Maria Sotberg

Stay cool and informed with our stories on refrigeration and freezing. You will find content on temperature control suitable for rookies and tech-savvy partners. Find blog posts, use cases and videos on temperature control, heat recovery, natural cooling and wireless temperature sensors. Relevant for supermarkets, hotels and restaurants, and large industrial cooling systems like marine and other food processing facilities.

Refrigeration and freezing

<p>When you throw food out, it's not just the food that goes to waste. The farmer's effort, the fuel that has been used to transport the goods, and respect for the fact that we have food on the table shouldn't be taken for granted.</p>



<p>Globally, around 14 % of food produced is lost between harvest and retail, while an estimated 17 % of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-food-waste-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global food production</a>&nbsp;is wasted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supermarkets-are-big-energy-spenders">Supermarkets are big energy spenders</h2>





<p>In addition to large volumes of food getting lost somewhere in the supply chain, supermarkets are one of the most energy-intensive sectors among commercial buildings. The primary reason for this high energy consumption is refrigeration, which can account for more than half of all the energy used.</p>



<p>Food that is lost and wasted accounts for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-food-waste-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">38 % of total energy usage</a>&nbsp;in the global food system. Meaning that energy efficiency and food waste are highly intertwined.</p>





<p>It's difficult to address the whole value chain; we can't solve everything at once. But we can do something about the food that is lost due to improper storage or failing refrigeration and freezing systems. For some stores,&nbsp;<a href="https://kiona.com/products/iwmac/wireless/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wireless temperature monitoring</a>&nbsp;could be the route to avoid food waste.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-wireless-temperature-monitoring"><strong>Benefits of wireless temperature monitoring</strong></h2>



<p>A wireless solution is a good replacement for cabled equipment and is a useful way to cut costs, enhance flexibility and get faster, less invasive installations.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://kiona.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Step-2.png" alt="Wireless sensors" class="wp-image-33617"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The wireless sensors fit just about everywhere - no matter what kind of equipment you already have.</figcaption></figure>



<p>Wireless devices are versatile and can be used for more than you might think. Here are 3 benefits you should know about:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduces-the-risk-of-product-loss">Reduces the risk of product loss</h3>



<ul>
<li>The temperature sensors communicate with our servers, so you get an SMS warning you of deviations if the temperature rises above or drops below set limits. This way, you can avert loss and gain greater control over the food you sell.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quick-and-simple-installation"><strong>Quick and simple installation</strong></h3>



<ul>
<li>You can fit the wireless sensors precisely where something needs measuring, and installation is so simple you can do it yourself. To begin with, we set the limit values for you. Later on, you can log in and change them as you wish.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-versatile">Versatile</h3>



<ul>
<li>Many kiosks, small shops, canteens, and gas stations opt for wireless monitoring. But did you know that they are also used in car washes, boats, and public transport? Measure moisture or temperature, with plenty of fastening options and long battery life.</li>
</ul>



<p>Because the system is wireless, the sensors can be used in many different places. In fact, you can connect up to 60 sensors to one gateway. Simple, fast, and affordable.</p>





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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ps-don-t-judge-a-book-by-its-cover"><em>PS: Don't judge a book by its cover</em></h4>



<p><em>Here are some handy everyday hints for all those food rescuers out there:  &nbsp;</em></p>



<ol>
<li><em>Ugly fruit or weird carrot? Cut away the blemishes, and buy fruit that doesn't meet the cosmetic standard. They taste the same.</em></li>



<li><em>Rummage a little in the fridge when you refill it and put the oldest item at the front. Make sure the refrigerator is at the right temperature.</em></li>



<li><em>Best before, but not bad after! The look, smell, and taste test is often a good clue as to whether the food is safe or not.</em></li>
</ol>

Wireless temperature monitoring –  a shortcut to avoiding food waste

Solutions for refrigeration

Want to stay on top of alarms and faults?

