ICE MACHINE / COLD STORAGE SYSTEM
The ice machine, also referred to as an ice storage system, is a heat exchange solution designed to produce and store cooling energy in the form of ice, which can later be used in industrial refrigeration, HVAC systems, or cooling-intensive industrial processes.
This type of system allows energy consumption to be shifted to off-peak hours—typically at night—taking advantage of lower electricity tariffs and significantly reducing peak power demand. As a result, overall energy efficiency is improved and refrigeration equipment can be optimally sized.
Operation of the cold storage system
The system is based on a heat exchanger submerged in a water tank. During off-peak hours, the refrigerant circulates through the tubes or plates, progressively forming ice around the heat exchange surface, creating controlled ice banks.
Once the cooling energy is stored as ice, it remains available until required. During periods of high cooling demand, the ice melts in a controlled manner, supplying cooling to the process without the need for additional or oversized refrigeration equipment.
Benefits of ice thermal storage
Integrating an ice storage system reduces the installed refrigeration capacity, as a significant portion of cooling demand is met using stored energy. Key benefits include:
Reduced overall energy consumption
Lower operating costs
Reduced peak electrical demand
Improved system stability
Extended equipment lifespan
Direct contribution to energy sustainability
Available formats and configurations
Ice machines can be designed in multiple configurations to meet specific installation requirements. Common solutions include:
Pillow Plate heat exchanger systems
Tubular systems with smooth tubes
Both configurations provide high thermal efficiency, compact design, and easy integration into existing or new storage tanks.
Design for durability and hygiene
Ice storage systems feature a finless design, allowing easy access, cleaning, and hygienic maintenance—essential for food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Carefully selected materials ensure excellent corrosion resistance and long service life in demanding environments.
Main applications
Ice storage systems are widely used in energy and cogeneration, oil and gas, food and beverage processing, agriculture and greenhouses, chemical industry, heavy industry, marine sector, industrial HVAC and refrigeration, wastewater treatment, refrigerated transport, industrial drying, and marine installations.
Typical ROI
3-12 months
Efficiency
cold storage accumulator
Warranty
2 years
Design
custom made
What is an ice storage system?
An ice storage system is a thermal energy storage solution that produces and stores cooling energy in the form of ice during periods of low electrical demand, allowing this energy to be used later for industrial refrigeration, HVAC systems, or cooling-intensive processes.
How does an ice thermal stroage work?
The system operates through a heat exchanger submerged in a water tank. During off-peak hours, the refrigerant circulates through tubes or plates, progressively forming ice around the heat exchange surfaces. When cooling is required, the ice melts in a controlled manner, releasing stored cooling energy.
Why are cold storage systems used in industral refrigeration?
Ice storage systems are used to reduce overall energy consumption, shift electrical demand away from peak hours, lower installed refrigeration capacity, and improve operational stability in industrial cooling applications.
What is the difference between ice storage and conventional refrigeration?
An ice storage system stores cooling energy for later use, whereas conventional refrigeration produces cooling only in real time. This allows ice storage systems to reduce peak electrical loads and optimize energy costs.
What are the main benefits of ice thermal storage?
The main benefits include reduced energy costs, lower peak power demand, improved system efficiency, increased equipment lifespan, and enhanced sustainability through better energy management.
What types of ice storage systems are available?
The most common types are Pillow Plate heat exchanger systems and tubular systems with smooth tubes or coils. Both configurations can be adapted to different tank volumes and process requirements.
Can ice storage systems be integrated into existing installations?
Yes. Ice storage systems can be custom-designed to integrate into existing tanks or retrofitted into current installations, adapting to available space and process constraints.
What industries use ice storage systems?
Ice storage systems are widely used in food and beverage processing, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, industrial HVAC, cold logistics, agriculture, greenhouses, heavy industry, marine applications, and energy-intensive industrial processes.
What maintenance does an ice storage system require?
Maintenance requirements are low due to finless designs that facilitate access, cleaning, and hygienic maintenance. This is particularly important in regulated industrial environments.
How long is the typical return on investment (ROI) for an ice storage system?
Depending on energy tariffs and operating conditions, the typical ROI for an ice storage system ranges between 3 and 12 months.
Pillow plate heat exchanger
Cooling coil
Air cooler