Master-Bilt has developed a new parallel rack refrigeration system that it says was designed to maximize energy savings, while minimizing environmental impact.

The parallel rack refrigeration system is a multiple compressor refrigeration unit piped in parallel to yield smooth capacity control as compared to a single compressor unit, the company said. A parallel system can be located in a back room or on a roof, in close proximity to refrigeration equipment for reduced piping. Master-Bilt’s parallel units use scroll compressors for energy efficiency. Parallel units, matched to an appropriate condenser, are modular and allow for additional or modification to compressors, as needed.

Some of the parallel rack refrigeration system’s energy saving features include:

• Ability to match refrigeration capacity to actual load, which amounts to a 20 percent or more savings over a single compressor unit, the company said.

• The lead compressor is a digital scroll which better matches capacity needs, and provides a 3 percent energy saving over standard parallel units.

• Sub-cooling increases refrigerant efficiency on low temp applications by approximately 17 percent, the company said.

• Optional heat reclaim increases energy efficiency by reclaiming waste heat from the condenser.

• Optional gas defrost increases energy efficiency by using waste heat for defrost.

The standard rack housing and frame is made of galvanized steel with stainless steel as an option.

A parallel system can be installed indoors or outdoors with a single point electrical connection. Existing on-site evaporators can be used on retrofits. The rack system also features an electronic controller that can interface into existing building controls and incorporate HACCP recording to allow monitoring of system features with remote communications possible.

Alarm features are built in, and the diagnostic feature reports temperatures, pressures, and failure alarms as well as trending of these readings that can be used to predict maintenance needs.

For more information, visit www.master-bilt.com.

Publication date: 09/07/2009