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Chicago — June 20, 2016 — Embraco, a leader in innovation and one of the largest manufacturers of hermetic compressors for refrigeration, presented a case study on Plug n’ Cool, a complete cooling system designed for reach-in coolers in grocery stores, supermarkets, and professional kitchens, at the recent ATMOsphere America in Chicago.
Plug n’ Cool applies a natural refrigerant, R290, which has zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and low Global Warming Potential (GWP). It provides a “plug n’ play” solution that simplifies the installation process, allowing design engineers to easily build market-ready, water-cooled display systems. Due to its modular concept, Plug n’ Cool allows owners to move machines piece by piece, providing flexibility in the store layout based on specific needs and preferences.
The case study presented at ATMOsphere America analyzed reach-ins in a supermarket using remote refrigeration with direct expansion and compared the same equipment using Embraco Fullmotion Plug n’ Cool. The total area in the analysis was 2,150 ft2 and used equipment by Electrofrio, a leader in commercial refrigeration in Brazil. The study found that Plug n’ Cool reduced the refrigerant charge by 98 percent (330 pounds to 6 pounds), reducing overall energy consumption and proving to be a more environmentally friendly option than traditional refrigerant systems.
To measure the impact of the solution on the environment, the study calculated the total equivalent warming impact (TEWI) and compared the results for the Embraco Fullmotion Plug n’ Cool and the conventional remote system. Considering direct and indirect emissions, the analysis found that if 10 percent of supermarkets in the U.S. migrated to the Plug n’ Cool solution, they would prevent the impact of 12.7 million tons of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere each year.
Additionally, the study found that Plug n’ Cool had a 70 percent faster installation time — five days instead of 15 — and did not require a refrigerant technician, further reducing installation costs.
“Plug n’ Cool allows original equipment manufacturers to use a natural refrigerant, which is significantly better for the environment,” said John Prall, technical support engineer, Embraco. “It also provides a cost-effective solution for retailers, as they are able to maintain the systems themselves with a sufficient water supply and return lines to cabinets. This innovation can help improve their business by reducing downtime and potentially spoiled products.”
In an effort to meet U.S. energy regulations, Plug n’ Cool was designed with an Embraco compressor and other high-efficiency components, helping manufacturers meet strict energy requirements. The machine also prevents refrigerant leakage, allowing supermarkets to operate in line with GreenChill, a program facilitated by the EPA in conjunction with food retailers that aims to reduce refrigerant emissions and decrease any impact on the ozone layer and climate change.
Because the equipment is shipped fully charged, Plug n’ Cool eliminates the need for manufacturers to install R290 charging equipment and there is no need for a machine room, maximizing internal store space. Additionally, Plug n’ Cool uses a water-cooled condenser that decreases the heat exerted into the air, conserving energy used to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the store.
“With the upcoming change in regulations in the U.S., it is now more important than ever that store owners begin using advanced energy-efficient technologies, and Embraco’s Plug n’ Cool is a perfect sustainable solution. Not only does Plug n’ Cool reduce the impact on the environment, it will also reduce long-term utility costs for a business owner,” said Michel Moreira, North America CCS sales manager, Embraco.
Headquartered in Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil, Embraco is a multinational manufacturer of hermetic compressors, the main component responsible for producing cold in refrigeration systems. With more than 12,000 employees and an annual production capacity of 39 million units, Embraco has emerged as a leader in highly innovative refrigeration technology. The company has offices and factories in China, Italy, Slovakia, Mexico, the United States and Russia. For more information, visit www.embraco.com.
