Thrive in ’25: Cutting Costs & Boosting Efficiency
With energy costs remaining stubbornly high and operational expenses climbing — from rising wage expectations to increased employer contributions — businesses are under growing pressure to do more with less. As the warmer months approach, the demand on refrigeration and cooling systems intensifies, making operational efficiency not just a smart strategy, but an essential one for maintaining profitability and ensuring long-term success.
This Month in Series 3: Practical Energy Solutions for Refrigeration
In this edition of our newsletter, we focus on real-world refrigeration technologies that deliver immediate and measurable savings. At Ultra, we’re dedicated to supporting your business with proactive strategies to tackle today’s energy and cost challenges.
By adopting the latest innovations in intelligent refrigeration control and advanced energy management, you can drive down energy usage, cut maintenance costs, and boost your sustainability credentials. Find out how Ultra’s bespoke solutions can help your business stay agile, competitive, and profitable in today’s demanding economy.
The Ultra Energy-Saving Technology Series
Building on the foundations we’ve laid in Series 1 to 3 of our energy-saving journey, we continue to showcase the advanced refrigeration technologies available from Ultra. In Series 1, we explored Electronic Expansion Valves (EEVs), in Series 2, we highlighted the advantages of EC condenser fan motors and series 3 covered speed controlled compressors.
| However, to fully unlock the advantages of these technologies, an advanced control system is essential. The control software must leverage the dynamic capabilities of modern components, rather than merely imitating the functions of outdated mechanical systems. In Series 4, we turn our focus to intelligent control systems — the digital backbone behind modern refrigeration efficiency. These systems go far beyond basic temperature regulation, offering real-time responsiveness, energy optimisation, and seamless integration with other building technologies. By analysing live data and adapting to changing conditions, intelligent control systems ensure that every component operates at peak performance, reducing waste, lowering energy consumption, and extending equipment life. This level of control is not just beneficial — it’s becoming essential for businesses aiming to stay competitive in an increasingly demanding and sustainability-conscious market. |
Smart Control for Smarter Refrigeration ✔ Customisable Logic = Tailored Control Strategies for Any Application ✔ Real-Time Monitoring = Immediate Response to System Changes ✔ Integrated Alarms & Safety = Enhanced Reliability and Reduced Downtime |
| Industry Data Supporting These Savings Recent studies underscore the significant energy savings achievable through the integration of PLCs in refrigeration systems. For instance, research published in Processes demonstrated that implementing data-driven load management strategies—enabled by advanced control systems like PLCs—can reduce compressor energy consumption by 17% and decrease the operation time of parallel compressors by 77%, thereby extending equipment lifespan. Another study highlighted in the ECTI Transactions on Electrical Engineering, Electronics, and Communications found that PLC-based automatic control systems in air conditioning units led to energy savings of up to 25% compared to conventional methods. These findings align with our observations at Ultra, where the deployment of PLCs has resulted in enhanced system reliability, remarkable energy savings, and more consistent performance across various projects. As refrigeration technology continues to evolve, the role of intelligent control systems like PLCs becomes increasingly critical. Their ability to adapt in real-time to varying load conditions not only optimizes energy consumption but also ensures the longevity and efficiency of the entire system. Of course, even the most advanced control systems are only as good as the data they receive, so next month we’ll take a look at some of the sensors we incorporate into our equipment. |
Can’t wait for next month’s instalment?
Contact us now for a one-on-one meeting with our design engineers to find the optimal energy solutions for your refrigeration.
Spotlight
Smart Heat Recovery Meets Hygiene with the UHR System
At Ultra Refrigeration ltd, we’re always pushing the boundaries of efficiency and sustainability — and our latest development is no exception. The new Ultra Heat Recovery (UHR) system is now available, bringing a powerful dual benefit to refrigeration operations: significant energy savings and smarter water heating.
Originally developed for use with our blast freezers, the UHR system recovers waste heat from the refrigeration cycle and uses it to pre-heat washdown water — turning what was once discarded energy into a valuable resource. And thanks to its flexible design, the UHR can be integrated into any refrigeration system.
♻️ Why UHR is a Game-Changer:
✅ Energy Recycling Built In — Recovers heat from refrigeration cycles to pre-heat water tanks
✅ Optimised for Performance — Integrates seamlessly with the blast freezer without compromising cooling capacity
✅ Legionella Protection — Monitors water temperature over time and initiates automatic ‘heat boost’ cycles to ensure safety
✅ Smart Automation — Dynamically adjusts to maximise heat recovery based on real-time system performance
✅ Broad Compatibility — Ideal for use across sectors: food processing, warehousing, retail, or any operation with regular washdown requirements
✅ Reduced Carbon Footprint — Makes your system work harder for you, not the environment
💡 Practical, Proven, and Future-Ready
Whether you’re looking to reduce utility costs, lower emissions, or improve site hygiene, the UHR system delivers measurable results. It’s yet another example of how Ultra delivers intelligent, integrated solutions designed around real-world demands.
Want to Learn More?
Whether you’re upgrading existing systems or planning a new installation, our team is here to help you explore how Ultra Heat Recovery can benefit your operation.