Partner

<p>As CEO, Korsnes has extensive industry experience. NordDisk has known about <a href="https://kiona.com/products/iwmac/">IWMAC, our SCADA for cooling and refrigeration</a>, since the dawn of time and has used the system in supermarkets since the early 2000s. As a total supplier of services and equipment within refrigeration, freezing, and air conditioning, they tailor solutions and take on projects from A to Z.</p>





<p>Therefore, they are well aware of what is happening in the market.</p>



<p>– We wanted to become partners to develop further in the field of energy saving and deliver easier monitoring, notification, and control through SCADA systems. Since then, we have delivered many smart solutions for managing complete systems within buildings and larger stores. It has been very successful, Korsnes explains.</p>



<p>After installing and delivering the system solution, <a href="https://www.norddisk.no/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NordDisk</a> continues to "tune" the system to perform in the best possible way. With the help of IWMAC, they can immediately catch unnecessary errors and excessive energy consumption linked to ventilation, cooling, and heat recovery.</p>



<p>That makes it possible to follow up operations according to the KPIs that have been set and to deliver cost-effective facilities that also work in an energy-efficient manner.</p>



<h2 id="h-refrigeration-and-cooling-solutions-that-save-energy">Refrigeration and cooling solutions that save energy</h2>



<p>Furthermore, Korsnes points out that the focus and potential for energy saving when it comes to refrigerants is increasing, but that as an industry, they still have a way to go. It also depends on the suppliers being willing to create the right solution.</p>



<p>– The overall picture of cooling, ventilation, and power-saving measures, which we can easily control via the web, is important in this work. It allows us to reuse much of the energy we have used in the system and control pressure as needed on the cooling and air conditioning systems, he says.</p>





<p>He thinks they will have a steep curve for another three to five years before the industry has replaced most of the old technology. The climate industry is still lagging behind, so this market will take over as a focus area in two to three years.</p>



<p>Constantly developing and delivering better, more climate-friendly solutions is a must and makes it possible to adapt to the market. Something that only becomes more and more important.</p>



<h2 id="h-it-pays-to-be-partners">It pays to be partners</h2>



<p>With a focus on service, technology, and close customer follow-up, NordDisk has hands-on experience in precisely being capable of change.</p>



<p>– We see it as one of our strengths that we have a short service path between suppliers, customers, and partners. This means that we can turn around quickly to meet your wishes and requirements. With close cooperation, we have managed to lift ourselves up compared to our competitors. We are therefore very grateful for the Kiona partnership, Korsnes concludes.</p>



<p>The collaboration between service providers, software, and hardware vendors enables us to put our heads together to deliver the best possible solution for customers. The focus on close collaboration produces clear results, proving this is the right way.</p>

– The key to success is players who collaborate

Viktor Bardun

Make sure your produce always stays fresh

<p>Temperature control is mostly about ensuring food safety, and we have strict requirements for fridges and freezers in Europe. The main rules are that</p>



<ol type="1"><li>perishable foodstuffs must be stored at 4 °C or lower</li><li>the cold chain must be uninterrupted</li><li>the temperature of freezers should be -18 °C or lower</li></ol>



<p>But even in the good fight against microorganisms, it's foolish to use more energy than necessary. So it's worth looking closely at the product: What is the specified storage method? If you have several products that can withstand temperatures higher than 4 °C, you can store them together in a separate cabinet. It's a waste of energy to keep them at a lower temperature than necessary.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-cold-is-too-cold-for-your-refrigeration-units"><strong>How cold is too cold for your refrigeration units?</strong></h2>





<p>Of course, when it comes to your freezer, it's not like -36 °C is twice as good as -18 °C. Anything below 22 °C is, in practice, the equivalent of throwing energy right out of the window. So it's best to keep the temperature in the freezer within this 4-degree range. The temperature will fluctuate, but if you have IWMAC monitoring, you'll get reports with temperature logs every 24 hours. That way, you can quickly check if products are in danger – or if there is energy to be saved.</p>



<h2><strong>Cool facts about temperatures</strong></h2>



<p>At Kiona, we often visit new customers at supermarkets to supply training. Once accurate temperature monitoring is in place, many have a real lightbulb moment. Here are the most common experiences, summarised in three practical temperature tips.</p>



<h3><strong>1. Close the door to the freezer or refrigerated room when restocking</strong></h3>



