HORECA Case Study: Selecting a Chiller for Hotels in the Balkans
EVROPROM for HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant and Catering/Cafe)
HORECA is one of the high-load segments where EVROPROM realises complex HVAC solutions. Over the last 60 months, more than 18.2 MW of refrigeration has been delivered for hotel and restaurant facilities, including units with capacities from 170 to 1250 kW, specific requirements for sound pressure levels ≤ 55 dB(A) at a distance of 10 m and ESEER not lower than 4.05.
In this case study we would like to talk about air conditioning systems in hotels in the Balkans. Here it is necessary to take into account the hot and humid climate of the region, where in summer the temperature often rises to 35-38 °C and humidity exceeds 60 %. In such conditions, centralised solutions based on chillers with fan coil units, which enable precise temperature and humidity control in each room and public areas, are in demand. Particular attention is paid to the high energy efficiency of the equipment, low noise levels and the possibility of zone control, which is important for maintaining comfort in the diverse areas of the hotel.
In addition, hotels with SPAs, swimming pools and restaurants require multi-stage performance control of cooling systems and integration with modern BMS building management systems. This allows for optimised operation in part-load mode, reducing energy consumption during low load periods, which is especially important when electricity tariffs in the Balkan countries are as high as 0.24 €/kWh. The compactness and low weight of the cooling systems are also important, as they are often installed on rooftops or technical areas with limited load-bearing capacity.
To maintain a comfortable microclimate, centralised air conditioning systems with chillers and fan coil units are used to precisely regulate the temperature in each room. In conditions of summer heat up to 35-38 °C and humidity over 60 %, it is critical to ensure reliability and energy efficiency of the equipment. The equipment is positioned with noise reduction in mind, not exceeding 55 d/A in residential areas and weight restrictions, as they are mounted on roofs or technical areas with limited load-bearing capacity.
About the customer
Upruc Pol S.A., based in Romania and specialised since 1999 in the production of plastic tanks under the POLSTIF brand, is an important partner for the project. With a production capacity of up to 1000 tonnes per year and a staff of about 35 employees, Upruc Pol provides reliable and durable tanks and technical structures for various industries.
Through its involvement in the family business that owns the Hart & SPA Predeal Hotel, the company is well acquainted with the requirements of the region’s hospitality industry. The hotel covers an area of approximately 4,100 m² and comprises 54 rooms, a SPA area with heated swimming pool, restaurant, conference room, kitchen, laundry and technical facilities. The complex operates all year round, catering for 100 to 120 guests at a time, with peaks in the summer and winter seasons.
The facility consists of three buildings up to 4 storeys high with a total internal air volume of about 18,000 m³. The ventilation system is designed for an air exchange rate of 1.5 to 3 volumes per hour in the rooms and public areas, which is in line with the norms for high-class hotels in the Balkans. Efficient thermal insulation reduces heat gain in summer, optimising the energy consumption of the refrigeration system.
The purchased chiller and storage systems have become an integral part of the Elexus Predeal engineering infrastructure, providing energy-efficient cooling for rooms, SPA areas and kitchens, thus maintaining a high level of comfort and optimising operating costs.
Heat load by zone in the hotel complex
The cooling capacity calculation is based on the following benchmarks.
Room stock – 54 rooms, total area about 2000 m². At a specific load of 50-60 W/m²: cooling capacity – 100-120 kW.
SPA and pool area – 800 m², including areas with high humidity and heat gain. The required power is 80-100kW.
Restaurant and kitchen – about 600 m². In case of increased heat gain from equipment and open flames: calculated power – 60-80 kW.
Conference room, lobby, corridors and common areas – 700 m². Range requirement – 50-60 kW.
Total heat load of the facility – about 300-350 kW. Taking into account the coefficient of simultaneity and reserve for load peaks, a chiller with a nominal capacity of 330 kW has been selected. This makes it possible to cover the total demand and provide partial operation at part load during the off-season.
Equipment selection: CARRIER 30RBP 330
The CARRIER 30RBP 330 provides 330 kW of cooling at a water temperature of 12/7 °C. The equipment is designed for air-conditioning and refrigeration systems with air-cooled condenser.
R410A refrigerant is used, which complies with F-Gas 517/2014 and EU directives. It ensures high energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
The model supports step regulation by compressors, connection to BMS system, as well as control by external signal. The sound power level is up to 91 dB(A) and the water flow rate is approximately 56.8 m³/h.
Compressor modular group
The model is equipped with five Danfoss SH295A4ACE scroll compressors. Each compressor operates with its own independent refrigeration circuit, which allows:
– Dynamically regulate the capacity;
– Reduce energy consumption during low load periods;
– Increase reliability: if one of the compressors fails, the system continues to operate;
– At full load, each compressor operates at 20 – 25% of the rated capacity of the system, depending on the operating conditions.
This ensures reliability under variable load conditions.
