COUNTDOWN TO ENERGY INDEPENDENCE Walk-in Cooler and Freezer Fan Motor Changes

Posted in Green Posted in Recommended Reading by mmathews on 08/15 at 11:48 PM

A change in evaporator and condenser fan motors is also specified by the Energy Independence Act, but you may already have some of these changes in your basic specifications. On page 74, the act specifies:

(E) for evaporator fan motors of under 1 horsepower and less than 460 volts, use:
  (i) electronically commutated motors (brushless direct current motors); or
  (ii) 3-phase motors;
(F) for condenser fan motors of under 1 horsepower, use:
(i) electronically commutated motors;
(ii) permanent split capacitor-type motors; or
(iii) 3-phase motors;

Reducing The Heat Load And Microcontrollers Further Raise Efficiency
Moving directly to EC motors will actually raise energy efficiency more than any other solution and compound the cost savings because they emit less heat than either typical Shaded Pole or Permanent Split-Capacitor (PSC) motors. Reducing the heat load inside of the walk-in effectively reduces the compressor’s run time. Fewer refrigeration cycles not only saves energy it extends the life of the compressor as well.

Current EC motors operate at approximately 85% efficiency. This makes EC motors 50-60% more efficient than the older Shaded Pole motors and 30% or more over PSC motors. These efficiencies quickly add up to real cost savings when applied to the 50-85 watt motors capable of turning the 10-18-inch fans producing the higher airflows required to effectively cool walk-in coolers and freezers. EC motors are also available with microcontrollers for precisely matching environmental requirements which constantly vary.

Adjusting Designs Is Easy, Simply Exchange The Part Number
Designing refrigeration systems with EC motors is relatively easy: a change in nomenclature simply replaces the current choice of Shaded Pole or PSC motors. No changes in design are required past specifying the motor, especially since the electrical requirements will be lower with EC motors. EC motors are designed to be compatible with existing evaporator cabinets without any change in physical dimensions. Rebates are available for retro-fitting EC motors in California.

For more information on securing walk-in coolers and freezers, call or email Nick Stahl (1-800-238-4093).

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