<p>Heat exchange happens faster than you think. Ensure that the refrigerated/freezer room door does not leak, and never leave it open while restocking items. Otherwise, warm air and moisture can sneak in, and ice forms.</p>



<h3><strong>2. Don't let the ventilation work against you</strong></h3>



<p>Fridges and freezers are seriously affected by the temperature and air humidity elsewhere in the store. When summer finally arrives, this is especially important to look at and address. If it's 20 °C in the store with 40% humidity – as it is in winter – you'll have around a 55% load on the refrigerated counter and freezer. However, if it is 20 °C with 60% humidity, the load will quickly become 75%. And that's something you need to keep in mind.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>I have even seen ventilation systems blowing 27 °C warm and humid summer air into the store. Then we're talking a load of over 100 percent. It's a complete waste when two systems are fighting against each other.</p><cite><em>Viktor Bardun, Sales Coordinator, Kiona</em></cite></blockquote>



<p>Want control of your uptime? <a href="https://kiona.com/products/iwmac/">Let your ventilation, cooling, and heating work together!</a></p>



<h3><strong>3. Don't leave the door of the store open</strong> </h3>



<p>And last but by no means least: We understand that it can be tempting to leave the store's door open in the summer. Many people do, but it's not good for your refrigeration and freezer system. Better to have the store a little cold and close the door. This gives your food a safer environment and reduces your fridge's freeze burden – and your electricity bill.</p>

How to store food - and save energy

Jostein Markussen

Learn about monitoring energy consumption and temperatures

<p>The <a href="https://www.seedvault.no/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Svalbard Global Seed Vault</a> was opened in 2008 and is now home to over one million seed samples. Some people have compared it to Noah's ark. Others have called it a frozen Garden of Eden. The biblical allegories suggest the seriousness of the issue.</p>



<p>"This is not our biggest assignment, but it may well be our most important. It's with a certain sense of awe that we look after what may come to look after all of us eventually," says Jostein Markussen of Kiona.</p>



<h2 id="h-with-eyes-on-mother-earth-s-backup-monitoring"><strong>With eyes on mother earth's backup – monitoring</strong></h2>



<p>It all started when the company Kuldeteknisk (now PTG), a Kiona-certified partner, won the tender to supply the refrigeration plant to total contractor Hæhre. They knew who they wanted to bring along with them as a subcontractor.</p>



<p>"We do a lot of good things with Kiona. They deliver reliable solutions and are flexible, and we work well together. If we need anything, they solve it for us. That's how it was in this case, too," says Martin Corneliussen, project manager at PTG.</p>



<p>While PTG supplies the equipment, Kiona is responsible for monitoring the technical equipment, such as the dehumidification system and CO2 machine, using the SCADA system IWMAC. They're also responsible for monitoring energy consumption and temperatures – from the main door into the innermost and holiest storage areas.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>Overview – and remote control</strong></h2>



<p>Thanks to detailed system images, the cooling contractor can monitor that everything is working correctly. "That's the key to this project," says Corneliussen.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"All the aspects here are important, but without monitoring, we wouldn't be able to maintain control of what's happening. That's vital for Statsbygg, the Norwegian government's building commissioner. They've completed major modifications and are very keen on maintaining a complete overview," he continues.</p>





<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://kiona.com/app/uploads/2022/04/svalbard-seedvault-alamy-P2PPYH-1440x958-1-1024x682.jpg" alt="Inside the Svalbard Global Seed Vault" class="wp-image-1460"/><figcaption>Photo: Svalbard Global Seed Vault (Seed Bank) in Svalbard, Norway. Photo by Hemis / Alamy</figcaption></figure>



<p>At the same time, it's not just about monitoring because what if something needs to be changed? Markussen at Kiona explains that the overview is only half the story.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"It's one thing always to have a clear picture of what's happening, but you also need control. Our system allows service partners to remotely control and customize the system from anywhere in the world. So they don't need to travel to Svalbard to make changes."&nbsp;</p>





<h2><strong>The value of perfect temperature</strong></h2>



<p>There are several reasons why Platåberget mountain on Svalbard was chosen. One of them is that the mountain is frozen.</p>



