Intelligent cooling in retail: when technology improves the climate

by Sandra Katzenberger

Humidity in the salesroom not only influences well-being, but also the efficiency of refrigeration units. High humidity increases energy consumption, can lead to condensation on the walls and can even pose hygiene risks. According to DIN EN ISO 23953, refrigerated cabinets should be operated at an ambient temperature of 25 °C and a relative humidity of 60 % – the so-called climate class 3.

However, the reality is often different. Factors such as the evaporation of fresh produce, high customer frequency or damp weather significantly increase the humidity in the room. Those who do not take countermeasures here – for example by using air-conditioned ventilation technology or a well thought-out choice of furniture – risk technical failures and rising operating costs.

Retrofitting refrigerated cabinets with doors or replacing open versions with closed ones saves energy – but also changes the indoor climate in the salesroom. Open refrigerated cabinets remove large amounts of moisture from the air through evaporation. A 30-meter-long shelf can absorb up to 450 liters of water per day under standard conditions. Closed refrigerated cabinets significantly reduce this dehumidification to approx. 90 liters.

If the building technology remains unchanged, the humidity in the store increases. This can result in condensation on the walls, fogged surfaces and long-term damage to the furnishings. Climate adaptation - for example through dehumidification or targeted air routing – is therefore essential when changing the refrigeration equipment.

Modern refrigerated cabinets in retail have long been more than just passive storage units – they are networked, sensor-based systems that actively intervene in operational processes. Equipped with RFID technology, weight sensors and IoT connectivity, they record stock levels in real time, monitor best-before dates and send automatic refill or warning notifications. Scanloader pushfeed systems also ensure an attractive product presentation for retailers, thereby creating incentives to buy and reducing losses due to expired products. This saves staff time, reduces waste and ensures reliable product availability.

Intelligent refrigeration units also offer clear advantages in terms of hygiene and safety: Contactless RFID locks or biometric access controls minimize the risk of contamination and document all access – an important building block for food safety and compliance.

At the same time, these systems pave the way for new retail concepts: whether self-checkout, automated grab-and-go markets or temperature-controlled click-and-collect offers – adaptive refrigeration technology is the prerequisite for efficient, service-oriented retail. Functions such as predictive maintenance also ensure predictive maintenance, prevent breakdowns and increase operational reliability. Intelligent refrigeration technology thus becomes a strategic tool for efficiency, customer satisfaction and competitiveness.

• Efficient pushfeed: products are automatically pushed to the front, which is designed to increase sales.
• Sustainability and energy efficiency: Intelligent refrigeration technologies reduce energy consumption, which saves costs and protects the environment.
• Hygiene and freshness: Improved food hygiene through constant refrigeration and organized storage.

These developments signal the broad trend towards data-driven food retailing and redefine efficiency and sustainability. For consumers, technological progress pays off particularly in the form of greater freshness, transparency and convenience.

Sources: Due North Blog, Epta Deutschland Kältenews, Handelsblatt Article