Integrate Refrigeration and HVAC Systems For industries with large refrigeration requirements, there is often a considerable energy-savings opportunity in integrating the refrigeration and HVAC systems. Waste heat that is recovered from the refrigeration system can be used to provide space heat or process hot water. This site-specific system requires a detailed analysis but can be a very cost-effective investment. Your refrigeration contractor can furnish you with more information on how your refrigeration system can be integrated with the heating or hot water system.

Variable Speed Compressors
Refrigeration compressors are sized to meet the maximum cooling load, but they are normally required to provide only a part of that load. Many compressors have only one speed. To meet the normal cooling load, they must cycle on and off, wasting energy. Variable speed compressors provide more efficient refrigeration by sensing the optimum load and operating at the appropriate speed. When purchasing new refrigeration equipment, look for high-efficiency compressors with variable speed drives. Short of purchasing a whole new unit, consider changing the compressor components. This option, however, would require a more technical analysis to determine proper sizing, costs, and savings.

Case Covers
Open refrigeration cases are excellent for marketing, but they waste a lot of energy. Refrigeration case covers can be used to reduce cooling losses when the business is closed. When it is time to replace open display cases, consider buying upright cases with glass or acrylic doors, which will reduce refrigeration load and energy use of the compressor by 6 to 8% per refrigeration case. If you choose film-type night covers rather than glass or acrylic doors, make sure the covers have small perforated holes to decrease moisture buildup inside the refrigeration cases. Check with the case manufacturer to determine if film-type covers or glass/acrylic doors are compatible with the cases.

Protocol Refrigeration Units
Unlike back room systems, individual Protocol Units are sealed (soundproof) refrigeration units located in or near the sales areas, close to the displays that they are refrigerating. They are available as either vertical or horizontal units. They can reduce refrigeration by 50%, use 50% to 75% less refrigerant piping, reduce the likelihood of a refrigerant leak, cut installation costs, and eliminate 7% to 8% of the parasitic losses common in conventional installations. In addition to saving energy, Protocol Units reduce capital cost by minimizing duct and pipe work. Depending on the size of unit needed, protocol units cost from $1,000 to $7,500. Manufacturers include Kolpak, Beverage Air, Polar-pack, and True, to name a few.

Coil Maintenance
Dirty heat exchanger coils can significantly affect the efficiency of your refrigeration equipment. Over time, these coils become clogged with dirt and dust, making the compressor work harder. Try to make annual cleaning of refrigeration coils part of your regular maintenance schedule. Cleaning dirty refrigeration coils can save 25% in operation costs and helps prevent early compressor failure. The dust build-up acts as an insulator, causing the refrigerator to work harder to keep food cool. The coils can be kept clean by using either a vacuum or a dust broom. Consult the operations or owner's manual for specific cleaning instructions.