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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 61 Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com 61 sunlight. Energy usage is the critical factor here. In a sunnier and, thus, warmer location, a fl ower refrigerator cooling unit will need to consume more energy to maintain its interior coolness and humidity levels, which means higher electrical bills and, quite possible, a shorter life for the cooler—or, at least, some of its parts. A fl ower refrigerator placed in direct sunlight will utilize 70 percent more energy than one placed in "shadier" locations. The Art of Cool THE HOW How does a fl ower cooler work? "With the refrigeration of fl owers, evaporators are sized to provide optimal low air movement—centered on the cooler's ceiling to evenly distribute the air," Lauer explains. "Plug-in display-type coolers employ evaporators that blow the air gently down the inside back wall of the cooler. e other key specifi c to proper cut fl ower storage is maintaining a high humidity level." Lauer says that Flot-Aire provides oversized low-air evaporators that are specifi cally designed to maintain high humidity levels. Finally, Lauer also points out Flot-Aire's condensing units are engineered for heavy usage applications. Another factor that manufacturers of cut fl ower coolers give special consideration to is insulation, Lauer mentions, which can range from inside the walls of the coolers to the types of doors, windows and seals used—and can also involve lighting inside the cooler. "Fluorescent lights are a thing of the past," Lauer notes. "Bright LED (light- emitting diode) lights are usually utilized in fl ower coolers today. A low-radiation, full spectrum LED lighting system will showcase fl owers' natural colors." ere is nothing wrong with purchasing a used fl ower cooling unit—as long as it's not too old. But Lauer makes a strong point for purchasing new as a better option: energy effi ciency. "From an energy perspective, today's compressors, fan motors, lights and insulations are much more effi cient," he reports. Along with the more energy-effi cient lighting systems, new fl ower refrigerators use more energy-effi cient wall panels, fan motors and compressors, which result in lower electricity usage and costs. New Technologies THE WHEN What does the future hold? We're not seers here, but there is a bit of new— and aff ordable—technology currently available—the twist being you have to build it yourself. While not everybody is a DIYer, the option of constructing your own CoolBot walk-in fl ower cooler, from Store It Cold, is an intriguing option. e CoolBot system operates multiple sensors, a heating element and a programmed micro- controller to make a standard portable air- conditioner cool your storage and/or display area. e company does not mention humidity controls, so perhaps adding a portable humidifi er could be discussed. Per Johnny's Selected Seeds, the CoolBot can transform "any well-insulated room, shed or trailer into an aff ordable walk-in cooler using a standard air-conditioner," but warns that a range of 42 F to 45 F is what is generally aff orded. at said, the size of the air-conditioner used in relation to the dimensions of the walk-in cooler you construct can aff ect—and possibly lower—temperature levels. For proper cut fl ower cooling, the "cooler" or cold room must be relatively airtight, with good insulation, and per Johnny's, the door should not be opened more than six times per hour. If your requirements are for more accessibility, then perhaps a larger air-conditioning unit, or even multiple units, and more CoolBots would do the trick. We can state that an oversized air-conditioning unit will allow for lower fan speeds, to avoid gusting against your fl owers. Not all brands of air-conditioners are compatible with the CoolBot technology, however, and those that are must have a digital display and automatic restart. Despite the limitations noted here, CoolBot can be a cost-eff ective option, with savings achieved via lower purchase and installation costs and, possibly, through lower monthly electricity bills and fewer technician visits compared to traditional refrigeration systems. For those who already have a proper— but perhaps aging—fl ower refrigerator, a technology update may be called for, such as adding a readily-available and cost-eff ective high-precision TMP117 temperature sensor that monitors the refrigerator's temperature and provides a warning if it gets too hot or too cold for your fl owers. Know Your Cooler Parts ¡ Evaporator Coil receives the liquid refrigerant ¡ Condensing Unit allows heat transfer ¡ Expansion Valve controls refrigerant fl ow to the evaporator ¡ Compressor a pump that pressurizes refrigerant

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