energy savings in industrial refrigeration systems

Results from past IIAR SOI Surveys indicated a number of different ways manufacturers, designers, and end users are increasing their energy efficiency. Several of the largest cold storage providers are increasing their investments in the adoption of solar panel arrays onsite throughout their network of facilities to reduce overall energy consumption. Additionally, new cold storage buildings are utilizing more automation systems to improve the efficiency of the storage process and reduce the amount of energy needed to keep stored products at the correct temperature. Although, most facilities rely on equipment efficiency vs. operational efficiency. These methods included installing low charge systems, utilizing different heat transfer technologies, and converting controls to modulate operation rather than operate in an “on/off” mode.

End users are also utilizing newer technologies on individual units (condensers, evaporators, compressors, etc.) that increase overall energy efficiency of the refrigeration system. One of these technology trends is the increased use of electronically commutated (EC) fan motors for evaporators and condensers. EC fans have built-in variable speed capability to adjust the fan speed on the evaporator or condenser to match the cooling load, further reducing energy consumption. In addition, effective operational changes included cleaning/maintaining equipment at different intervals, using operational changes to raise the suction in a system, controlling the capacity of compressors or utilizing equipment in a different manner with different operational limits, and overall monitoring performance of the system better.

Regulatory pressure is increasing the adoption of energy efficient equipment in industrial refrigeration systems. As stated in other sections of this report, State and Federal energy regulations in the US have increased their focus on industrial refrigeration systems in recent legislative sessions. Regulations such as Title 24 in California have further expanded the building codes energy efficiency targets on industrial refrigeration systems. Manufactures of evaporator coils must provide specific efficiency ratings that meet the efficiency requirements outlined in Title 24 to meet compliance with this standard. Industrial refrigeration systems are becoming more energy efficient through a combination of proper system design, utilizing solar automation, advanced controls, regular maintenance, the use of a variety of natural refrigerants, and regulatory pressure to increase energy efficiency.