Hotels are always on the lookout for technology that will enhance the guest stay, and if it provides energy efficiency, less maintenance downtime and helps to meet sustainability goals, it’s a bonus.
Oil-free HVAC compressor technology from Danfoss Turbocor checks all those boxes.
“The development of the oil-free compressor has basically changed the industry forever,” said Rogerio Federici, VP/head, Danfoss Turbocor, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. “Right now, everything is different in terms of efficiency levels and reliability levels.”
The company’s oil-free compressors have been credited with a substantial leap in energy efficiency, with improvements surpassing traditional compressor technologies by more than 40%, according to Federici.
At the literal heart of the company’s oil-free compressors is magnetic-bearing technology, which eliminates the need for oil lubrication by using magnetic levitation to suspend the compressor shaft. Federici explained that this design “creates a frictionless environment,” reducing wear and tear on parts over time. The lack of friction means that compressors are less prone to degradation, which extends their lifespan and potentially lowering maintenance costs.
Danfoss Turbocor’s oil-free compressors uses magnetic bearing technology.
The technology also features a variable speed drive, which adjusts the motor speed based on the cooling demand. Unlike traditional systems that run at a fixed speed and turn on and off, the company’s compressors adapt to the required cooling load, improving energy efficiency.
“The compressor was actually adjusting the speed according to the cooling demands,” he explained. That process optimizes energy usage by avoiding the energy spikes typically seen in conventional systems.
One of the key advantages of the oil-free compressor technology is its potential for energy savings. “You can achieve 30% to 50% energy savings with the oil-free compressors, as they maintain consistent performance over time without the degradation seen in traditional systems that use oil,” said Federici.
The reduction in maintenance needs is another factor driving interest in this technology. Federici explained that, unlike conventional compressors that require major rebuilds over their lifespan, the Danfoss Turbocor compressors only require minor maintenance. “Every five years, you change a very small fan motor, and every 10 years, you change the capacitors.”
The oil-free compressors also operate with less noise and vibration. Without the friction from traditional systems, the compressors run more quietly, which is an added benefit for environments that require a peaceful atmosphere.
The absence of oil in the compressors means there is no risk of oil leakage or contamination. This could be seen as an environmental benefit, particularly in industries with strict sustainability targets. “We know that some of the major hotel chains have very strict environmental targets, so this is a big one they can use for that,” he said.
Danfoss Turbocor’s compressors are integrated into chillers used by various industries, including hospitality, where large cooling systems are essential. While the company doesn’t sell directly to hotels, its compressors are found in chiller systems manufactured by other companies. Federici estimates that the company’s products are currently used in around 2,000 hotels globally, based on the applications of its OEM partners.
To meet the growing demand for its products, the company has expanded its manufacturing capabilities. In 2007, Danfoss Turbocor moved its factory to Tallahassee, FL, to be closer to key research institutions. More recently, the company opened a new factory in the Florida capital city to double its capacity in the U.S. due to increasing demand, particularly from data centers. “We are currently doubling the business every four years,” he said.
