Azanefreezer claims new efficiency benchmark
3rd May 2019
UK: Star Refrigeration is claiming the lowest energy consumption figures yet for its latest low-charge ammonia chiller.
Designed for food processing and temperature controlled storage applications, the Azanefreezer 2 builds on the advantages of its predecessor with the aim, according to Star, of setting a new benchmark in annual operating efficiency.
Energy usage of the Azanefreezer 2.0 is said to be one-third of that declared by the UK government’s “best practice” guidelines, themselves about 50% lower than the average energy consumption figures for European chilled and frozen storage facilities.
The low charge of as little as 0.52kg/kW, is up to 96% less than traditional ammonia systems and avoids the need for complex valve stations within the cold storage or food production facility. According to Star, this removes the requirement for leak detection and ventilation, minimising health and safety concerns.
The Azanefreezer 2.0 is available in a range of capacities up to 650kW and delivers temperatures down to -40°C. For larger capacity installations, multiple units can be used for cold storage and blast and spiral freezing applications. The packaged freezer units boast a portable design which allows customers to easily relocate it should they need to expand their site or move premises, thereby reducing future costs.
Onboard PLC hardware and software are said to deliver optimised system efficiency including compressor sequencing and condenser and evaporator EC fan speed control.
The Azanefreezer 2.0 also takes advantage of the variable Vi capability of the compressor by using an air-cooled condenser and allowing the discharge pressure to drop extremely low in cold weather, thus improving the seasonal efficiency of the system. Additionally, Star’s patented 4-way valve is said to deliver a rapid, reverse cycle defrost, using less energy than electric or hot gas systems.
The Azanefreezer 2.0 is manufactured and pre-commissioned at Star Refrigeration’s production facilities in the UK. When delivered to site, installation and commissioning time is reduced significantly due to the unit’s plug and play design.
The Azanefreezer 2.0 is also available for the North and South America market where it is manufactured and sold through Star Refrigeration’s low charge ammonia business, Azane Inc and joint venture CAz.
