Refrigerated display cabinets tests

COCH Tests a Wide Range of Refrigerated Furniture, Including:

Refrigerated Counters: Primarily used in grocery stores for storing and displaying fresh products such as meat, deli items, cheese, and fish.

Refrigerated Shelves: Used for displaying and storing chilled products in self-service stores, providing easy access to products for customers.

Refrigerated Cabinets: Employed in both retail and gastronomy for storing products that require low temperatures, such as beverages, dairy products, and frozen foods.

Refrigerated Showcases: Used for displaying food products in restaurants, cafes, and patisseries, where both cooling functionality and the aesthetics of product presentation are important.

During the testing of refrigerated furniture, the following parameters are evaluated:

Energy Efficiency: Analysis of the energy consumption of the devices under various operating conditions. The goal is to assess energy efficiency and identify opportunities for reducing operational costs.

Cooling Efficiency: Examination of how effectively the devices maintain the required temperatures. It is crucial that products stored in refrigerated furniture remain fresh for as long as possible.

Temperature Stability: Testing whether the devices can maintain a constant temperature inside the refrigerated chamber, regardless of external weather conditions and usage intensity.

Energy Consumption: Measurement of the amount of electrical energy used by the devices over a 24-hour period. This information is important for store owners and gastronomic businesses looking to reduce operating costs.

Acoustics: Evaluation of the noise level generated by the devices. Low noise levels are important for the comfort of customers and employees in locations where the devices are installed.

Compliance with Standards and Regulations: Verification that the devices meet the requirements set out in applicable national and European standards and regulations.

During the testing of refrigerated furniture, COCH adheres to current European and national standards, such as:

Commission Regulation (EU) No 2015/1095: Specifies ecodesign requirements for refrigeration appliances used for food storage. These standards aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Commission Regulation (EU) No 2015/1094: Concerns energy labeling of refrigeration appliances, enabling consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, taking into account operational costs and environmental impact.

EN ISO Standards: Contain detailed requirements for testing and measurement methods, ensuring the reliability and consistency of test results. These standards cover both technical aspects and user safety.

In addition to standard tests of temperature distribution inside the body of commercial vehicles, the COCH laboratory also offers a number of additional tests that allow an even more accurate assessment of the conditions under which pharmaceutical products are transported. These additional tests are listed below:

Impact of Door Opening on Temperature Distribution Inside the Body:

• Description: This test analyzes how door opening affects the internal temperature of the vehicle. It is crucial for understanding how frequent door opening (e.g., during loading and unloading) impacts thermal stability.
• Objective: Identify potential heat or cold loss and develop strategies to minimize the impact of door opening on transport quality.

Simulation of Refrigeration Unit Failure or Power Outage:

• Description: This test simulates situations where the refrigeration unit fails or there is a power outage, potentially leading to uncontrolled temperature rises or drops.
• Objective: Assess the response time of emergency systems and determine how long pharmaceutical products remain in safe conditions without active cooling.

Time Required to Reach the Desired Temperature Inside the Body (Set on the Controller):

• Description: This test measures the time needed for the cooling or heating system to reach and stabilize the set temperature inside the vehicle.
• Objective: Evaluate the performance of the vehicle’s thermal systems and their ability to quickly achieve and maintain appropriate transport conditions.

Other (To Be Determined with the Client):

• Description: The COCH laboratory is open to conducting additional tests tailored to the specific needs of the client.
• Objective: Provide flexibility and the ability to customize tests to meet unique requirements and challenges associated with the transport of pharmaceutical products.