Nidec Global Appliance (incorporating Embraco-branded compressors) unveiled its NEX compressors, the fourth generation of its 20-year-old NE fixed-speed compressor line for stand-alone commercial display cabinets.
The focus of the NEX line is propane (R290) refrigerant, though it is available for non-flammable HFO blends as well, said Michel Moreira, Business Sr. Manager, Commercial Refrigeration Business, Nidec Global Appliance.
The NEX compressors offer 10% higher efficiency than their predecessor line, the NEU compressors, said Moreira. NEX units range in HP from ½ to 1, compared to NEU’s 1/3-3/4HP range. NEX compressors’ displacement ranges from 10cc to 21cc, greater than the previous maximum of 18cc, noted Moreira. The NEX also features a low noise level, he added.
The higher efficiency of the NEX compressors make them compliant with the EU’s Ecodesign energy standard, and prepares OEMs for the next energy standards issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in four years, said Moreira.
Moreira observed that, in the U.S., the adoption of R290 in stand-alone glass-door merchandisers (GDMs) and stainless-steel foodservice refrigerators has been “massive” since the DOE’s 2017 energy standard was released. The DOE’s standard covers the majority of stand-alone commercial cases, while in Europe, the energy standard “focuses on some GDMs, not everything.”
“In energy regulations for commercial cabinets, the U.S. is almost 10 years ahead of Europe,” said Marek Zgliczynski, director of research and development for Nidec Global Appliance.
In energy regulations for commercial cabinets, the U.S. is almost 10 years ahead of Europe.
Marek Zgliczynski, Nidec Global Appliance