Thermal battery in large buildings - Cooling

By implementing Cartesian’s Thermal Box, REMA 1000 grocery store in Mjøndalen has achieved a significant reduction in energy consumption. This thermal energy storage technology has optimized the store’s refrigeration system, thereby lowering costs and improving its environmental profile.

• REMA 1000 in Mjøndalen faced challenges associated with high energy consumption, especially on hot days when the cooling demand peaks. To address these challenges, the Thermal Box was integrated into the store’s CO2 refrigeration system.
• The Thermal Box is based on phase change materials (PCMs), an advanced solution for thermal energy storage. The system stores cooling energy during periods of low demand and releases it when demand is higher, a process known as load shifting. The Thermal Box reduces the strain on the refrigeration system and supports more balanced energy consumption by reducing peak loads. The result is lower operating costs for the HVAC system, which regulates temperature, air quality, and humidity in buildings.

Reduction in Total Energy Consumption

• Through the implementation of thermal energy storage and PCM technology, REMA 1000 has achieved significant improvements in energy management and sustainability. The system is also scalable for use in other stores. Key benefits include:
  • Optimization of existing systems. By integrating thermal energy storage, existing energy systems can be enhanced without major new investments, thereby both improving performance and decreasing costs.
  • Energy management. Smarter use of stored cooling energy reduces peak loads and provides better control over HVAC systems, resulting in more balanced energy consumption throughout the day.
  • Scalability. The solution can be easily adapted and implemented in multiple stores, offering an efficient model for rolling out advanced energy storage systems in retail settings.
  • Reduction in cooling demand during peak loads. By reducing the cooling demand, the system ensures stable cooling even on the hottest days.
  • Reduction in total energy consumption.
  • Significant cost savings have been achieved through reduced energy use.
  • Sustainability. The project supports REMA 1000’s sustainability strategy by lowering energy consumption and reducing carbon emissions.

Seamless integration with existing refrigeration systems

• Cartesian installed the Thermal Box technology as a flexible energy storage solution. The use of PCMs allows for load shifting. The system has been seamlessly integrated into the store’s existing CO2 refrigeration system and adapted to the current infrastructure.
• The installation required minimal adjustments, enhancing the store’s optimization of its energy use without disrupting operations. By taking advantage of load shifting, the store uses energy more efficiently and depends less on external energy sources.

Technology integration: Cartesian’s Thermal Box

• KLP Eiendom, one of the largest commercial real estate owners in Norway, is taking a significant step toward the future of office buildings with its new 19,000 m² project in Trondheim. Through thermal energy storage, load shifting, and peak demand reduction, the building is setting a new standard for energy efficiency and sustainability in commercial properties.
• KLP has been developing modern office spaces with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. To achieve this goal and limit energy consumption, the company has integrated the Thermal Box into its energy strategy for buildings.
• With a capacity of 800 kWh, Cartesian’s Thermal Box acts as a compact energy bank. It uses phase change materials (PCMs) to store heat during periods of low energy demand and release it when demand increases. As a result, the load on HVAC systems, which regulate temperature, air quality, and humidity in buildings, is reduced. Additionally, the technology ensures stable indoor temperatures year-round.
• The Thermal Box thus decreases dependence on external energy sources, lowers the carbon footprint, and maintains a comfortable indoor climate.

Reduced energy consumption and increased sustainability

• Implementation of Cartesian’s Thermal Box has provided KLP Eiendom with multiple benefits in terms of energy consumption and sustainability. The system stabilizes the indoor climate and offers significant savings by efficiently utilizing stored heat. Its use both saves money and supports KLP’s long-term commitment to environmentally friendly operations in several respects.
• Reduced energy consumption. The system cuts a building’s total energy use by levelling out peak loads on its HVAC system, ensuring more consistent energy flow.
• Lower operating costs. By storing heat in PCM materials and releasing it when needed, the technology significantly reduces the operating costs for HVAC systems, leading to substantial financial savings.
• Sustainability. By reducing energy consumption and lowering carbon emissions, the project strengthens KLP’s environmental profile and contributes to a greener future.