The growing demand for more efficient and sustainable refrigeration solutions is transforming the commercial refrigeration sector. Hiron, a leading Chinese manufacturer of refrigeration equipment for the food industry, found CAREL technology to be the ideal answer to this challenge. When developing its latest refrigerated display, Hiron chose the iJF controller from the iJ platform , which features variable capacity compressor (VCC) management , and stands out for its energy efficiency and intelligent equipment management.

Hiron: Innovation in Commercial Refrigeration

Qingdao Hiron Commercial Cold Chain Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of cold chain equipment for applications such as beverages, dairy products, frozen foods, and supermarkets. With over 100 models in its portfolio, the company invests heavily in innovation, quality, and sustainability—values ​​that align with CAREL's vision.

The Challenge: Energy Efficiency with Sustainability

Faced with the need to develop a new generation of displays with natural refrigerant (R290) and variable speed compressors, Hiron was looking for a control solution that offered:

• High energy performance;
• Compatibility with flammable gases;
• Remote monitoring and maintenance capability;
• Food safety and temperature stability.

It was in this context that the iJF with VCC serial communication , an advanced solution from CAREL, came onto the scene.

The CAREL Solution: iJF with VCC Serial Mode

The iJF controller with VCC serial port allows for dynamic compressor speed management, adjusting its operation based on the actual temperature inside the unit. This bidirectional communication between the controller and inverter results in:

• Significant energy savings : up to 25% less consumption compared to traditional ON/OFF systems;

• Greater thermal stability : with temperature variations of less than 2°C , ensuring food quality and safety;

• Noise and vibration reduction : thanks to soft start and advanced PID logic;

• Simplified maintenance management : through integration with IoT platforms via Modbus, allowing faster and more efficient interventions;

• Integrated HACCP function : event logging and food protection in case of power failure.

Tests and Results

The equipment tested was a vertical ice cream freezer (480 liters, refrigerant R290), subjected to real conditions according to ISO 23953-2 . Three compressor management methods were compared:

• Fixed speed (ON/OFF)

• Drop-in Solution

• Variable Capacity Compression via Serial (VCC)

The results were clear:

• 25% less energy consumption (vs ON/OFF)

• 15% savings (vs Drop-in)

• Noise reduction by 2 dB

• Better thermal performance , with constant and precise temperature

Conclusion: A Successful Partnership

The collaboration between CAREL and Hiron has proven to be a clear example of how cutting-edge technology can drive sustainability, efficiency, and reliability in the commercial refrigeration sector. Through the implementation of iJF with VCC management, superior performance levels were achieved, positioning both companies as leaders in innovation and commitment to the future of sustainable refrigeration.