Thrive in ’25: Cutting Costs & Boosting Efficiency
Persistently high energy costs and rising operational expenses require fresh, innovative approaches to sustain profitability. With recent increases in employer contributions, higher wage demands, and unrelenting energy prices, operational efficiency has become not just important — but absolutely critical for 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 and 2 of our energy-saving journey, we continue to showcase the advanced refrigeration technologies available from Ultra. In Series 1, we explored the efficiency and precision of Electronic Expansion Valves (EEVs), and in Series 2, we highlighted the advantages of upgrading to EC condenser fan motors to significantly reduce energy use and improve system performance.
Individually, these technologies deliver strong returns — but when integrated, they unlock even greater efficiencies, driving down costs while boosting sustainability and system reliability.
In Series 3, we turn our focus to speed-driven compressors — an innovation that fine-tunes refrigeration performance, matching output precisely to demand. The result? Lower energy bills, reduced system wear, and smarter, future-ready operations. Stay with us as we continue exploring the smartest ways to optimise your refrigeration systems, helping your business thrive sustainably and profitably through 2025 and beyond.
Series 3: Speed-Controlled Compressors (VFD)
Precision Cooling for Maximum Efficiency ✔ Demand-Based Operation = Reduced Energy Waste
✔ Smooth Ramp-Up = Lower Mechanical Stress and Extended Compressor Life
✔ Stable Suction Pressure = Improved Cooling Consistency and Performance
Industry Data Supporting These Savings
- A report by the U.S. Department of Energy found that using VFDs in refrigeration compressors can cut energy use by 15–35%, depending on load variation and system design.
- A study by Danfoss showed that VFD-equipped compressors consistently outperformed fixed-speed units, particularly in partial-load conditions — where most systems operate the majority of the time.
- Field data from multiple Ultra projects confirms enhanced compressor reliability, quieter operation, and improved control when transitioning to VFD systems.
All of these benefits combine to reduce running costs, improve system longevity, and enhance performance — making VFD compressors a smart investment in any energy-conscious operation. Of course, all of the technologies we’ve touched on so far need modern control systems to operate them, which will be the subject of next month’s newsletter.
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
Exciting Progress at Ultra Refrigeration:
New Duty-Standby Systems for Critical Temperature Control
At Ultra Refrigeration, innovation never stands still — and our latest project is proof. Our brand new Duty-Standby A2L Systems are now in manufacture, delivering next-generation performance, reliability, and energy efficiency for mission-critical environments across the UK and beyond.
These powerful systems are designed for businesses where temperature reliability isn’t just important — it’s absolutely essential.
🔧 Key Features You Can Rely On:
✅ Low GWP A2L Refrigerant (R454A) — Sustainable and future-proof, compliant with F-Gas targets
✅ Wide Operating Range — Precision control from -30°C to +30°C
✅ Heating and Cooling — Full reverse cycle functionality for ultimate flexibility
✅ Inverter-Driven Compressors — Smooth, energy-efficient operation with rapid response to demand
✅ EC Condenser Fans — High-efficiency airflow for optimal performance in all conditions
✅ Full N+1 Redundancy — Complete standby protection for peace of mind
✅ Advanced Automation and Remote Access — Seamless monitoring, control, and fault alerting
📦 Perfect for Critical Applications: 🔹 Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Storage
🔹 Forensic Evidence Rooms (Police and Judicial Use)
🔹 Test Chambers for Research and Development
🔹 High-Value Perishable Storage
🔹 Critical Temperature Storage Environments
🛡️ Designed for Zero Downtime
Our Duty-Standby units are engineered for environments where failure simply isn’t an option. Each system consists of two fully independent systems operating in a rotational run sequence — sharing the workload to maximise lifespan and efficiency.
In the event of any fault or system failure, the standby unit instantly takes over without disruption, ensuring absolute continuity of temperature control when it matters most.
This architecture is essential for protecting valuable pharmaceutical stock, maintaining forensic chain of evidence, safeguarding critical medical storage, and supporting scientific testing where a temperature deviation could mean irreversible loss.
✨ Flexible Solutions, Fully Supported
Available as equipment only or as a complete turnkey solution including full installation and commissioning, our new Duty-Standby units are tailored to meet the exact needs of your operation — with the assurance of Ultra’s renowned after-sales support. Whether you’re planning a new facility or upgrading your existing infrastructure, trust Ultra Refrigeration to deliver robust, intelligent, and future-ready refrigeration solutions.
