In our last post, we focused on Commercial Refrigeration and Freezer Energy Star definitions and specs, continuing our education of green refrigeration, this post we’re going to talk to Energy Star Commercial Ice Machines.
Just like the commercial refrigeration and freezer products, ENERGY STAR Commercial ice machines save a great amount of energy. On average Energy Star commercial ice freezers are 15% more energy efficient than non-energy star ice freezers. These energy star products are also 10 percent more water-efficient than standard ice freezer models.
That energy savings equals real money to restaurants and other businesses that use these ice machines.
Which Ice Freezers Can Qualify For Energy Star Products?
Air-cooled, cube-type machines are eligible for ENERGY STAR qualification, including ice-making head, self-contained, and remote condensing units.
Water Consumption Energy Star requirements:
- There are specific maximum potable water and energy consumption limits to earn the ENERGY STAR. Products must not exceed maximum energy use limit (kWh/100lbs ice), as determined by harvest rate (lbs ice/day) and equipment type. Units also must meet potable water use limits. Only air-cooled, cube type units may qualify.
Commercial Ice Machine Definitions:
- Ice Machine: A factory-made assembly (not necessarily shipped in one package) consisting of a condensing unit and ice-making section operating as an integrated unit, with means for making and harvesting ice. It is an assembly that makes up to 4,000 lbs of ice per day at Standard Ratings Conditions, as defined in Section 5.2.1 of ARI Standard 810-2006, and may also include means for storing or dispensing ice, or both.
- Ice Making Head (IMH): A model with the ice-making mechanism and the condensing unit in a single package, but with a separate ice storage bin.
- Remote Condensing Unit (RCU) or Split System Unit: A model in which the ice-making mechanism and condenser or condensing unit are in separate sections.
- Self-Contained (SCU): A model in which the ice-making mechanism and storage compartment are in an integral cabinet.
- Air-Cooled: An ice machine wherein motor driven fans or centrifugal blowers move air through the condenser to remove heat from the refrigerant.
- Cubed: Cubed ice machines have an alternate freezing and harvesting period. Water is circulated over an evaporator where it freezes until cubes are fully formed. The cubed ice is then harvested and moved to storage. The ice may be in cube shape, or in a variation of a solid shape.
- Flake: Flake ice machines produce ice continuously, usually in a barrel-shaped evaporator. An auger inside the evaporator scrapes ice off the sides into a storage bin.
- Nugget: Nugget ice machines use the same process as flake machines but compress the ice flakes into nuggets.
As we continue to post educational blog posts regarding green refrigeration, we hope to spark your interest in this movement and segment of commercial refrigeration. If you feel that your business would benefit from energy efficient ice freezers and are interested in purchasing an Energy Star product please contact Northeast Cooling.
We’re happy to answer any question for you. We have several models to offer, including Manitowic Foodservice models which recently were awarded the energy star partner of the year.
For other tips on how your restaurant can save energy and money, be sure to follow Refrigeration on Twitter, and Fan Northeast Cooling on Facebook.
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