Cold chain logistics play a vital role in preserving the integrity of perishable goods, such as pharmaceuticals, food products, and other temperature-sensitive items. Cold storage facilities are a critical component of this chain and are essential to maintain these necessary low temperatures, however running these types of buildings require a substantial amount of energy, producing a high carbon footprint.
In order to combat this, innovative materials and methods are constantly being developed to help improve the continuous insulation within cold storage premises. By controlling these temperatures, it ensures less energy consumption and will decrease the cost of running the facilities. Paul Beech, General Manager of Armatherm, discusses how research in the field has been crucial to advancing new technologies that will help save costs and significantly reduce energy consumption.
The recent evolution of the modern construction industry means that isolating temperatures is now more achievable than ever before. These new technologies and products are becoming more common in architectural plans, resulting in greener, more energy efficient buildings which are ultimately better for our environment.
By using methods such as HVAC systems and other insulation products, these vital buildings are able to maintain a consistent low temperature. The greater issue with these spaces is ensuring that they are kept at a constant cool temperature which in much warmer climates is achievable, but difficult and costly.
Due to the development of recent technology, it has become clear where common locations for heat loss are and has enabled companies to develop solutions specific to these problems.
In order to successfully eliminate the possibility of these problems, materials called thermal breaks can be included by architects at key bridging locations. Different types of thermal breaks have been developed to be specific to the individual building needs as strength and materials differ.
In the design and construction of Aldi’s distribution centre in Bathgate, Armatherm, a thermal break manufacturer, was selected to supply structural thermal break solutions to help improve the energy efficiency of the building. It was imperative that the design included these solutions so that the temperature of the cold store room was not compromised.
Upon designing the distribution centre, a thermal break solution was needed that would support the desired load whilst ensuring that the building columns did not bridge the slab insulation. Previous thermal bridging solutions included hardwoods like Iroko timber, however with the interest of building longevity in mind, this material was not the best fit. This is because over time, the wood absorbs moisture leading to timber rot and a significant reduction in thermal insulation. Henceforth, an alternative was provided by Armatherm.
Armatherm 500 was installed by the contractor directly under steel column bases of the distribution centre to bridge the floor slab insulation, eradicating the thermal bridging issue. This marks a key location where thermal bridging can occur, causing major energy loss and costly bills. By implementing Armatherm 500 products, the longevity of the construction was improved due to the closed-cell polymer makeup.
Thermal break solutions are a vital piece in the construction of any energy efficient building and therefore shouldn’t be overlooked in the design process or construction. They especially play a pivotal role in cold storage facilities, regulating temperatures and reducing energy costs. Without implementing solutions into the building, thermal bridging can be detrimental to the efficiency of the building envelope and interrupt continuous insulation.
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