As a manufacturer of propane (R290) and isobutane (R600a) compressors, Brazilian-based Embraco addresses variable speed technology in a YouTube video debunking common myths, saying its developed tools simplify implementation, with up to 42% energy savings over fixed speed compressors.
“Variable Speed technology is changing refrigeration,” the manufacturer said. As part of Nidec Global Appliance, Embraco offers seven variable-speed compressor series.
The company addresses two misconceptions in the video. The first deals with how easy the technology is to implement.
“Some of the misunderstandings that OEMs have with variable speed compressors is that they think the technology is hard to implement compared to fixed speed compressors,” said John Prall, Applications Engineer Expert at Embraco. However, there are well-established tools to eliminate this barrier, he noted.
“With Embraco technology, we provide the right tools to simplify implementation,” said Alessandro Pedrazzi, Business Development and Marketing Senior Manager at Embraco.
“We have cool technology that helps our customers in the implementation phase of our compressor in the [refrigeration] product,” said Victor Rosa, Account Manager and Application Engineer at Embraco. “[Our] technical team gives all the support needed in the process.”
The other misconception the video addresses is the higher capital price tag, making some believe variable speed technology is “too expensive” to adopt. “Sometimes OEMs and end customers wonder whether the payback time is really so outstanding [due to] performance efficiency improvement,” said Uwe Seemann, Business Development and Support at Embraco.
However, we can calculate and test that, Seemann added, with Embraco finding an “up to 42% reduction in energy consumption” over fixed-speed compressors.
“The payback time of this technology over using fixed speed compressors can be as short as six months,” Embraco said.
David Ramirez, Key Account Manager, acknowledges that the payback period varies depending on the unit and its application. “We achieve results within six to eight months after implementation,” he remarked.
“With Embraco technology, we provide the right tools to simplify implementation.”
Alessandro Pedrazzi, Business Development and Marketing Senior Manager at Embraco
Additional benefits
Prall outlines additional benefits of variable speed compressors over fixed speed ones in a different YouTube video.
“[An] advantage that OEMs will see with variable speed technology is meeting tougher energy regulations without changes to their cabinets,” Prall noted. “They can use one compressor to cover multiple applications where they previously had to buy several compressors, allowing better inventory control.”
Other advantages include better case temperature control and recovery from frequent door openings. Prall indicated that both the medical field and food retailers tend to be “quick” adopters of variable speed[JH1] technology.
Based on a comparative study, U.K.-based Unilever, with three million plug-in ice cream cabinets worldwide, has decided to move forward with installing variable speed compressors on its flagship models, according to Berty Jacob, Senior Research and Design Manager at Unilever in a presentation at ATMOsphere (ATMO) Europe Summit 2023. He remarked that the energy efficiency makes up for the slightly higher cabinet cost.
“[With] almost every conversion we’ve had, we’ve had positive to surprisingly positive results with variable speed,” Prall noted in reference to the compressor’s efficiency and payback time.
Founded in 1971, Embraco “pioneered the early development of variable speed [compressors] and the use of natural refrigerants in cooling solutions,” according to the company’s website. Earlier this year, the manufacturer made three propane variable-speed compressors – VEMT, VEH and VNEX – available in China.
“The payback time of this technology over using fixed speed compressors can be as short as six months.”
Embraco
