Demystifying the 2018 changes to chiller legislation

In short, any new industrial cooling equipment entering the market must now meet new minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) depending on chiller type and size.

The changes affect two product groups – known as ‘Lots’: Lot 1, which covers refrigeration and freezing equipment, including medium and low-temperature process chillers and condensing units; and Lot 21, which includes high-temperature process chillers and condensing units, and comfort chillers.

However, these will not be the only long-term changes to affect cooling equipment, as the new MEPS which came into effect in January 2018 are set to become even more stringent in 2021. 

What are MEPS, and why are they important?

The annual cost of running industrial cooling and refrigeration systems can often turn into a five-figure sum over the course of a year with operational costs exacerbated by old or inefficient equipment. 

MEPS are split into two main categories, one for process chillers and one for comfort chillers. 

Process chillers:

Process chillers must meet new Seasonal Energy Performance Ratio (SEPR) metrics, based on part load efficiency levels and expressed as a ratio. The minimum efficiency levels products need to achieve may differ depending on the type of chiller (air or water-cooled) and the rated cooling capacity.

Comfort Chillers:

Comfort chillers must meet new Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) values. This is the overall energy efficiency ratio of the comfort chiller for the cooling season, and is calculated using the part load efficiency.

Again, the minimum efficiency levels products need to achieve differ depending on whether it is an air or water-cooled chiller, as well as the rated cooling capacity and the Global Warming Potential (GWP) or the refrigerant used. 

When it comes to deciding whether to ‘repair’ or ‘replace’, it depends on the age and condition of the equipment. If the chiller is fairly new, the best policy would be to implement a Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) contract to pick up any red flags and ensure the chiller is kept at maximum operational efficiency for its full working life. 

However, if the chiller is reaching the end of its operational life, it may be a long-term false economy to implement an on-going repair and maintenance plan as the lower material cost of replacement parts would be offset by sustained high running costs. 

There is a perception among manufacturers that high efficiency equipment equates to a high cost, but that is not always the case.

For smaller manufacturers and SMEs, there are initiatives which provide financial support to SMEs seeking to fund energy-efficient equipment. One example is the Carbon Trust’s Green Business Fund, which can offer grants to cover up to 15% of the equipment cost, up to the value £5,000. 

Another option is to undertake an equipment hire agreement. This allows all costs to be managed through one monthly all-inclusive payment, which covers the cost of the process cooling equipment, on-going maintenance costs, and contingency breakdown cover.

Long-term benefits

Ultimately, the EcoDesign Directive’s main aim is to reduce energy consumption which will directly reduce monthly operating costs for manufacturers.

While the enforced changes to industrial cooling may seem steep, there are many long-term benefits from a financial, environmental, and sustainability perspective. By working closely with a temperature control specialist such as ICS Cool Energy, UK manufacturers can navigate any uncertainty and start reaping the rewards that the new legislative changes offer. 

This information is taken from ICS Cool Energy’s Demystifying the 2018 Changes to Chiller Legislation.