Report on the remanufacturing of refrigerated display cabinets

©Centre for Remanufacturing & Reuse 2009
Initial inspection
The RDCs are inspected both in-store and then on return to TBGs warehouse.
Unsuitable units are stripped of reusable parts and then sent for disposal. This
has led to TBG carrying some 80,000 spare parts for a wide range of RDCs. In
fact, they are now a source of spare parts for other remanufacturers and OEMs in
need of parts for older models.
Deconstruction, repair and resurfacing of cosmetic and
functional components
The RDCs are stripped down and the facing panels are removed, cleaned and
inspected for damage. They are then repaired and refinished with a powder
coating paint. The shelving and brackets are treated in the same way: they are
removed, repaired, replaced and then resurfaced. The aim of these operations is
to ensure, from a consumer‟s perspective, the RDC looks new. Spare facing
panels and shelves can be accessed through TBG‟s spares store. It is also
possible to incorporate new components into the remanufactured units. The
remaining case is then cleaned ready for further processing.
Inspection and replacement of the fans
The largest energy-using component of remote RDCs is the cooling fans that
drive cool air throughout the RDC. These parts are generally replaced with new
during remanufacturing because of the stresses imposed on the components
over the life of the unit. There is however, the option to replace the fans with
more efficient models which can significantly reduce the overall operational cost
of the unit. This decision is largely a commercial one made by the retailer.
Inspection and replacement of the cooling coils
Depending on the age and type of the RDC, moves to higher evaporation
temperature refrigeration cycles may require changes to the design of the
evaporator coils. These are replaced on older units to bring the remanufactured
RDC up to modern efficiency standards.
Inspection and replacement of the controlling circuitry
TBG inspect, test and upgrade the electronic controlling circuitry.
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