Temperature Controlled Horticulture
Client type Logistics
Completed by
A comprehensive 113,500 sq ft automated distribution centre.
We were appointed by Dixon Transport to design and deliver refrigeration and heat-pump systems for their new automated 46,000-pallet high-bay distribution centre – a facility split 50/50 between ambient and temperature-controlled storage.
The temperature-control installation is based on R290 (propane) hydrocarbon systems, comprising low-charge glycol chillers for cooling and a dedicated R290 heat pump to serve heating, reheat and energy-recovery functions. The glycol distribution network provides stable, responsive temperature management throughout the densely racked automated high bay. The system is engineered for exceptionally low auxiliary power, with variable-speed pumping, optimised hydraulics and full BMS integration.
Heating loads including defrost, cooler reheat and service area heating are met via hydrocarbon heat pump energy recovery. The overall electrical demand is further offset by an on-site solar PV array capable of supplying the full site under favourable conditions, reducing operating costs and carbon intensity.
MBA delivered full technical support, including refrigeration system design, load modelling, energy analysis, heat-recovery strategy, controls architecture, tender specification and evaluation, DSEAR compliance, and construction stage commissioning oversight, ensuring a safe, efficient and fully optimised installation.
