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About us

The Central Refrigeration Center "COCH" in Krakow is the only research and development unit in Poland with a scientific and implementation character, operating in the field of refrigeration machines, equipment, and installations. It has been functioning continuously since 1946 and is equipped with professional staff and appropriate laboratory facilities and equipment.

The specialists in the field of refrigeration

We conduct scientific, research, development, and commercial work concerning the efficiency of refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump equipment and their components for enterprises. We also perform certification of these devices regarding their quality and CE compliance assessment in terms of user safety. For many years, we have also been offering a range of specialized training courses, after which participants acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to work with refrigeration equipment and modern methods of installing and maintaining thermal devices (including photovoltaics).

About us

Scope

We undertake the following tasks:

– Conducting scientific research and development work in the fields of refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pumps, and transferring their results to the industry, with particular emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises.

– Engaging in activities to improve methods of conducting scientific research and development work.

– Carrying out supplementary activities, particularly in the areas of training and disseminating scientific and technical information in the fields of refrigeration, air conditioning, the use of unconventional energy sources, and environmental protection.

– Developing analyses and assessments regarding the state and development of the aforementioned fields of science and technology, as well as proposing ways to utilize global scientific and technological achievements within the country.

Mozaika na budynku Centralnego Ośrodka Chłodnictwa w Krakowie
Dzieło Andrzeja Rohackiego i zespołu.

Structure

The organizational structure of the Central Refrigeration Center “COCH” currently includes the following departments:

Refrigeration Equipment Laboratory (BL)

  • Certification Department (NC)
  • Training Department (NS)
  • Technical Approvals Department (NT)
  • Financial and Accounting Department (NE)
  • Administration and Human Resources Department (NA)
  • Maintenance Department (NR)

In addition to the administrative structure, the Center operates with the following:

  • Technical Council
  • Management Board of the Product Certification Unit
  • Management Board of the Personnel Certification Unit
  • Technical Committee for Product Certification
  • Technical Committee for Personnel Certification
  • Technical Approvals Commission
  • Independent positions: consultants

Accreditation

We offer a wide range of services in the field of refrigeration, similar to institutions such as CEMAFROID in France or TUV in Germany. As the Central Refrigeration Center “COCH,” we hold numerous accreditations and authorizations, including:

  • Accredited PCA Laboratory (no. AB308) for testing refrigeration equipment, air conditioners, heat pumps, and more.
  • PCA Accreditation for the Product Certification Department (no. AC036) for certifying refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
  • PCA Accreditation for the Personnel Certification Department (no. AC056) in the field of refrigeration.
  • Notification by the European Commission in accordance with the PED 2014/68/EU directive.
  • Authorization for testing in accordance with the ATP Agreement and granting the European Keymark.
  • Accreditation by the Office of Technical Inspection (UDT) to conduct training in heat pumps, photovoltaics, and greenhouse gases.
  • Status as an Assessment Body in accordance with the F-gas Act.
  • Certificates for businesses regarding the installation, servicing, and disposal of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
  • Entry in the Register of Training Institutions (RIS) and accreditations from the Board of Education.
  • Active membership in the Polish Committee for Standardization, committee KT-5 for Refrigeration, Heat Pumps, Air Conditioners, and Compressors.

Our operations are based on high-quality standards and a wide range of competencies, ensuring comprehensive service in the refrigeration industry.

History

The traditions of the Central Refrigeration Center (COCH) date back to 1946, when the Central Bureau of Chemical Apparatus and Refrigeration Equipment CEBEA was established in Krakow. For several decades, refrigeration was continuously developed in Krakow, albeit in various organizational forms. A significant milestone was the creation of an independent unit called the Central Refrigeration Center COCH in November 1960, formed from the Refrigeration Equipment Department separated from CEBEA.

In 1975, COCH was temporarily merged administratively with CEBEA, only to regain full independence as a Research and Development Center in 1990. Over its long existence, the scope of the Center’s activities, which began in 1946 with design and construction work, has expanded to include scientific research, development work, as well as model and pilot testing of new generations of machines and equipment for refrigeration, heat pumps, and air conditioners. In its accredited laboratory, the Center conducts tests on new products implemented in the domestic industry, certification tests of refrigeration transport means, and product certification tests in the fields of refrigeration, heat pumps, and air conditioning.

The experimental plant carries out the construction of prototype machines and equipment, with particular emphasis on small freezing tunnels, specialized alternating temperature and low-temperature test chambers, test stands, and more.

With modern equipment, a highly qualified team, and extensive experience, the Central Refrigeration Center COCH is well-prepared to solve the most complex problems of Polish refrigeration. COCH continuously collaborates with academic centers, research organizations, and industrial partners, including international entities like the International Institute of Refrigeration.

References

References and Testimonials from Our Clients:

  • Testing services
  • Trainings
  • Certification
  • Inspection services
  • Order service
  • News