profile, cycle settings, number of daily cycles and site conditions. These inputs should be compared on a project basis before any energy-performance figure is stated.

Refrigeration and heat rejection

Vacuum cooling performance depends on the vacuum and refrigeration systems working together. Refrigeration duty must account for the product load, condensable vapour, required cycle pattern, ambient temperature and heat-rejection arrangement.

Cold Change can review the appropriate refrigeration configuration and refrigerant options for the installation country. Available utilities and local environmental requirements are considered before quotation.

Controls, recipes and operating records

The control system can be configured with PLC/HMI product programmes so operators can select an agreed recipe for each load type. Setpoints, stages and alarms are established during commissioning for the confirmed application.

Optional remote monitoring and operating-data functions can also be discussed where required. Their scope is defined in the quotation so that data logging, remote support and alarm access are not assumed unless included.

Loading arrangement and packhouse integration

Large batch equipment needs to fit the material flow around it. The project review can consider pallet dimensions, forklift or conveyor handling, chamber access, door arrangement, available floor space and the direction of product movement through the packhouse.

Where a through-flow layout, second door or conveyor interface is requested, it should be specified alongside the required guarding, controls and responsibilities for connecting equipment.

Standard or ECO model?

The correct choice depends on the operating profile, not the product name alone. The standard 14 Pallet Vacuum Cooler provides a separate configuration for customers prioritising established high-capacity vacuum cooling. The ECO model is intended for projects where variable-speed pumping and duty-based energy review are central to the specification.

Both options should be assessed against the same product and throughput information. You can also view the complete Cold Change Vacuum Cooler range.

Information required for a quotation

To prepare a technical proposal for a 14 Pallet ECO Vacuum Cooler, please provide:

• Product or products to be cooled
• Pallet dimensions and maximum product weight per pallet
• Starting and required final temperatures
• Required pallets or batches per hour
• Daily operating hours and seasonal peak demand
• Packaging type and loading pattern
• Installation country and ambient design conditions
• Available electrical supply and refrigeration preference
• Preferred loading method, door arrangement and automation scope

Request a project review and quotation for the 14 Pallet ECO Vacuum Cooler.