CO2 Chiller for Agricultural Sector

This project demonstrated the use of carbon dioxide (CO₂) refrigeration systems for high-volume milk cooling at two dairy farms in California’s Central Valley. Its primary objective was to evaluate the performance and potential advantages of CO₂-based chillers compared to conventional synthetic refrigerant systems. Key performance metrics included electric energy savings in kilowatt hours (kWh), peak demand reduction in kilowatts (kW), greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, lifecycle cost savings, and other environmental benefits. The project also assessed market readiness, opportunities, and barriers to adoption within California’s dairy industry, with the aim of integrating CO₂ chiller technologies into statewide energy efficiency programs through deemed and custom measures.