British manufacturer Precision Refrigeration says its new ‘iCool’ Intelligent Controller is setting the standards in the market. iCool stands for ‘intelligent cooling’ and the new controller, which is being fitted across the whole Precision range, also features a new low-voltage front panel and a Triple Probe monitoring system. Its innovative features not only cut a refrigerator’s energy consumption by up to 25% but also maximise the equipment’s life.
"iCool decides how the refrigeration system should best operate in varying conditions, minimising power consumption while maintaining food safety," explains production director Andy Fysh. "It’s an incredibly cool piece of technology. A well phat controller, you might say."
The iCool controller is based on fuzzy logic, automatically adapting to working conditions. If they become harder, the refrigerator will recognise the increased number of door openings, extended compressor run times or above normal ambient conditions and adjust the refrigeration system’s performance to match. For example, this may include increasing the number of defrosts, to ensure a clean and efficient air-flow within the cabinet. Conversely if operating conditions become easier, the controller will react accordingly, resulting in the cabinet adopting a different set of parameters, reducing compressor-starts and so on.
Whatever the conditions, the intelligent controller will operate in the most efficient manner. For example, where possible it will utilise the residual “cold” within the evaporator, through fan-only operations, before looking to bring in the compressor. An extended “saw-tooth” run pattern decreases the number of compressor starts, reducing power consumption and hence energy costs.
Because the controller is entirely digital there are no mechanical switches and thus no component-wear, maximising service life and reducing long-term costs.
Alongside this, the controller’s low voltage front panel has three key benefits: safety, reduced energy consumption and easier maintenance. This last is because the refrigeration system’s 230V control mechanism is mounted away from the front panel, providing easier engineer access as well as enhancing operator safety. The panel has additional features such as ‘max/min’ temperature history, which can be checked, recorded and re-set for a given period.
The third iCool innovation is the Triple Probe facility. This links to the intelligent controller and provides additional monitoring of the refrigeration systems, through a cabinet probe, evaporator probe and condenser probe. Their factory settings include automatic alarms to warn the operator of any potential problems, such as maintenance issues or excessive high ambient conditions. By protecting the system in this way the Triple Probe will maximise the life of components and hence the life of the equipment.
For more information check out the Precision website (www.precision-refrigeration.co.uk), or call the company directly on +44 (0)1842 753 994.
Notes for editors
25% energy reduction
The 25% figure is based on tests on a 600-litre gastronorm upright cabinet, compared with an identical unit using a standard electronic controller.
Who Is Precision?
- British manufacturer Precision supplies robust, dependable refrigeration for commercial catering environments. Precision Refrigeration is run by people who know what matters most in a busy, demanding kitchen. Directors include Andy Fysh, Nick Williams and Jeremy Hall, all ex-Williams Refrigeration.
- Back bar, upright gastronorm cabinets and prep counters are manufactured in stainless steel inside and out – delivering the quality and reliability that you expect from a market leader, but at significantly better prices.
- Precision is about good, solid, functional products that caterers and their customers can depend on, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All products are backed with a straight-talking, no quibble guarantee.