Experimental Validation of a Novel CO 2 Refrigeration System for Cold Storage: Achieving Energy Efficiency and Carbon Emission Reductions

Yi-Zhou Wang, Yu-Wei Fan, Xiao-Long Li, Jian-Guo Yang () and Xin-Rong Zhang ()
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Yi-Zhou Wang: Department of Energy and Resources Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Yu-Wei Fan: Department of Energy and Resources Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Xiao-Long Li: Jingkelun Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd., Beijing 101302, China
Jian-Guo Yang: Jingkelun Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd., Beijing 101302, China
Xin-Rong Zhang: Department of Energy and Resources Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 5, 1-19

Abstract: To address the high energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with cold storage operations, a novel refrigeration system is proposed, which utilizes the natural refrigerant CO 2 and integrates an innovative control strategy. Experimental validations were conducted in Changsha (a subtropical monsoon climate) and Changchun (a continental monsoon climate), which are two regions representing typical climatic zones in China, to assess the system’s energy-saving potential, temperature stability, and environmental impacts with the total equivalent warming impact and life cycle carbon performance methods. For Changchun, the total equivalent warming impact reached 78.3 kg CO 2e /kg, reflecting reductions of 99.5% in direct emissions and 58.6% in indirect emissions compared with R410A systems, as mentioned in the reference. The life cycle carbon performance was reduced by 85.1% and 72.2% compared with the two experiment cases, with indirect emissions from energy consumption comprising the largest share. The system maintained exceptional temperature stability, with vertical-layer variations remaining under 1 °C. These findings demonstrate this system’s adaptability to achieve energy and emission reductions across diverse climates, providing a sustainable framework for future cold storage design aligned with global carbon neutrality goals.

Keywords: cold storage; cold chain; carbon dioxide; environmental protection; energy conservation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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