<p>"In other words, what is stored there is not just artificially refrigerated. That provides an extra level of security as a fail-safe. If the human systems failed, the seeds would still stay cold," says Corneliussen at PTG.</p>



<p>But the correct temperature is also about predictability and stability. And the site owner's instructions are clear: The temperature must be -18 °C. No more, no less.</p>



<p>"It is our job to achieve that precise temperature," he explains and concludes:</p>



<p>"And using IWMAC, we can both ensure and document that we can do just that."</p>

The icy Guardians of Svalbard

Max Karlsson

Check out Check Point

Want to get control over your defrosting procedures?

<p>Regular defrosting is essential for some counters and cabinets to ensure optimal function. If there's too much ice in your fridge and freezer, it can block the inflow of cold air. This either leads to the unit working harder than necessary or the temperature becoming too high. Either way, it's bad news.</p>



<h2><strong>Chill a little</strong></h2>





<p>So you probably think that you defrost too infrequently? Of course, that may be the case – there are huge differences between freezer cabinets and refrigerated rooms. But in reality, you're probably a little too eager! The most common mistake we see is that people defrost too often. And there's a simple explanation: While older counters and cabinets quickly began to complain if you didn't defrost them 2 or 3 times a day, many modern fridges and freezers are far more forgiving.</p>



<p>So if you've recently switched your refrigerant to a modern, CO<sub>2</sub>-based one, you'll also need to change your settings.</p>



<p>But won't it make a difference if I do it more often, you may be thinking? Yes, a little – because defrosting uses more power. If you do it more often than necessary, you're just wasting energy. And we don't want that.</p>



<h2><strong>Find the right defrosting routine</strong></h2>



<p>The right defrosting routine depends on what kind of equipment you have – so make sure you're familiar with it. In addition, many related factors affect how often you need to remove the ice from your fridge and freezer.</p>



<p>How often is the room used? What are the room temperature and humidity otherwise? For example, more ice will also form if you have a dairy storage room where people are walking in and out all the time and letting in a lot of moist and warm air. In that case, of course, you need to defrost more often.</p>



<h2><strong>Get control and an overview</strong></h2>



<p>But how can you know when the time has come to defrost? And how do you know if your actions are having an effect – did that defrost program really help? Today you can get excellent help from smart sensors, which can detect if the airflow is sufficient and measure the temperature at which the ice forms.</p>



<p>If you have <a href="https://kiona.com/products/iwmac/">IWMAC</a>, it's easy to track whether the electric heating elements are doing their job – or if you need to step in and defrost manually. Monitor whether the temperature increases when the "toaster" defrosts. If it doesn't, it won't cause the ice to melt.</p>



<p>Add <em><a href="https://kiona.com/products/iwmac/smart-functions/">Smart Functions</a></em> to your IWMAC, you can easily simulate whether or not you're defrosting too often. You'll also get all deviation indications sent to you directly, so you can optimize your energy consumption. It's far cheaper than walking around and checking the sensors manually – or getting others to do it.</p>



<h2 id="h-keep-an-eye-on-the-defrost-time"><strong>Keep an eye on the defrost time</strong></h2>





<p>If you're responsible for refrigerated counters and freezer cabinets, you're probably as tired of the "Frozen" problem as the parents of small kids are. In pure frustration, turning up the stop temperature is easy, believing it will make short work of ice. But if you want to "let it go," you should set the stop temperature close to the product temperature.</p>



<p>And if your freezer room is fully defrosted after 10 minutes, setting the defrost time to 30 minutes makes no sense. The goal is to melt the ice – not use the unit to heat the freezer room. It's a waste of energy.</p>

Defrosting made easy - take control of the ice

Trond-Øystein Bjørnnes

Contact us

Take control of your technical systems

<p>Among other things, we're talking about our food. For many store managers, the worry will always be there, like a buzzing noise in the background. A voice that never stops whispering: What if something goes wrong? What if it happens tonight?&nbsp;</p>



