Written by: Michael Garry, October 5, 2021, 23:52 • 3 minutes to read
Embraco and EPTA presented the results of R290 and R600a equipment research at ATMOsphere Europe.
In a study conducted by Brazilian manufacturer Embraco (a brand of Nidec Global Appliance) and Italian OEM EPTA Refrigeration, it was found that a vertical ice cream freezer using a prototype variable speed propane (R290) compressor consumes more energy than a reference cabinet 41% less use of fixed speed (on/off) R290 compressors.
The study was described at the ATMOsphere Europe conference held online from September 28th to 29th. The conference was organized by ATMOsphere (formerly shecco), the publisher of Hydrocarbons21.com.
The refrigerator under study was provided by EPTA, while the compressor was provided by Embraco, including the FMFD413U variable speed "smart plug-in" device. Marino Bassi, senior consultant for major customers of Nidec Global Appliance, said that Smart Drop-in compressors use on-off thermostats, which are "easy replacements for on-off compressors" and can be customized for equipment. His speech at ATMOsphere Europe.
Due to its high-speed characteristics, Embraco's FMFD compressor can achieve a maximum displacement of 15cc, which is equivalent to 21cc. They are also dual-volt voltage, working voltage is 110V or 220V
Although the efficiency of retail display cabinets can be improved through electronic glass, insulation and other measures, the biggest contribution comes from the compressor," Bassi said.
The 41% energy reduction will upgrade the vertical freezer from the C label in the European energy efficiency labeling system to the B label.
"This result shows that with the shift from fixed-speed compressors to variable-speed compressors, the commercial refrigeration industry can save a lot of energy for retailers, thereby reducing the total cost of ownership," Bassi said. "We believe that in order to cope with the upcoming efficiency requirements, the use of variable speed is inevitable."
"We have seen customers' awareness of energy label ratings continue to increase, Marco Solimeo, EPTA R&D laboratory manager, added that he shared the presentation with Bassi.
Research on R600a Horizontal Freezer
In the same presentation, Embraco and EPTA discussed another study on a horizontal ice cream freezer/seller, combining a fixed-speed isobutane (R600a) compressor with a variable-speed R600a compressor Devices to compare. The use of Embraco's prototype FMX compressor achieved an optimal energy saving effect of 24%.
"In dealers, the adoption of variable speed technology is still at a very low level," Bassi said. “We hope to demonstrate through this case study the energy efficiency of using Embraco variable speed'entry level' compressors, which can pave the way for the adoption of variable speed technology as a standard solution for vendors.” Barcelona explained.
According to Bassi, by 2021, 72% of plug-in commercial cabinets will use hydrocarbons, which is expected to increase to 82% and 95% by 2025 and 2030, respectively. In addition, in the hydrocarbon compressors used in plug-in cabinets, the variable-speed unit's share in 2021 is 15%, and it is expected to increase to 30% by 2025 and 50% by 2030.
In June, Nidec Global Appliance announced that it would invest US$70 million in new production lines for its Embraco brand compressors and condensing units, including propane (R290) and isobutane (R600a) models.
Want to know more, or have anything to say about this story? Join the ATMO Connect network to meet and interact with like-minded stakeholders in the areas of clean cooling and natural refrigerants.
The email already exists on our list!
© 2016 shecco media. all rights reserved
We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to browse this website, you agree to our use of cookies.