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Embraco R290 units save 53 % energy

Images by Embraco

Structural ’ s food display reaches up to 53 % energy savings with Embraco R290 variable-speed condensing units - the result is part of a case study presented at the ATMOsphere America Summit by the two brands .

Embraco , a global provider of refrigeration technology and a Nidec Global Appliance portfolio brand , in partnership with Structural Concepts , a manufacturer of temperature-controlled display cases , presented a compelling case study at the ATMOsphere America Summit 2024 . The case study described the migration of Structural Concepts ’ entire product portfolio to natural refrigerant R290 and variablespeed technology , achieving up to 53 % energy savings .
In this collaboration , Structural Concepts transitioned its portfolio of refrigerated food displays , going from fixed-speed compressors using HFO refrigerants ( R449A and R513A ) to Embraco UFMFT condensing units equipped with dual voltage variablespeed compressors , using R290 natural refrigerant . For the case study , the two companies monitored the migration behavior in two applications to compare with the previous configuration : a small food display using a single compressor and a larger capacity display using two compressors .
The first one , an under-counter application , with one refrigeration circuit using less than 150g of R290 , achieved 53 % savings in energy consumption and a 55 % reduction in Total Equivalent Warming Impact ( TEWI ). In its turn , the second application , an upright grab-and-go display case , with two refrigeration circuits ( each with less than 150g of R290 ), delivered an 11 % drop in energy consumption and a 17 % decrease in TEWI . Additionally , a third set of testing was carried out with a 1.20m x 2.40m horizontal display case , designed with two refrigeration circuits , with R290 and variable speed compressors , operating independently . After installing the new recently launched Embraco Sync Controller , designed to
The Embraco and Structural Concepts team picture , which has presented the case study at ATMO America . manage multiple refrigeration circuits together , it resulted in a 12 % energy saving .
“ The Embraco Sync is one of the solutions that compose the Sync it All portfolio , along with the Embraco AIR fan , the YouControl development interface , and Embraco variablespeed compressors . The test demonstrated the effectiveness of the new controller in enhancing energy efficiency and temperature stability , for being a component developed specifically to work in synchrony with two Embraco variable-speed compressors ,” explains Johari Gregorio , Nidec Global Appliance ’ s application engineer for the North America region .
This migration also positively impacted Structural ’ s manufacturing process , because it reduced the complexity of their compressors inventory . “ From 38 different compressor models ( due to the need for different refrigerants and voltages ), we now will count on just two Embraco condensing unit models , equipped with dual voltage R290 variable-speed compressors , that can serve our whole range of refrigerated merchandisers ,” explains Rob Dody , Structural ’ s senior engineering manager .
“ The UFMFT model has a reduced size , around 25cm tall , which means it fits in all cabinets , allowing more space for the products in the display . Additionally , it has a drain pan designed with pipes , which connects to multiple drain pans and equalizes the condensate water among them , resulting in a relevant water holding capacity , around 4.9l each drain pan ,” adds Gregorio .
The transition also ensured compliance with upcoming regulatory standards . With the US Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) limiting the Global Warming Potential ( GWP ) of commercial food refrigeration equipment to 150 , starting January 2025 , the shift to R290 allows Structural Concepts to comply with these regulations already in 2024 . The energy efficiency of these solutions also prepares for future Department of Energy regulations . Besides that , there is the gain of decarbonisation . The overall portfolio migration is estimated to reduce Structural ’ s TEWI by 33 % on average , significantly lowering CO 2 emissions .
“ Migrating to variable-speed technology and natural refrigerant has enabled Structural to offer more efficient and environmentally sustainable products , aligned with customer expectations and market demands ,” says Dody .
“ Refrigeration equipment manufacturers for food retail such as Structural can greatly benefit from buying the complete condensing unit ready to install into their applications , instead of buying and assembling multiple parts . Because it saves them time and effort and allows them to focus on their core business , the customised food display ,” says Gregorio . CLA

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