Heat exchange and condensing system
The chiller is designed with a microchannel aluminium condenser and plate heat exchanger for compactness and high heat exchange efficiency. Due to the multi-channel structure, it achieves higher heat transfer efficiency with a smaller footprint.
The refrigerant volume is reduced by up to 30 % compared to classic tubular heat exchangers, which reduces the system load and simplifies maintenance. This also contributes to improved environmental performance.
Additional benefits include resistance to vibration, weathering and reduced unit weight, which is critical when mounting on a roof or technical platform with limited load capacity.
Dimensions and layout
The physical dimensions of the unit are 3.7 × 2.3 × 2.4 metres. This allows the equipment to be installed behind a building, in a technical area or on a roof. This provides access to the service units required by technical regulations.
Operating characteristics and motor life of the cooling unit
The installed equipment was delivered in excellent technical condition. The number of motor-hours is from 1700 to 2700 per compressor, which is within the permissible resource and with a reserve of highly efficient refrigeration load up to 60 000 – 80 000 hours.
Before delivery, comprehensive testing, revision of components and replacement of worn-out elements was carried out. The chiller is integrated into the building automation system.
Implementation and integration cycle
Delivery and commissioning took less than three weeks. This included:
– Delivery of the equipment from the EVROPROM site;
– Installation and tying of the hydraulic part;
– Commissioning and adjustment to real operation modes;
– Integration into the dispatching and remote monitoring system.
As a result – minimisation of downtime and full compatibility with existing systems: hydromodule, buffer tank, fancoilers, SPA-section.
Energy consumption and seasonal efficiency
The CARRIER 30RBP 330 shows the following figures:
– COP – up to 3.2 at full cycle productivity;
– ESEER – 4.1, under part load conditions;
– Power supply – 3×400 V, 50 Hz, rated consumption – 105-110 kW at peak load.
Under actual hotel load conditions (≈ 70-90 %) the unit is operated at 60-85 kW consumption. This makes it possible to meet the energy efficiency requirements and not to overload the power supply infrastructure of the facility.
Pre-commissioning with engineering compatibility
The equipment is integrated with:
– POLSTIF buffer tank for 1500, manufactured by Upruc Pol S.A.;
– Two pumping groups, hydraulic separator;
– Ventilation units and fan coil units in the rooms and SPA;
– Pool heating and heat recovery system, partly utilising condensation heat in winter.
Thanks to the modular structure, it has been possible to achieve an even distribution of cooling in all key areas, including the kitchen area, where the heat load reaches 45 W/m² from the cookers alone.
Environmental and regulatory aspects
The use of “R410A” refrigerant fulfils the current requirements of EC Regulation No. 517/2014 on fluorinated gases.
The GWP is 2088 and the equipment does not require mandatory retrofitting until 2030.
Noise standards are also taken into account: when installed on the roof, the sound pressure level at the site boundary does not exceed 54 dB/A.
Why EVROPROM?
The decision to purchase the CARRIER 30RBP 330 through EVROPROM was based on a set of parameters confirmed by figures:
– Delivery time – 6 working days from confirmation of the specification. The standard waiting period for new equipment from the factory is 14 to 22 weeks;
– Cost of the unit – 22-27% lower than the market price due to the warehouse programme and absence of intermediaries;
– Full resource of the equipment – not less than 35 000 motor-hours at correct operation. Current motor-hours – 1700-2700, which is less than 8% of the design resource;
– Payback – due to energy saving (compared to obsolete system of previous generation with EER up to 2.1) the chiller allows saving up to 38-42 MW per hour during a year. With an average tariff in the region of 0.18 €/kW per hour, the annual saving is (≈ 6800-7600 €);
– The area of the object to be cooled is ≈ 4100 m² and the nominal power of the technology is 330 kW. This gives a load coverage factor of 1 kW per 12.4 m², which corresponds to the class of hotels with higher internal heat gains;
– Compressor module – 5× Danfoss SH295A4ACE. Each operates from 20 to 66 kW, providing flexible partial load response. The regulation step is about 20 %, with no power surges and no downtime;
– Energy consumption per 1 kW of cooling – 0.95-1.05 kWh in the 75-100 % load range. Under partial load conditions – up to 0.78 kWh;
– Commissioning period – 14 calendar days from the moment of equipment arrival at the site, including strapping, testing and commissioning;
– Warranty service period – 12 months with the possibility of extension up to 24 months upon conclusion of a service contract;
– Reduction of noise level compared to the previous unit – by 7-9 dB(A) at the boundary of the sanitary zone.
No redundant components. No loss of time. No overloading of the hotel energy system. The solution is tailored to the specific need and confirmed by calculations.
EVROPROM is an engineering partner that will assist you in all stages of chiller selection and installation, saving you time and money.
Author of the article:
Svyatoslav Ovcharenko, Sales Manager
21.08.2025