Energy efficient refrigeration for dairy farms

Learn about the core components of mechanical milk cooling and how the different options compare in terms of energy efficiency and running costs.

Reducing the milk temperature to the required final level for storage requires mechanical cooling. This is the purpose of the refrigeration system in all dairy equipment. Broadly the system can be categorised as any one, or a combination, of the following:

• Ice bank tank
• Direct expansion (DX) tank cooling
• Ice builder and second stage plate cooler

In this update we look at all three in detail and compare energy efficiency and costs within the refrigeration system.

The advantages and disadvantages of using an ice bank system to cool milk. 

Direct expansion (DX) is the simplest and most energy efficient way of cooling milk but cooling must take place quickly to prevent total bacterial content from rising. What are the key points to consider?

The role of an ice builder, how it works with a second stage plate heat exchanger and DX tank, plus the advantages of this type of system.

A look at the different systems and the effect of varying levels of pre-cooling and different price tariffs on energy efficiency and running costs.