Think Custom. Think Cooler. NACS 2009

U.S. Cooler manufactures walk-ins with the customer in mind. We understand it is important to produce an affordable, quality, durable, and efficient product. U.S. Cooler specializes in custom sized walk-in coolers and freezers. All of our walk-ins are produced using the highest quality products and the most efficient insulation. Our custom walk-ins are competitively priced and have the shortest lead time in the industry.  U.S. Cooler has the technology and the capability to manufacture walk-ins to fit any size or configuration you are looking for. When you need custom, think U.S. Cooler. Come visit our booth, # 1863, at NACS in Las Vegas from October 21-23, 2009.

EC Motor Start-up

Interesting information about EC motors that could lead to an incorrect diagnosis.

As of January 1, 2009, all walk-in manufacturing companies must sell their refrigeration units with Electronically Commutated (EC) motors. EC motors lower energy costs and significantly improve the walk-in cooler or freezer performance. These energy efficient motors are offered as a complete unit or as a drop-in replacement. Whichever your use is, if you are not familiar with the EC motor it may seem odd when you initially start it up.
When starting an EC motor, the motor must know where the rotor is located in order to start and continue to run. When power is first applied to the motor, the controller will apply a gradually increasing amount of current to all three windings in the motor over a period of 2 seconds. This will cause the rotor to move to a known location. This move will range from no movement at all if the rotor has stopped in the location needed for the next start or may be a much larger movement if it was a longer distance  from where it needed to be. With a fan blade attached, it may even overshoot and move backwards to get to the right location. After that 2 second “positioning” period the controller will start applying power to different phases in a slow rotating pattern that increases in speed over the next 2 seconds until the rotor is moving fast enough for the controller to be able to detect its location. This second phase of the start cycle usually happens so quickly that you cannot really see what is happening. Within 3 to 5 seconds of applying power, the motor should appear to be running normally, but during those first 2 seconds the movements may seem as though the unit is having troubles starting or is broken.

Smart Defrost Kit for Walk-in Refrigeration

Make your refrigeration smart and save money by adding a Smart Defrost Kit (SDK) to your walk-in refrigeration system. SDK decreases the amount of defrost cycles in commercial walk-in refrigeration units by 30-40%. Typical electrical defrost refrigeration systems are scheduled to defrost at regular intervals, which is not always the most efficient or safe way. For applications where food safety is critical such as restaurants, convenience stores and grocery stores, the SDK works to protect perishable products as well as enables refrigeration systems to operate more efficiently, ultimately saving you money. All systems are different, which is why SDK takes time to study your system and helps decrease energy costs by keeping the box temperatures consistent. The SDK works by using temperature and pressure sensors to constantly monitor the system.

Click here for more information on Smart Defrost Kits.

Check out their savings calculator that demonstrates how much money you could save by installing a Smart Defrost Kit.

Cooler Insulation- Extruded Polystyrene Vs. Polyurethane

U.S. Cooler manufactures walk-in coolers and freezers employing both Polyurethane and Extruded Polystyrene. Through testing and years of experience we maintain that extruded polystyrene insulation is superior for use in walk-in coolers and freezers. Polystyrene has many characteristics that prove it to be the best insulation material for walk-ins. The two main insulations found in walk-ins are Extruded Polystyrene and Polyurethane. Each insulation has differentiating characteristics and should be optimized for the specific application.

Polystyrene is a dense closed-cell structure that is very resistant to moisture and holds its R-Value longer than other competing insulations found in walk-ins, such as Polyurethane. This allows less water infiltration in the insulation, which in turn saves energy and money. When water starts seeping into the insulation’s pores, the R-value drops dramatically causing the refrigeration to work harder to hold its respective temperature. Refrigeration working overtime means higher energy bills. Polystyrene is less water vapor permeable; therefore, water vapor does not infiltrate through the material as quickly or easily as it does other insulations.Using studies performed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (CRREL), U.S. Cooler demonstrated extruded polystyrene saved consumers over $5,000 in energy costs over the first five years of operation. The savings again are due to extruded polystyrene’s ability to resist moisture and to retain its R-value better than other insulators.

Polystyrene used in walk-in coolers and freezers is made from “at least 20% pre-consumer recycled polystyrene.” (Owens Corning, Technical Bulletin: Recycle Content Claims Must be Reliable and Verifiable) Polystyrene found in walk-ins is also 100% recyclable. Manufacturing companies that produce these insulation materials, reproduce the resources in new insulation material. Alternatively, it is important to note that Polyurethane is produced from chemicals and is not made from any recycled materials nor can it be recycled or reused.

Polystyrene in walk-in coolers and freezers is the most cost effective and environmentally friendly insulation used in walk-ins today. Not only is polystyrene in walk-ins made with recycled materials and is 100% recyclable but it is energy efficient and can save a great deal of money in energy costs and reduce carbon footprint over the life-cycle of the walk-in.

Maintaining Your Walk-in Cooler or Freezer

Tips from U.S. Cooler for Maintaining Your Walk-in Cooler or Freezer.

How to keep your walk-in operating efficiently.

• Close door when not in use. Do not block or prop door open for extended periods of time. Make sure door is closed at all times except when entering and exiting the walk-in.
• Periodically, minimum of twice a year, clean evaporator and condensing coil. If located outside, the coils should be cleaned more often.
• Make sure fan motors are running at optimum speed.
• Clean fan blades to reduce drag.
• Make sure there is nothing stacked around the coil to restrict airflow.
• Occasionally have service technician check all electrical connections to make sure they are good and tight. Loose wires could cause high amperage, which will cause your unit to use more energy.
• Check for damage or decay in the insulation on suction lines between condensing unit and evaporator coil. Replace as needed.
• Check door sweep for tears and make sure sealing properly.
• Hinges should be lubricated once a year to keep closing properly.
• Make sure the lights are off when exiting the walk-in. Lights produce heat, which will cause your unit to run more to hold its optimal temperature.
• On outside condensing units, maintain clear and adequate airflow. For example, do not allow trash or weeds to accumulate around walk-in.
• Do not pile anything on top of the walk-in. This could cause damage to the ceiling panels.
• Periodically, check gaskets between panels to make sure they are not cracked or weathered. If so, check with your local health codes for the correct procedure to follow as far as repair and replacement.

How to keep your walk-in clean.

• 

  Do not use harsh detergents on metal surfaces.

  Soap and water is the best cleaning method for your walk-in. Do not use harsh chemicals as it may react and harm the metal surface of your walk-in.
  For chemicals not to use read this pdf.

• Minimum of twice a year use a self-rinsing cleaner, soap and water or stiff bristled brush to clean your evaporator and condensing coils.
• Drain lines – at least once a year, work with a service tech to make sure the drain lines are clean and not clogged with any debris.
• Door gaskets – Regularly wipe down with soap and water. If door gaskets are damaged, cracked or stiff magnet will not seal and will need to be replaced.
• Sweep or mop floors to make sure floors are kept clean. Read the rest of this entry »