Danfoss, a manufacturer of high-efficiency components and controls for air-conditioning, heating, refrigeration, industrial, and water systems, named Welbilt’s brand Delfield, one of the largest custom stainless-steel refrigeration equipment manufacturers in the world, the latest winner of its EnVisioneer of the Year award for its use of Danfoss controls to convert equipment for the foodservice industry to low-GWP, natural refrigerant while also significantly improving energy efficiency.
The award was presented Oct. 18 to Delfield’s Darrel Walker, vice president of engineering; Jeremy Huhn, staff refrigeration engineer; and Marcy Mathews, director of product management, by Danfoss Sales Director John Carmack.
“We are truly honoured to receive the EnVisioneer of the Year award from Danfoss,” said Josef Matosevic, chief operating officer of Welbilt. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to deliver high-quality commercial foodservice equipment while simultaneously helping improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Launched in 2010, the EnVisioneer of the Year Award competition recognizes North American end users, municipalities, building owners or original equipment manufacturers that have introduced a new product, opened a new facility or invested in a building or system upgrade using Danfoss products or solutions to realize significant energy or environmental savings.
Entrants to the EnVisioneer of the Year competition are reviewed and evaluated by an independent third-party judging panel.
Delfield is using Danfoss thermostatic expansion valves and electronic controls to optimize its foodservice refrigeration equipment. By integrating Danfoss technologies that enable more precise control and are approved for use with flammable refrigerants, Delfield recently converted its portfolio from R-404A, an HFC refrigerant, to R-290, a natural hydrocarbon — reducing global warming potential by more than 99 percent, from 3,943 to 3. It also was able to lower refrigerant charge by 40 to 80 percent to reduce equipment footprint, and cut energy consumption by as much as 50 percent.
“Danfoss applauds Delfield for its commitment to advancing the industry through environmentally friendly, energy-efficient technologies,” said John Galyen, president, Danfoss North America. “This is a great example of how innovative engineering can put ambitious energy-efficiency and refrigerant targets squarely in reach — without compromising performance or reliability. We are pleased to name Delfield as our eighth EnVisioneer of the Year.”