Embraco’s inverter compressors claim payback in less than a year

This case study achieved 27 per cent energy savings using a variable speed compressor running with natural refrigerant.

Due to post-pandemic recovery, the expanding vending machines market in China and South-East Asia required unmanned retail. This led to an increased need for such kinds of appliances which are more energy-efficient, reduce their life cycle cost and have a lower environmental impact. New compressor technologies, such as variable speed, inverter technology, and natural refrigerants, are needed to meet these new demands. In a recent study, Embraco, a Nidec Global Appliance’s brand, used a variable speed compressor to replace a traditional fixed speed one. With this, Embraco reached 27 per cent energy savings in a vending machine.

 

Variable speed technology research

 Embraco presented the case study at the ATMOsphere APAC Summit 2022, held in Tokyo on June 28, 2022. The research converted a 510 litres vending machine, replacing a fixed-speed compressor. It applied the refrigerant HFC R134a with the variable speed model Embraco VES that uses natural refrigerant R290 – a vital feature to minimize environmental impact. The R290 refrigerant has no ozone depletion and global warming potential (GWP) close to zero, making it a solution to comply with local and international regulations limiting the GWP of appliances. The variable speed technology, in its turn, saves energy by adjusting the device’s running speed to the demand required by the refrigeration equipment. Xu Bo, Sales Manager for South East Asia at Nidec Global Appliance, says, “It is an outstanding outcome not only from an environmental protection perspective but also from a financial one: the change in the compressor pays for itself in less than one year, considering the energy reduction.” The VES compressor reached the internal cabinet temperature of -6ºC in a time frame 15 per cent faster than the fixed speed compressor. “It is a benefit that guarantees an improved sales experience, since the product reaches merchandising temperature quicker, and can reduce product loss by allowing a more stable temperature inside the refrigerator, complying with the best practices of food safety regulations,” adds Xu Bo. Another feature of the VES is using Embraco Smart Drop-in technology, an advanced inverter control logic that allows customization of the control routine according to end-users specific parameters, optimizing the system performance and energy saving. 

 

Conclusion 

The case study pointed out that energy savings can increase even more with other improvements. In one of the evaluations, the AC (alternate current) condenser and evaporator fans were replaced by DC (direct current) fans, and the vending machine’s beverage outlet was blocked to reduce heat leakage, all associated with using a variable speed compressor. The energy savings could reach 47 per cent with the whole set of changes. “The compressor still accounts for the main opportunity for energy consumption reduction, covering several changes in different subsystems but, with combined actions, there is an extraordinary potential,” the executive explains.

“The refrigeration market is looking for new efficient technology that Embraco is happy to demonstrate that already exists”, he remarks. “As an important influencer for sustainable refrigeration solutions, Embraco is driving the market to a more energy-efficient direction, and the variable speed compressor is an outstanding technology to reach it”, Xu Bo concludes.