REFRIGERATION Turning industry hesitation


into momentum Encouraging that mindset shift starts with framing variable speed drives (VSDs) as a necessary upgrade rather than a total overhaul. Modern drives enable compressors to match output to actual demand, helping systems to work more intelligently. By doing this, they help to reduce unnecessary energy use while also protecting wear and tear from constant stops and starts. Just as importantly, drives generate detailed performance data that can be used to support predictive maintenance. Sensors fl ag anomalies and potential issues, and allow for interventions before a fault leads to food spoilage or worse. This can be a massive cost-saver over time, reducing both maintenance and downtime costs. Awareness plays a signifi cant role here. In many food manufacturing facilities, refrigeration can consume more than half of all electricity used – yet its true impact often remains hidden behind a single utility bill. When operators see clear data and can compare the performance of their systems side by side, the benefi ts of using drives quickly become concrete. I often point to the example of Coop, Switzerland’s largest bakery and food logistics hub. At its Schafi sheim complex, the company equipped four industrial refrigeration systems – with a combined cooling capacity of 8 MW – with IE4 motors and ABB VSDs. These systems keep over 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ out of


the atmosphere every year, the equivalent of removing roughly 2,000 cars from the road. And the case of Coop is far from unique. Around the world, manufacturers are fi nding that integrated motor-drive packages bring effi ciency, reliability, longevity, and control. It’s not about chasing novelty; it’s about helping proven systems fulfi l their potential and perform smarter and at scale.


From caution to optimisation Ultimately, what holds many operators back is risk aversion masquerading as good sense. In an industry where reliability is everything, a cautious approach is natural and understandable. But sometimes, the same mindset that protects stability can also slow progress. The fear that smart controls might complicate maintenance or lock users into proprietary platforms persists in parts of the food and beverage sector. Yet in practice, intelligent drive systems reduce those very risks. When paired with IE4 or even IE5 effi ciency-class motors, they deliver shorter payback times, greater stability, and a more predictable view of performance. The next stage in refrigeration’s evolution won’t be a battle between the two schools of engineering. It will come from cross-disciplinary collaboration, where those who understand mechanical nuance and those fl uent in digital logic work hand in hand.


'Younger engineers bring digital fl uency,


while veteran colleagues off er depth, stability, and good judgment.'


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www.acr-news.com • December 2025 17


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