Tecumseh Launches VAE Series Variable Speed Compressor and Controller
Tecumseh
Tecumseh’s VAE Series Variable Speed compressor complements the VTC Series and extends the company’s line of variable speed commercial refrigeration compressors to a capacity of 7,300 Btu/h. Using variable speed technology, the VAE reduces overall energy consumption by dynamically matching the capacity of the compressor to the cabinet’s cooling demand.
January 22, 2018
The VAE leverages Tecumseh’s AE and AE2 commercial compressor designs that have set the industry standard for commercial refrigeration performance and reliability for more than 55 years.
With a capacity range from 1,000 to 7,300 BTUs per hour, the VAE Series is optimized for use with the eco-friendly hydrocarbon refrigerant R290 (Propane). A key feature of the VAE series is that the electronic controller can handle voltage inputs from 85 to 260 volts AC and both 50 and 60 Hertz. This provides significant benefits to equipment manufacturers that sell commercial refrigeration equipment in geographic regions where voltage requirements and power stability vary significantly.
The VAE series compressor delivers the same capacity as larger displacement, single-speed compressors. By operating at higher speeds, the VAE compressor can greatly reduce the time needed to pull-down cabinet temperatures after restocking and during initial stocking. In addition, low speed operation is used to maintain cabinet temperature with minimal energy consumption.
Electronic variable-speed technology also results in precise cabinet temperatures and lower compressor noise and vibration. Protection built into the VAE controller also improves compressor reliability when compared to single-speed compressor devices using electro-mechanical protectors.
The VAE controller utilizes a variable-speed algorithm that can be used as a drop-in solution for commercial refrigeration cabinets which are already equipped with an existing temperature control. Other inputs for using externally supplied system controllers include Serial and Frequency Control. Both Serial Control and Frequency Control allow for further reduction in energy consumption and incorporate communications and diagnostic information.
