BigBasket, the largest Indian online grocer, has deployed ammonia/NH3 (R717)-based adsorption refrigeration units fueled by biomass (cashew shell waste) to provide medium-temperature cooling for fruits and vegetables at both its distribution center in Karnataka and one of its fulfillment centers in New Delhi.

The refrigeration units, called GreenCHILL, are supplied by New Delhi-based New Leaf Dynamic Technology.

It is a stand-alone 4TR (14.1kW) refrigeration unit designed to be integrated in any standard industrial-grade cold room with up to 20 metric tons of storage capacity. It is a system based on adsorption refrigeration, combined with a biomass-fired 120l (26.4gal) hot-water generator that drives the adsorption cycle with an ammonia charge of about 30kg (66lbs).
The GreenCHILL system has reduced fossil-fuel-based electricity by 90% and operating costs by 20% at the distribution center cold rooms, compared to conventional systems. It has also cut electricity consumption by 14% at the fulfillment center, with greater savings expected due to the flexibility of the modular cold racks.

The price of the refrigeration system in India is US$12,000 (€10,577).

Energy Efficiency