Industrial refrigeration systems are present in many industrial sectors including food processing, chemicals, construction, plastics, and electronics. More than 90% of industrial refrigeration in the U.S. is provided by mechanical systems using low-temperature ammonia as the refrigerant in which heat energy from a load is absorbed as the liquid refrigerant undergoes a phase change to a gaseous state1. Altogether, process cooling and industrial refrigeration (including chillers) account for approximately 5.7% of U.S. industrial energy consumption2.
While energy-efficiency opportunities for industrial refrigeration exist at both the component and system level, a system-level approach that takes into account the interaction of individual components and how they are configured within the system is the most effective way to generate impactful energy savings.
Top Five Energy-Efficiency Measures for Refrigeration Systems
- Minimize condensing pressure setpoint
- Revise compressor/condenser control scheme to develop combinations that allow for most efficient sequencing
- Implement variable speed control on the evaporator fan and compressor motor
- Reduce system lift by raising suction or lowering discharge pressure
- Apply floating head pressure control and oversize evaporative condenser
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