High-performance outdoor condensing unit supports the successful adoption of CO2 refrigeration
CO2 is at the forefront of energy-efficient refrigeration solutions, offering significant advantages in reducing energy consumption while maintaining high performance. But while CO2 provides environmental and safety benefits, it faces challenges in warm climates. Danfoss’ new Optyma™ iCO2 condensing unit allows transcritical CO2 systems to achieve optimal energy efficiency at high ambient temperatures.
Engineered for transcritical low- or medium-temperature refrigeration applications, the iCO2 features a reciprocating semi-hermetic inverter Danfoss BOCK® compressor, integrated with Danfoss drives, controllers, valves, and a microchannel heat exchanger, delivering a best-in-class, low-GWP solution using the natural refrigerant R-744 (CO₂). The BOCK compressor enables the iCO2 to have a range from 68,000 BTU at maximum speed to 15,000 BTU at minimum speed, and an evaporating operational map temperature ranging from -4°F to 41°F and an ambient temperature range of -13°F to 115°F.
The iCO2 is fitted with variable speed fans, microchannel coils, and electronic controls, allowing the unit to provide effective cooling when faced with fluctuating load conditions, from 30% to 100% of the unit’s cooling capacity. This allows one unit to support multiple cold rooms and/or several rows of display cases, reducing operational costs. Another feature of the iCO2 is scalable connectivity via the Danfoss system manager. The unit can also operate autonomously through evaporator management controls. Its low-noise fan and high-performance sound insulation ensure quiet operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments.
Designed for energy efficiency and optimized for warmer climates, the iCO₂ supports the successful adoption of CO₂ refrigeration, helping reduce carbon emissions and contributing to the transition toward sustainable cooling solutions. It is an ideal choice for store upgrades and expansions, and capacity boosts to support peak summer demands.
“Supporting our customers in their adoption of sustainable refrigeration technologies is a core value for Danfoss,” said Dean Groff, natural refrigerant business development manager at Danfoss. “By integrating a full range of Danfoss solutions, the iCO2 enables customers to implement CO2 refrigeration systems safely and successfully while optimizing their energy consumption and lowering operating costs.”
“The ability to load shift or capacity boost existing products creates a unique opportunity across all North American climates, enabling end users of any scale to ramp into CO₂ adoption at their own pace,” added DJ Frye, Danfoss sales director for food retail in North America.