Ice Bank

Ice Bank with a constantly large ice surface

The Ice Bank has a large ice surface that helps in quickly cooling the product even during high demand periods. With the help of ice storage, refrigeration systems that are designed only for daily average value can handle high cooling consumption peaks. Ice Banks offer a benefit of high cooling capacity that can help reduce peak cooling loads. This means that smaller refrigeration systems with low energy costs can be used, designed only for average loads. It is important to maintain a high standard of cooling even during peak loads to ensure the best quality of food and dairy products. Using ice provides a maximum power reserve and added safety.

Ice Bank

Operating cost efficiency

Ice storage is an energy-efficient solution that saves on operating costs. It uses low-priced night power and limits the maximum power requirements to reduce the base price of electricity. This technology is ideal for buildings that require high cooling consumption peaks with refrigeration systems designed for daily average value. This innovative energy storage can be used with photovoltaic systems to store and use renewable energy. Ice is stored until it's needed to release the stored energy, and recharged using renewable energy such as photovoltaics. Photovoltaic systems convert sunlight into electricity and contribute to ice storage while providing electricity to cool the water and convert it to ice. The beauty of this system is that it can be tailored to the specific needs of a building. For example, in a building where there are more people and equipment, the energy requirements are higher, and ice storage can be adjusted to meet these needs. The system can also be used in conjunction with other renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power to create a truly sustainable energy supply. Using photovoltaics in conjunction with ice storage also reduces energy consumption in buildings. The stored energy lowers the room temperature, reducing the need for air conditioning, and ultimately lowering CO2 emissions. This results in better air quality and a healthier environment for building occupants. In summary, combining ice storage and photovoltaic systems is an environmentally friendly way to store and use renewable energy, promote sustainability, and reduce the need for fossil fuels. It's expected that this technology will be used more and more in the future to reduce costs and promote a sustainable energy supply, while also improving the health and well-being of building occupants.

Ice Bank Storage Mode

In this thermal energy storage system, ice is stored in ice bank systems. The evaporator plates are placed in a tank filled with water, and depending on storage time and temperature, ice forms on the plates with a layer of ice build up to 55mm thick.

Ice bank plate cooler work during the cooling operation or defrosting phase, a system of pipes is used to distribute the heated return water on the bottom of the tank. This helps to defrost the ice evenly. An air recirculation pipe at the bottom of the tank creates turbulence, allowing for efficient heat transfer and low ice water temperatures. The air circulation is energy-saving and only operates automatically when necessary. The ice surface is similar to the plate surface and remains constant until the end of defrosting, allowing for a high and consistent cooling performance.

Ice thickness measurement for monitoring and controlling the ice thickness

The ice storage system is an innovative solution that requires precise ice thickness measurement. This information is crucial for managing the system efficiently by monitoring energy storage and predicting defrosting cycle requirements. By providing engineers with accurate information about the ice structure, informed decisions can be made that help improve the performance of the refrigeration system. The ice thickness can be set via a sensor located between the heat exchanger plates. The sensor sends signals to an ice thickness controller that manages the on/off operation of the refrigeration system, ensuring the ice stays at the optimal thickness for efficient energy storage. The ice thickness sensor is pre-tested if the storage unit has our installed refrigeration system, but longer operation conditions may arise that could not be simulated during the test operation, requiring ice thickness readjustment to maintain the optimal thickness. Overall, the ice system is a reliable and energy-efficient solution that helps manage ice storage effectively. The precise ice thickness measurement and intelligent control systems ensure that the system operates efficiently, reducing energy and operating costs.

Using favourable electricity tariffs and avoiding peak loads for cooling with ice ?

Ice banks are a cutting-edge solution for managing electricity grid loads. These systems work by storing surplus electricity in the form of cold, which serves as thermal energy storage. During periods of low electricity demand, the electricity is used to create ice, which can then be used to cool buildings or for other uses when it is most needed. The benefits of using ice banks are many. For one, it offers a cost-effective way to manage peak power demand, by using the stored cold energy when electricity is at a premium. This can help you take advantage of low-cost electricity or limit maximum electricity demand, which can cut your energy costs. Moreover, ice is an essential component of sustainable energy management. It provides a valuable method of storing energy and reducing the carbon footprint of buildings and businesses. By allowing the use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind to power buildings, ice systems help reduce the need for fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

Maximum power reserve and safety for constant low ice water temperatures

Ice storage is a revolutionary system that makes the most of frozen water and advanced technology to efficiently store and manage thermal energy over long periods of time. This enables energy to be stored cost-effectively, making it ideal for projects with high energy demand during the day and low energy tariffs. But what makes ice such a flexible and reliable method of energy management? Simple: it adapts to rapidly growing cooling demands. During periods of high demand, ice is a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for cooling processes and building's cooling load. The science behind ice storage is fascinating. When water freezes, the temperature of the ice remains constant at 0°C until all the liquid water in the environment is frozen, storing the associated energy in the form of latent heat. As ice melts, the stored energy becomes available again and can be used for various applications, such as air conditioning. By taking advantage of this physical property of water, ice storage allows up to 80 times more energy to be stored than in liquid water alone. It is an effective and efficient method of energy management that is gaining popularity as more people become aware of its benefits. Whether you're looking to save money on energy bills or reduce your carbon footprint, ice is a great option to consider.

Ice bank refrigeration system?

BUCO Ice bank technical specifications

  • The product offers two options: ice bank storage with 50 kWh up to 2000 kWh chiller's capacity of cooling energy for stored cooling.

  • System coolant flows or does operate with all refrigerants or cooling mediums and operating modes, or be used for brine or glycol solution (propylene glycol or ethylene glycol).

  • The custom made units can be either compact and plug-in or designed for on-site refrigeration systems on process side.

  • Material options: Stainless steel completely as heat exchanger inside a tank.

BUCO Ice Bank applications and benefits

  • The use of energy storage helps to increase the peak cooling capacity while using a smaller refrigeration system and optimal energy consumption.

  • This results in a reduction of power supply with power peaks in the dairy industry, particularly during night time when low tariffs are available to produce ice for chilled water throughout the daily peaks.

BUCO Ice Bank construction and dimensions

Typical dimensions without cooling system
L (m) / W (m) / H (m)

Compact system: 0.5 / 2.3 / 1.5
System type A: 2.5 / 2.3 / 2.2
System type B up to: 10 / 2.3 / 2.2

350 kW BUCO ice bank top partially opened

We have always assimilated engineering science and thermodynamics optimally in the various manufacturing processes.

Thermodynamicists,mechanical engineers and welding engineers define the dimensioning, design and construction of customised heat exchanger panels and systems in materials ranging from mild and austenitic steels through to titanium, and ensure successful distribution of their work worldwide.

In doing so they fall back on production engineering expertise and calculations developed in the course of the past hundred years that are still being continuously optimised in an ongoing process.

In the perception of our customers, the Buco product stands for:

Technical and process-oriented consulting
Thermodynamic efficiency
Quality and longevity