EC technology for Coles Myer in Australia - Refrigeration engineering for supermarkets
Coles Myer chose their Ringwood supermarket for a test installation of 14 x 800 mm diameter EC condenser fans (refrigeration condensers). Their objective was simple:
- reduce energy consumption in accordance with stated company policy
- reduce noise pollution
- maximise benefits of the fan laws maximise efficiency of the refrigeration system and
- simplify the installation.
The new EC installation at Ringwood exceeds 50% in energy savings. Unlike normal motors, the EC motor efficiency remains relatively constant across its speed range. The condenser fans infinitely adjust speed to equal the load on the system. And since the power driving a fan is proportional to the cube of the speed, when fan speed matches the ever-changing duty, substantial operating savings are made readily available.
Coles Myer were concerned about the operation of large fans in residential locations generating noise pollution. The starting and stopping, high-speed operation, the inherent noise of the electric motor – especially when speed controlled with frequency invertors – all culminate to create this potential problem. But the ebm-papst EC fans attacked all these areas of concern. For starters, the fans ramp up in speed with no ‘start up’ noise, operating at maximum speed (which can be limited if need be) only when the plant is at maximum capacity. Plus, as a result of the speed control function, the EC motors have no audible sound.
Coles Myer were concerned about the operation of large fans in residential locations generating noise pollution. The starting and stopping, high-speed operation, the inherent noise of the electric motor – especially when speed controlled with frequency invertors – all culminate to create this potential problem. But the ebm-papst EC fans attacked all these areas of concern. For starters, the fans ramp up in speed with no ‘start up’ noise, operating at maximum speed (which can be limited if need be) only when the plant is at maximum capacity. Plus, as a result of the speed control function, the EC motors have no audible sound.
With regard to efficiency of the entire refrigeration system, each of the 14 x 800 mm diameter EC fans are fully speed controlled by a 0 to 10 volt signal. Therefore, by the supply of a 0 to 10 volt signal from the pressure sensor, the condensing temperature of the refrigeration system can be kept constant throughout the daily cycle. Lastly, the electronic component of the fan motor allows for functions that are normally executed from additional external components (overload and protection devices, speed controllers) – simplifying the total installation.
Summary
Summary
- 14 800mm fans were replaced with ebm-papst EC condenser fans for refrigeration units
- More than 50% energy-savings
- Continuous speed control keeps temperature constant throughout the day
- High efficiency across the whole speed range
- No audible sound of the new EC fans thanks to control function
- Simplified installation through in-built motor intelligence
