TABLE OF CONTENTS - Everything R744

ENERGY EFFICIENT HYDROCARBON ICE MAchines
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About the company
Danfoss is a world leader in the research, development,
and production of high efficiency electronic and
mechanical components and controls for airconditioning,
heating, refrigeration, and motion
control systems, as well as for renewable energy
technology solutions, such as solar power. Danfoss
focuses on combining innovative engineering, energy
efficiency, and environmental responsibility. This
includes leading the industry in the adoption of natural
and lower GWP refrigerants, including ammonia, CO 2
,
and hydrocarbons.
More information at:
www.danfoss.us
Contact Information
Jonathan Holloway
Jonathan.Holloway@Danfoss.com
Introduction
For the commercial food service and related industries, which rely daily on large
quantities of ice for food displays, safety, preparation, beverages, etc., the ability to
reliably and cost efficiently produce ice can have an impact on a business’ operation.
Between 2005 and 2010, Manitowoc Ice, Inc., the Wisconsin-based manufacturer of
commercial ice machines, became interested in taking its product portfolio one step
further. It turned to Danfoss with the idea of designing an ice machine that would
improve customers’ sustainability efforts by operating on natural refrigerants.
The collaboration with Danfoss led to the development of two new models within
Manitowoc’s Indigo Series and two Q-Series under-counter units that are cooled by R290
or propane, which Manitowoc introduced in mid-2011. The use of an environmentally
friendly hydrocarbon refrigerant enables Manitowoc to offer customers a product with
zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and low global warming potential (GWP), which
also improves energy efficiency and reduces operating costs.
About the System
Fueled by increasing market interest in environmentally friendly systems and practices,
and a goal of preparing the global market for greater hydrocarbon acceptance, the
first collaborative project was Manitowoc’s 500-pound ice machine. To convert the
ice machine to natural refrigerants, Danfoss replaced a compressor using R-404a, a
hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), with a new compressor designed for R290, a hydrocarbon
(HC).
Knowing it would also help reduce energy use, Danfoss chose to install one of its SC
Series compressors (SC18CNX) for R290, which features a reliable, compact design and a
motor with specially-optimized valves and internal motor protection. The SC compressor
offers high cooling capacities, low noise levels, and low energy consumption at high
ambient temperatures (113 o F or 235 o C). The SC Series from Secop is part of a large
product range designed for R290, which will be continuously extended and improved
to provide high energy efficient compressors for natural refrigerants. It can serve both
the 115 Volt as well as the 230 Volt markets. In early 2013, Secop will introduce four new
models for R290 from the TL and the NL series, with 115 Volt supply.
To further improve the efficiency of the ice machines, Manitowoc installed a specially
designed Danfoss TU thermostatic expansion valve, which helps to optimize the charge
and regulate the injection of the refrigerant. Manitowoc also replaced the condenser
with a new Danfoss microchannel condenser.
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