Compressor/condenser Location in Small Store
Compressor/condenser Location in Small Store
(OP)
Hello. Is it common to see food case remote condensers and compressors located in basements of small grocery stores / meat markets? I've seen this more than once now, and can't understand why you wouldn't put all of this equipment outside or on the roof. These basements lacked proper ventilation and would easily reach over 100 degrees F from all the heat rejection.





RE: Compressor/condenser Location in Small Store
No, it should reject heat to the coldest place, which is ambient. unless those basements have some need to get heated.
RE: Compressor/condenser Location in Small Store
RE: Compressor/condenser Location in Small Store
RE: Compressor/condenser Location in Small Store
RE: Compressor/condenser Location in Small Store
RE: Compressor/condenser Location in Small Store
RE: Compressor/condenser Location in Small Store
RE: Compressor/condenser Location in Small Store
Even if the condenser is outside and you don't have enough clearance (i.e. multiple condensers put in one roof corner), they die sooner. Plus the waste of cooling performance and energy.
The only remote reason where the basement would make sense if they need to run the condenser in winter but don't have a low ambient rated system. but then they just chose a bad system.
RE: Compressor/condenser Location in Small Store
RE: Compressor/condenser Location in Small Store
B.E.
You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.
RE: Compressor/condenser Location in Small Store
RE: Compressor/condenser Location in Small Store
Small stores tend to be in areas where housing density is high such as inner cities. You may have a narrow alley at the back of the store with traffic.
The proprietor may elect to put the condensers in the basement to avoid damage from motor vehicles. Also some but not all inner cities tend to be high crime areas, the condensers may be inside to reduce theft. Having to reject 10 tons of heat from a tiny basement may be a better alternative to having your stuff stolen by copper thieves.
B.E.
You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.
RE: Compressor/condenser Location in Small Store
ME27: you should make sure ventilation rate is sufficient. you can calculate how much heat is rejected (cooling tonnage + compressor power) and make sure airflow is large enough to have the basement stay not above 5°F above ambient. Maybe a differential thermostat could modulate or cycle the fans.
Make sure you don;'t just exhaust, but also bring in OA. If you don't provide makeup air, it will suck air out of the building and depending on crack size may not be able to exhaust as much as you need.