Building Management Systems and System Architectures for Transcritical CO2 Refrigeration Systems

Eckelmann is cooperating with international system integrators such as logictec and ThermoDynamics to implement networked refrigeration and building management systems in the Gulf region as well as in European markets. The technical foundation is formed by the VPC 5000 controller for transcritical CO2 systems and the Virtus Tectum Grid IoT platform, which combine physical refrigeration with digital monitoring structures.

Addressing the Industrial Challenge
Operators of supermarkets and branch networks face the necessity of seamlessly integrating refrigeration systems into existing building automation and IT infrastructures. Modern transcritical CO2 systems require precise control of compressors and pressures to ensure energy-efficient operation. At the same time, companies must comply with strict documentation requirements for product temperatures, rendering manual evaluations inefficient and prone to error. There is a need for a scalable system architecture that combines complex control technology with cross-trade data management and secure remote maintenance.

Technical Architecture and Responsibilities
The Eckelmann VPC 5000 functions as a complete solution for CO2 refrigeration systems and natively controls up to six compressors, including variable-speed models. The hardware handles low, medium, and high-pressure control, as well as gas cooler and fan control. Data communication occurs via two independent Modbus lines, two CAN bus segments, and an Ethernet connection to Virtus 5. On the software level, the Virtus Tectum Grid Building IoT platform digitalizes technical building operations. Eckelmann supplies the physical hardware and software, while partners like ThermoDynamics in the United Arab Emirates establish the technical market and service structure for these refrigeration control systems.

Implementation and Operational Integration
The physical implementation of the systems is carried out internationally via specialized partners such as Refstep Oy in Finland, as well as through infrastructure projects in the Middle East. In Saudi Arabia, Eckelmann and logictec are building a joint final assembly facility in Dammam for controllers from the building management systems portfolio to secure local availability. The integration of the controllers into existing plants enables direct connection to heat recovery systems. The Virtus Basic Desk is utilized to make it easier for refrigeration technicians to monitor the systems, while the HACCP Desk takes over temperature documentation as a web-based service. The operational hardware systems will be demonstrated at Chillventa from October 13 to 15, 2026, in Nuremberg.

Applications and Use Cases
The system landscape is primarily deployed in commercial retail, supermarkets, and large building complexes where refrigeration and building automation converge. Branch and building operators use the platform for unified visualization, diagnostics, and systematic reporting. Furthermore, the technological infrastructure supports data exchange and the smart control of cooling capacities.

Results and Operational Impact
Through the auto-adaptive optimization strategies of the VPC 5000, the cooling capacity is precisely reduced to the actual required demand, which measurably lowers the overall energy consumption of the refrigeration systems. The high functional density and compact design of the hardware reduce physical wiring efforts and accelerate commissioning. The international localization of final assembly in the Gulf region stabilizes the supply chain and ensures that operators benefit long-term from a future-oriented Building IoT platform with remote service capabilities.

Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

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