Variable-Speed Compressors

Danfoss Turbocor develops and produces high-efficiency, variable-speed compressors from 75 to 200 tons per unit. They are used primarily in water-cooled and air-cooled chiller applications that have significant demands for air conditioning, such as data centers, hospitals, and hotels.

“Our customers are original equipment manufacturers such as Daikin-McQuay, Smardt Chiller Group, Multistack, Geoclima, Climaveneta, Cofely, Haier, and others,” said Schneider. “This product allows them to produce water-cooled and air-cooled chillers with a very high degree of energy efficiency.”

According to the company, compressor efficiency is the result of several features including an integrated variable-frequency drive to reduce compressor speed and maximize energy cost savings as the condensing temperatures and/or heat load decreases. The friction-free magnetic bearing system completely eliminates any metal-to-metal contact which allows for oil-free operation. Onboard digital control electronics manage compressor operation proactively to optimize performance.

“Danfoss Turbocor compressors can reduce chillers’ energy consumption by 30 to 40 percent depending on the application,” said Schneider. “These compressors are a third of the size of comparable screw compressors, both in volume and footprint, and 25 percent of the weight. And, they are very quiet.”

Strong Market Position

Since 2000, more than 30,000 Turbocor compressors have been installed globally. “We have seen significant growth in the demand for technologies that help cut a building’s energy bills, reduce its carbon footprint, and use environmentally friendly refrigerants, but not at the expense of performance and ease of maintenance,” said Schneider. “As a result, Danfoss Turbocor, in recent years, has established a strong position in mature markets and is continuing to expand its capabilities to reach the increasing demands of developing markets like China, India, and Brazil.”

One high-profile application of Turbocor compressors is the 200,000-square-foot NFL Films studio complex, Mount Laurel, N.J., which houses the world’s largest sports film library. To keep the films preserved, the temperature in the vault needs to be maintained at 54°F. In addition, cool temperatures are critical during the production of television programs at the complex. NFL Films utilized two 450-ton Smardt Chiller Group chillers, each containing five Danfoss Turbocor compressors.

Solidarity

“We believe that Danfoss is the ideal single owner of this business because Danfoss is a global compressor manufacturer, a well-respected leader in our industry, and committed to the long-term success of our business and our customers’ businesses,” said Schneider. “Danfoss Turbocor is a strong link in the Danfoss strategy to differentiate by innovation with high-efficiency, variable-speed compressors. We are delighted to become 100 percent part of Danfoss, which will support Danfoss Turbocor in executing our ambitious plans.”

Long-range plans include growth in developing markets, a broadening of the product line to include larger compressors, and expansion into HFO refrigerant products.

Publication date: 2/4/2013