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Increase energy efficiency in refrigeration technology and refrigeration systems
A refrigeration or air conditioning system operates energy‑efficiently when it provides the required cooling capacity with the lowest possible energy input. Achieving high refrigeration system efficiency depends on several factors, including compressor technology, refrigerant selection, system design and operating conditions.
In practice, refrigeration systems rarely operate at full load. Cooling demand changes throughout the day and across seasons. Efficient capacity control ensures that compressor output closely follows actual demand, reducing energy consumption, improving part‑load efficiency and maintaining stable temperatures.
For system designers, installers and operators, energy efficiency is therefore both a technical and economic success factor. Lower energy consumption reduces operating costs, improves system performance, supports sustainability goals and helps meet current and future efficiency requirements throughout the system lifecycle.
Energy efficiency in refrigeration and air conditioning technology is relevant for different target groups. Investments in precise capacity control and high control quality in refrigeration systems create measurable added value – from reduced energy consumption to stable operating conditions.
Designers
Efficient refrigeration concepts support compliance with energy regulations, improve lifecycle performance and create future‑proof systems tailored to changing operating requirements.
Operators
Lower energy consumption reduces operating costs, while stable temperatures and reliable capacity control improve product quality, uptime and overall system performance.
System builders and installers
Energy‑efficient refrigeration systems help differentiate your business, support sustainability targets and increase customer satisfaction through measurable energy savings.
When does a refrigeration system operate energy‑efficiently?
Efficiency does not result from individual components alone. The decisive factor is ensuring that the compressor, rack or condensing unit match system demand as closely as possible.
A wide modulation range and finely graduated capacity steps reduce unnecessary load changes and improve the energy efficiency of refrigeration systems.
Refrigeration system efficiency is highest when cooling capacity, compressor performance and operating conditions remain closely aligned. The smaller the deviation between actual demand and delivered capacity, the lower the energy losses.
- Keep suction pressure and temperature fluctuations as low as possible
- Reduce start‑stop cycles and unnecessary defrost cycles
- Minimise deviations from the setpoint
- Adjust evaporation and condensing temperatures efficiently
- Use control quality (CF) to assess efficiency potential
More energy efficiency in refrigeration systems through precise capacity control
Precise capacity control is one of the most effective ways to improve refrigeration energy efficiency because it reduces unnecessary compressor operation and prevents avoidable energy losses during part load conditions.
While simple on/off operation causes significant temperature and suction pressure fluctuations, VARISTEP reduces these fluctuations through mechanical capacity control. VARIPACK enables continuous adjustment of cooling capacity via speed control – without noticeable deviations within the setpoint range.
The smaller the fluctuations in evaporation temperature and suction pressure, the closer the system operates to its optimum point. This increases energy efficiency and helps companies save energy in the long term.
Technologies for energy‑efficient systems and precise capacity adjustment
For new and existing refrigeration systems, BITZER offers various components and control solutions matched especially to ECOLINE reciprocating compressors.
CR
Mechanical capacity control that improves load matching, reduces capacity gaps and supports efficient compressor operation.
VARISTEP
Virtually stepless capacity control for improved part‑load efficiency, stable operating conditions and reduced energy losses.
VARIPACK
Continuous speed control that reduces energy consumption, enables soft starts and maximises efficiency across varying load conditions.
IQ MODULE CM-RC-02
Simplifies installation and operation while supporting advanced control strategies designed to improve refrigeration system efficiency.
Frequently asked questions about BITZER components for capacity control
Improve the energy efficiency of existing refrigeration systems
Existing systems can also utilise efficiency potential. If companies want to reduce energy consumption, ENERGY KIT and other PERFORMANCE KITS as well as retrofit VARIPACK frequency inverters help to improve capacity control and control accuracy in a targeted way.
Energy efficiency of refrigeration systems with decreasing cooling demand
Case study
Measures to reduce cooling demand – such as glass doors on refrigerated cabinets in supermarkets – lower energy consumption but also change the load situation of the refrigeration system. If the required cooling capacity decreases, frequent compressor starts and short operating cycles may occur.
Therefore, reducing demand on the consumer side alone is not sufficient. To maintain the energy efficiency of the refrigeration system, the compressor rack must be adapted to the new load situation. A highly efficient ECOLINE+ reciprocating compressor with permanent magnet motor and VARISTEP can improve both control quality and compressor efficiency in such cases. In addition, staged capacity control on the follower compressor can further reduce capacity gaps.
This example illustrates a common challenge in modern refrigeration systems: efficiency measures on the cooling application side must be accompanied by optimised compressor control to fully realise energy savings.
Example: reduce energy consumption in parallel operation
The example shown describes an SEPR calculation for condensing units according to EN 13215 in the Strasbourg climate zone. The comparison shows how the use of ECOLINE+ compressors with LSPM motor can reduce annual energy consumption and improve the energy efficiency of refrigeration systems.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about energy efficiency in refrigeration systems and refrigeration technology
BITZER customer projects focusing on energy efficiency
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Improve the energy efficiency of your refrigeration system today
Are you planning a new refrigeration system or would you like to operate an existing system more efficiently? Our experts support you in selecting suitable technologies for capacity control and modernisation.
