High-Performance Doors Enhance Temperature Control for Cold Storage

High-performance doors are critical to maintaining thermal barriers, minimizing energy loss and delivering consistent temperatures in cold storage and food and beverage facilities. Today, these doors go beyond fast speeds and tight seals, incorporating smart technology with intelligent, tech-savvy solutions that actively contribute to temperature control and energy savings.

With these capabilities, high-performance doors don’t just passively resist temperature loss – they actively support temperature consistency and operational efficiency using real-time data and modern technology.

The Technologies Behind Smart Temperature Control

Rytec doors are equipped with the latest technologies that help deliver the consistent temperatures your facility demands.

IoT Connectivity

Some high-performance doors can connect to the Internet of Things (IoT), a network of devices that communicate and exchange data over the internet, either directly or through the use of gateways. These devices use sensors and software to enable remote monitoring, control and automation throughout your facility.

• Smart environmental control. Doors can work alongside your HVAC system to optimize climate control, reduce energy consumption, and maintain a comfortable environment throughout multiple areas.
• Predictive maintenance. Send proactive reminders for door maintenance needs, reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of your doors.

What’s more, high-performance doors help automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) maintain consistent temperature control. ASRS use automated guided vehicles to place and retrieve items from inventory and storage locations, sometimes without lights or in low-oxygen environments. In these situations, high-performance doors minimize air infiltration during frequent door cycles to ensure these smart, automated systems operate in tightly controlled environments to protect product quality and improve energy efficiency.

Remote Monitoring

The Rytec Connect® remote door monitoring and management system uses a sim card and is powered by cloud-based technology to remotely manage all connected high-performance doors throughout your facility. Now you can monitor door status, receive preventive alerts and view live maps of all door locations 24/7. Plus, you can close doors from anywhere and proactively initiate preventive maintenance and service schedules. For greater functionality, Rytec’s advanced System 4® Controller provides self-diagnostics and intelligent monitoring for less downtime.

Pathwatch® Safety Light System

The Pathwatch® light system is the smart way to coordinate traffic flow. It visually signals door activity with LED lights, allowing drivers and pedestrians to adjust their approach and reduce unnecessary open-door time, keeping cold air where it needs to be.

Laser Detectors and Motion Sensors

Rytec doors can be outfitted with the latest door activation systems that detect approaching forklifts, pallet jacks and foot traffic.This ensures that the doors only open when necessary and only for as long as needed. This results in better temperature control, less strain on refrigeration systems and measurable energy savings. These can include floor loop sensors, motion sensors and presence detectors that can replace standard manual push buttons, remote controls and pull cord activation options.

Fast Speeds

High-performance doors help cold storage and food production facilities maintain tighter control over energy and airflow. They open up to 10 times faster than standard doors, with speeds reaching over 100 inches per second, to dramatically reduce the time that a temperature-controlled space is exposed to outside air.

Thermal Protection Systems

Rytec’s doors also feature tight perimeter seals, thermal breaks and floor seals that actively resist condensation and ice buildup, two of the biggest contributors to thermal inefficiency. Another option is blowers, whether heated or non-heated, which help minimize temperature exchange while the door is open and reduces the risk of frost.

Impact Detection and Breakaway Design

Rytec’s breakaway bottom bar and self-repairing design reduce downtime while preserving thermal control. If a door is hit by a vehicle, it can easily break away from the guides and be reset in minutes. Some models can even automatically reset themselves without manual intervention. This minimizes time with an open, unsealed doorway and ensures continuous protection of temperature-controlled zones.

High-Performance Doors for Temperature Control

Rytec offers a wide variety of high-performance doors that can be outfitted with technology for smart control across rooms or zones. From freezer rooms and coolers to packaging and dry storage, high-performance doors can help minimize temperature fluctuations, help reduce condensation and ice buildup, and maintain product quality throughout your facility.

• Insulated fabric roll-up doors, such as the Turbo-Seal Insulated®, are ideal for cooler and cold storage applications.
• Turbo-Slide® insulated sliding doors provide advanced thermal features with R-values ranging from R-17 up to R-40 for excellent energy efficiency. Additionally, an innovative design enables the door to withstand accidental impact with easy realignment.
• USDA/FDA-compliant doors, such as the Plexline®, combine the durability of high-performance fiberglass composite with a door panel made from tear-resistant Rylon® or USDA/FDA-compliant vinyl.

Contact us for more information or learn more about Rytec high-performance doors for cold storage and food and beverage.