<p>At Kiona, we're working to silence that voice — so you can feel more reassured. But not just for that reason. We view it as our social mission to help safeguard these resources. It's about the essential foods intended for people's homes and maintaining sufficient quality. And when we're able to protect that, we reduce both food waste and our climate impact.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-guardians-of-the-ark">Guardians of the Ark&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Food isn't just stored in the shops. That's why we need to keep our eye on the ball throughout the value chain. Today we have both systems and people monitoring central warehouses throughout the continent. We ensure that food is never exposed to the wrong temperature – and we prevent waste wherever it can occur.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>And it doesn't stop with food. Medicine warehouses also rely on uncompromising monitoring to ensure vital medicines are not wasted. In fact, many medicines are far more temperature-sensitive than even food. Socially critical drugs require very specific storage conditions everywhere, from pharmacies in hospitals to large medicine warehouses.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>And in Svalbard, 1300 kilometers north of the polar circle, perhaps the holiest is located: <a href="https://www.regjeringen.no/en/topics/food-fisheries-and-agriculture/svalbard-global-seed-vault/id462220/">The Global Seed Bank</a>. The ark itself. "The doomsday vault." It is part of the last shield we hold in our hands there. We're pretty proud of that.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Remote control in a time of crisis&nbsp;</h2>



<p>But the greatest non-conformance of all is this: The earth's temperature is all wrong. The alarm has gone off. Here we may not be able to do quite as much, but we can do something. We can arrange for you to control your building's energy consumption wherever you are. We need to end waste. Energy thieves need to be stopped. In addition, in times of crisis, the operations manager can put the building into 'hibernation.'&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>That option to control systems remotely is essential. We have systems in place in both nursing homes and care homes. If a contractor or service partner is not allowed to travel there when something fails, they can deal with the non-conformance from their current location. And if they need advice, they may be among those who can get it from our <a href="https://kiona.com/products/iwmac/alarmmonitoring-24-7/">alarm centre</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Because there are heroes around who don't wear a cape or uniform. The people who monitor all these stocks of food and medicine – and even more secret things – 24 hours a day. Their job is to let you know the second something goes wrong.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Together with our systems, they are the safety net for all those critical resources.&nbsp;</p>

Critical resources are more than just food

Ståle Eriksen

Want to hear more about this use case?

Want to know more about how temperature monitoring works with IWMAC?

Matsentralen Trøndelag

In Norway, we throw away 385,000 tonnes of food a year. That food should first go to someone who needs it, but it has also cost the environment a lot to produce it in the first place. I had wanted digital monitoring of the temperature, so I don’t have to remember to write it down manually. It is much more comfortable, and besides, it is reassuring to know that I am notified if something goes wrong. There has been a strong spirit of hard work, and Kiona has been in good company. I am very grateful that people stand up for us.

We are concerned about food safety and always follow the Food Safety Authority's guidelines. This contribution from Kiona makes it even easier to take care of the food we store.

Manager, Matsentralen Trøndelag

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giving-food-people-and-the-environment-a-second-chance">Giving food, people, and the environment a second chance</h2>



<p>Every single month, <a href="https://www.matsentralen.no/matsentralene/trondelag" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matsentralen</a> distributes 40,000 meals to non-profit organizations. The least we can do is give back some extra food security.</p>



<p>Matsentralen is a network of eight food centers that facilitate the redistribution of surplus food from the food industry to non-profit organizations that help the disadvantaged. The goal is to create a sustainable food system.</p>



<p>The food center opened in Trondheim in 2018. Together with its donors and recipients, it contributes to 7 of the UN's 17 sustainability goals – the world's joint work plan to eradicate poverty, fight inequality, and stop climate change by 2030. We at Kiona are proud to contribute in our way, with what we do best. That is why we support Matsentralen with a free IWMAC system.</p>



<p>Through their work, they help the food industry reduce food waste and enable non-profit organizations to help people in difficult life situations.</p>



<p>The collaboration with Kiona consists of the SCADA system IWMAC, which provides digital monitoring of the temperature in the cloud solution. This gives the food center a better overview of the food they take care of and prevent further loss of goods. The facility is monitored, and managers are notified if deviations occur. In this way, they have a complete overview of the refrigeration systems – and can override them from anywhere.</p>



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