The main applications of fan motors in the refrigeration equipment industry are condensers and evaporators.

The basic requirements for these motors include quiet operation, reliability, and, of course, low energy consumption.

To meet customer expectations, AiFO Components offers both shaded pole motors and energy-efficient electronically commutated motors (EC motors). In this article, we present a comparative analysis of these two types.

Comparative analysis

Our R&D department conducted a comparative study of various motors installed in an SKP-type condenser manufactured by AiFO Components. Testing was carried out on a dedicated test bench, measuring airflow and daily energy consumption.

The analysis results confirmed significantly lower energy consumption by energy-efficient motors, with a reduction of 75-80% compared to a traditional shaded pole motor. For the comparative analysis, the M4Q045 shaded pole motor and the energy-efficient SKW-ECO7108A EX and SKW-ECY-02-E-230 motors were used.

The following graph shows the estimated annual energy cost for one shaded pole motor and energy-efficient motors, assuming that 1 kWh costs 1 PLN.
(The analysis refers to continuous motor operation.)

Considering the market price of the above-mentioned motors, it can be assumed that the payback period when ordering a product equipped with an energy-efficient motor will be between 5 and 9 months, resulting from the price difference between the shaded pole motor and the energy-efficient motor.

Eco-friendly

Another important benefit of EC motors is their positive environmental impact. Thanks to lower power consumption, the annual CO₂ emissions are significantly reduced over the product’s life cycle.

The following chart shows the estimated annual CO₂ emissions per motor [in kg], comparing a shaded pole motor (blue bar) with EC motor options.

In addition to reduced energy consumption and lower CO₂ emissions, EC motors offered by AiFO Components provide the advantage of easy replacement—making them fully compatible with existing systems using shaded pole motors.

Due to their higher efficiency, EC motors generate less heat during operation compared to AC motors. This significantly improves the thermal balance of refrigeration devices.

Moreover, EC motors are more compact, allowing more efficient use of available space while offering better energy performance.

Are you interested in high-performance energy-efficient motors from AiFO Components? The products in our offer are the best solutions for your projects. We invite you to explore AiFO Components’ wide range. The full list is available in the “Components for Refrigeration Furniture” catalog and in our B2B store.

We encourage you to sign up for our NEWSLETTER, so you can follow current trends and stay up-to-date with our offer.

In case of any doubts, our technical advisors will be happy to answer all your questions. Contact details via email, phone, or the contact form are available in the CONTACT page.

Fan motors in refrigeration – a comprehensive comparative analysis

Fan motors are components that work almost continuously, forcing air circulation on evaporators and condensers. Their efficiency has a direct impact not only on the efficiency of the entire system, but also on its energy intensity. In the face of increasing ecodesign requirements, the right choice of drive is a strategic decision.

We present a comparative analysis of the most popular technologies on the market: AC (alternating current) motors and EC (electronically commutated) motors.

Evolution of technology: from AC to EC

To make the right choice, it is useful to understand the fundamental differences in the design and operation of the various engines used in the refrigeration industry.

1. conventional short-circuit coil AC motors (Shaded-Pole)

For years they have been the standard in small refrigeration units. Their main advantage is their very simple, even failure-free design and low initial cost.

• The downside: Their energy efficiency is dramatically low – only 15% to 30%. This means that most of the energy extracted is converted into heat rather than rotary motion.

2. operation capacitor AC motors (PSC)

This is an evolution of short-circuit coil motors. The use of a capacitor allows a higher efficiency of 40-50%. They are more commonly used in medium- and high-power devices.

3. modern EC (Electronically Commutated) motors

These are DC brushless motors with an integrated electronic circuit that converts the mains voltage (AC to DC). They represent the highest technological standard.

• Advantage: They achieve efficiency of 70-80%, which outclasses traditional solutions.

Comparative analysis of key parameters

What are the real differences between AC and EC technology in the daily operation of refrigeration equipment?

• Electricity consumption: EC motors consume up to 70% less electricity than their compact coil counterparts. For a supermarket with dozens of racks, the return on investment (ROI) for EC technology often takes less than a year.
• Heat emission into the cooling chamber: This is a key aspect that is often overlooked. The low efficiency of AC motors makes them heat up a lot. This heat goes directly into the refrigeration chamber, forcing the compressor to work harder. EC motors stay cool, relieving the strain on the entire system.
• Controllability and versatility: EC technology allows infinitely variable speed control (e.g., by 0-10V signal) and multi-voltage power supply (Multivoltage), which greatly simplifies the production of equipment for different markets.
• Implementation costs: Buying an EC engine involves a higher unit cost than an AC engine. However, considering the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), EC is an unbeatable solution.

What to choose for your projects?

For refrigeration furniture manufacturers grappling with stringent energy labeling directives, the choice is clear – EC fan motors are currently the only right way to up-grade equipment and provide real savings for end customers. Classic AC motors remain an option only for low-end appliances, where energy performance plays a marginal role.

Summary

Choosing the right motor is a compromise between initial cost and operating costs. At AiFO Components, we keep our finger on the pulse of technological innovations. We offer a wide range of drives to help optimize your equipment.

Want to choose the most efficient motor for your device? Contact the experts at AiFO Components and ask them to calculate your projected savings when switching to EC technology!