By using the eCube as a device to control food storage temperatures, a more efficient refrigeration cycle is attained. At the moment air cycles (on/off) typically produce a minimum of 12 cycles per hour, and in some open display cases 20 cycles per hour. By using the ecube as a cycle control mechanism a reduction of refrigerated cycles can be lowered by as much as 80%. (Example: Dairy Case :air cycles 3 minutes on, 2 minutes off =12 cycles per hour. With the ecube fitted it changes its cycles to 8 minutes on and 7 minutes off=4 cycles per hour. This example equates to a 66% reduction in starts).
As the startup of a refrigerator compressor uses 3 times more power (i.e. startup amp is 12 amps,run amps is 4 amps) this will result in a power consumption reduction of 16% to 22% (refrigeration is effectively switched on when the food demands it, and switched off when the food does not need it to operate). This is further explained by the start period which, although very short, nevertheless produces excessive heat into the start winding, and because of the refrigeration process i.e. winding suction ,this then has to be cooled by the refrigerant gases (i.e. the heat removed),affecting the efficiency of the compressor and its energy consumption.
Below are the details of the advantages of having the eCube fitted to the thermostat probe.
1. Reasons for the benefit of longer on cycles on the food normal air cycles will operate as the air temperature attains the set point of the thermostat. This will generate several on/off- cycles, without having very much effect on the food temperature. i.e. several 3 min on- cycles. However with ecube fitted, this changes to 8 min on “cycles, resulting in a positive food temperature reduction by cooling the food quicker, leading in turn to a safer food. It also leads to a cooler storage compartment allowing the operator to readjust the thermostat, resulting in an additional energy saving.
Thus installing the ecube leads to a more efficient use of the refrigerator system Combined with a lower energy consumption and safer food.
The longer “on” cycle will create a higher efficiency of the refrigeration cycle i.e. longer runs at a maximum advantage (compare it to fuel consumption and efficiency in a car on a stop start urban road, or along stretch of motor way driving at a steady 70 miles an hour).
2. Advantages of longer Off-Cycle
A longer off-cycle will allow a pressure equalization between the high and low pressure parts of the refrigerant within the refrigeration system allowing a softer start from a cooler system, thus avoiding compressor trip caused by high pressure or an unbalanced system. i.e. lower amperage clean start obtains a maximum efficiency far quicker (with a further energy saving).
The electrical starting component and devices used on refrigeration equipment have an Engineered lifespan, so the less maximum power use of these components will extend The reliability of the components, reducing refrigeration failure pro-rata. Thus using ECube technology will extend the life of the starting devices and in turn the refrigeration equipment, with fewer breakdowns and engineer call outs.
3. Lower temperatures achieved without heat induced defrost cycles
Due to the low evaporating temperatures of refrigerants, to maintain a refrigerating temperature with in a refrigerated space, the evaporator temperature will have to be below freezing (i.e. chiller evaporating temp”10 deg C to maintain a storage temp of +4 deg C ,and freezer evaporating temp “30 deg C to maintain a temp of “20 deg C). In all cases a frost will form on all evaporating surfaces.
We will deal with fresh meat/fish temperatures to rage (“1 to +1 deg C) to highlight the advantages of natural defrost for fish keepers, seafood storage and fresh meat conditioning (hanging) by using the eCube as against heat introduced defrost which is presently the only way to achieve defrost.
As already established evaporating temperatures are at least 10 deg C below storage temperatures thus creating frost on the evaporator surfaces(fins),so a periodical application of heat has to be applied to the evaporator surfaces to melt the frost to condensation. This is done by pre-set defrost intervals, applying heat by electric heater or reverse cycle hot gas defrost. i.e. 4 defrost per 24 hr period at 20 min duration; terminate by termination klaxon or thermostat. The introduction of this heath as to be removed after the termination of the defrost cycle, when the refrigeration cycle is re-instated. This format produces heat that has to be removed from within the refrigerated space (fridge). The conclusion is that heat is introduced in to the defrost cycle, which the refrigeration cycle has then tore move to return to set refrigeration storage temperatures, a process which is, to say the least, very uneconomical.
The installation of the ecube with the advantage of longer on-cycle and extended off-cycle will allow temperatures to rise just above freezing to allow the evaporator frost to blow clear without the introduction of enforced heat (as no frost has then to be removed this leads to a large reduction in the use of enforced defrost heaters with a subsequent reduction in energy usage),so a natural defrost cycle on the normal off-cycle by use of the eCube allows safe fresh meat and fish storage without the introduction of enforced heat defrost.
4. Reduction of noise nuisance on remote (situated on the outside of the building) condensing units
The following points deal with noise nuisance from commercial establishments in high density rural and urban are as generated by remote refrigeration equipment sited outside the premises, i.e. refrigeration and airconditioning condensing units mounted outside of commercial premises: convenience stores, restaurants, hotels, etc. As has been described the reduction of refrigeration cycles provide closer and more efficient food storage and energy saving. A further advantage in fewer starts is a great reduction in noise pollution which is caused when refrigeration and air conditioning condensers are located outside commercial premises. The stopping and starting of refrigeration equipment causes great annoyance in are as where commercial premises are mixed with residential dwellings. It is apparent that a softer and quieter startup reduced from 12 to 20 starts per hour to perhaps 4 starts per hour will reduce conflict in this situation.
See how eCube can save you time, money and energy. Call Steve at 661.305.3332 or email email@example.com
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Filed under: Refrigerated Display Case lighting