Summary

Approx. 20’ x 9’ x 7’ Freezer

(1) KE2 Evaporator Efficiency controller

• Eliminated icing issues
• Reduced defrost cycles by 90%
• More stable temperature
• Applying the KE2 Low Temp on reach-ins.

When Keith Hubanks, the Kitchen Maintenance Technician for the Rogers School District, was introduced to the KE2 Evaporator Efficiency controller (KE2 Evap) he was intrigued with the controller for three reasons: to resolve icing issues, to reduce energy usage, and for the controller’s remote alarming capability.

Hubanks decided to evaluate the KE2 Evap on a test site. After assessing the districts walk-ins, he zeroed in on the freezer at Reagan Elementary School. Of the districts walk-ins, the freezer at Reagan Elementary was one of the more problematic, with continuous icing issues, and temperature control challenges.

Before the KE2 Evap was installed, the walk-in was controlled with a mechanical thermostat and time clock. The equipment was set for -100F and 4 defrost cycles per day.

Hubanks found that retrofitting with the KE2 Evap, produced a very steady -100F room temp, with only 13 defrosts a month – a 90% decrease in defrost cycles compared to the 124 defrost cycles initiated by the mechanical time clock. See Figure 1.

Figure 1 - Monthly Graph with KE2 Evap Controlling the System

The system only initiated 13 defrost cycles, a 90% reduction from the when the system was mechanically controlled. With the KE2 Evap controlling the system, the kitchen staff noticed the freezer is maintaining a colder temperature, and is much more stable – even when loading and unloading the walk-in. Additionally, as shown in the photo, Figure 2, the walk-in is now free of ice on the coil, walls, and floors.

Figure 2 - Walk-in with KE2 Evap Controlling System - Ice Eliminated on Coil and Other Surfaces

By properly managing the defrost cycle, the KE2 Evap prevents “fogging” and the resulting ice formation.

Conclusion

In addition to saving energy by eliminating unnecessary defrost cycles, the system is saving energy because it isn’t being tasked to remove the excess heat, that is generated by the extra defrost cycles.

Hubanks has continued to retrofit walk-ins in the district with the KE2 Evap, as well as applying the KE2 Low Temp + Defrost on reach-ins. Additionally, he has implemented the use of the KE2 LDA communication device, for remote monitoring, control and alarm capability.