New Category Highlights Innovative Solutions

The competition was intense in one of this year's categories, Refrigeration and Ice Machines, in The NEWS' third annual Dealer Design Awards. The gold, silver, and bronze winners all brought cool and easy solutions to diverse refrigeration and ice machine issues. Gold winner ebm-papst Inc. won for its energy-saving axial fan and mounting adapter ring. Emerson Climate Technologies took the silver with its Copeland Intelligent Store™ Discus® Compressor. Manitowoc Foodservice Group rounded out the new competition addition garnering a bronze for its SN Series countertop nugget ice and water dispenser.

GOLD WINNER

The ac powered axial fan by ebm-papst Inc. uses an electronically commutated external rotor motor. It was designed to allow easy replacement of shaded-pole motor axial fans in refrigeration applications such as refrigeration plant condensers and evaporators, food display cases, beverage coolers, and freezer cabinets. The fan can be programmed for two selectable speed steps for day/night operation. A mountable wall ring is integral to the fan assembly, but should the existing opening exceed the fan housing outside diameter, the adapter ring can be used to increase the outside diameter by 20 percent.

"It's very versatile," said one judge.

The fan comes with a built-in plastic fan housing that allows mounting to any flat surface via four through-holes. The 3-inch installation depth is much shorter than the typical axial fan used in these applications, which employ a shaded-pole motor, according to the company. A jacketed power cable plugs into the motor with a waterproof connector and is available in four different lengths making installation easier and quicker.

Contractors can program speed steps in the field using a laptop PC, allowing them a chance to adjust the air performance onsite to match changes in applications and ambient conditions. "This is an excellent idea," said one judge. "It is beneficial to both customers and contractors. It seems really easy to use."

SILVER WINNER

Emerson Climate Technologies' Copeland® Intelligent Store™ Discus® compressor integrates state-of-the art electronics with the Copeland Discus compressor. By gathering compressor and system data, Intelligent Store Discus applies Copeland's compressor and refrigeration system knowledge to provide advanced compressor protection and self-diagnostic capabilities. This status and compressor information can be transmitted remotely, allowing remote compressor diagnostics. "This product goes to the next level of self diagnostics," said one of the judges.

During the design process, Emerson Climate Technologies met with more than 50 refrigeration contractors and end user technicians. The unit helps service technicians to more easily diagnose problems while improving troubleshooting accuracy and speed of service, according to the company. It gathers data, transmits operating information, and visually displays compressor status and alarm codes on the front control box. It also records and retains a history of compressor operating information and past alarms.

Contractors benefit from reduced complexity within the system; simplified and reduced wiring on the system; and a reduced number of potential leak points.

"This is a great idea," commented one judge. "It has less connection points, easier diagnostics, and remote diagnostics. I don't know how many people will fully utilize its capabilities, but they should."

BRONZE WINNER

The SN Series countertop nugget ice and water dispenser from Manitowoc Ice Inc., a division of Manitowoc Foodservice Group, is engineered to deliver the largest daily ice production levels and storage capacities within the smallest footprint, according to the company. Dispensing functions include ice only, water only, or ice and water. Generally the product is used in foodservice cafeterias, hotel continental breakfast areas, and health care facilities. It can produce up to 325 pounds of ice daily and will store up to 20 pounds of ice.

According to the company, the exclusive bearing design in the ice making system minimizes the bearing wear, replacement, inspection, and potential failure of the machine. Contractors will find the evaporator and refrigeration system easily accessible with the removal of two thumbscrews. A clean cycle is built into the machine control board, and a built-in drain line allows for connection out the back or the bottom. "They seem to have simplified the product for ease of installation and maintenance," noted one judge.

The patented cleaning technology manages the cleaning process from start to finish with the flip of a switch, thoroughly cleaning all surfaces that come in contact with the water distribution system. This process extends the life of the machine and reduces service calls, according to Manitowoc.

Honorees: Refrigeration & Ice Machines

GOLD
ebm-papst Inc. - www.ebmpapst.com - Energy saving axial fan and mounting adapter ring

SILVER
Emerson Climate Technologies - www.emersonclimate.com - Copeland's Intelligent Store™ Discus® Compressor

BRONZE
Manitowoc Foodservice Group - www.manitowocice.com - Countertop ice and water dispenser

HONORABLE MENTION
Hoshizaki America Inc. - www.hoshizaki.com - Serenity Series Hotel Ice Maker and Dispenser

Publication date: 07/17/2006