Cold rooms have high energy consumption, so selecting the right thickness of cold room panels is key to maintaining the required temperature and optimal energy use.
The most commonly used system for building cold rooms is prefabricated cold room panels. Compared to traditional insulation, it offers a series of advantages such as quick assembly, easy maintenance, and reduced installation costs. This system consists of two steel sheets injected with polyurethane foam, resulting in a homogeneous, lightweight, and highly versatile final product.
When selecting cold room panels for your cold room, it is important to know the thermal insulation and airtightness required to select the most suitable thickness. These can range from 75 mm to 200 mm thick. The chosen thickness will depend on the budget available for the project and the refrigeration requirements.
Types of Cool Room Panels
Here are the most common types used in commercial and industrial settings:
Polyurethane (PU) Panels – Known for their superior insulation properties, PU panels provide excellent thermal resistance while being lightweight and durable.
Polystyrene (EPS) Panels – A cost-effective option, EPS panels offer decent insulation but may require thicker panels to achieve the same efficiency as PU panels.
Polyisocyanurate (PUR/PIR) Panels – Offering enhanced fire resistance alongside great insulation, PIR panels are a go-to choice for facilities with strict safety regulations.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cold Room Panels
To maximize insulation and energy savings, consider these key factors:
1. Thermal Efficiency
Higher thermal resistance (R-value) means better insulation. PU and PIR panels tend to have the highest R-values, making them ideal for cold storage rooms requiring minimal heat transfer.
2. Panel Thickness
The required thickness depends on your cold room’s temperature needs. A standard guideline:
Cold Rooms for conservation
Chiller rooms (0°C to 5°C)
A thickness of 75-100 mm is recommended for the roof and facade of cold rooms intended for food storage or controlled temperatures that do not require high insulation.
Cold Rooms for freezing
Freezer rooms (-18°C and below)
For installations that require controlled temperatures below -10ºC to -20ºC and high insulation, it is recommended to install a cold room panel with a thickness of 100 mm to 150 mm.
Freezing tunnels (-40 °C)
The ideal thickness for cold storage facilities where temperatures below -20ºC need to be maintained, such as laboratories, meat or fish ultra-freezing, among others, is between 150 mm and 200 mm.
3. Fire Resistance
Some industries require fire-rated panels. If fire safety is a priority, PIR or mineral wool panels are your best options.
4. Energy Efficiency
Well-insulated panels reduce the workload on cooling systems, lowering energy bills. Look for panels with airtight joining systems to prevent thermal leakage.
5. Durability and Maintenance
Cool room panels should be resistant to moisture, bacteria, and impact damage. High-quality finishes, such as food-grade coatings, help maintain hygiene and extend the lifespan of your storage unit.
Summarize
Selecting the right cold room panels isn’t just about insulation—it’s about long-term energy savings, compliance, and operational efficiency. By understanding the materials, thermal properties, and industry requirements, you can build a highly efficient temperature-controlled environment that meets your needs.
