Unit withstands 147-degree temperatures in rooftop application test.
Maverik Convenience Stores installed Emerson Climate Technologies Inc.’s Copeland Scroll Outdoor Condensing Unit (XJ) to aid efficiency in an extreme application.
When Maverik was seeking a new outdoor condensing unit that met energy efficiency requirements and low decibel levels for its existing refrigerant, the c-store chain turned to Jim Alexander of Epic Services in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Alexander approached Brooke Woodard, branch manager of Refrigeration Supplies Distributor in Draper, Utah, who recommended Emerson Climate Technologies Inc.’s Copeland Scroll Outdoor Condensing Unit (XJ unit).
The XJ units are not only highly efficient, but offer installation flexibility, low sound performance, and allows technicians to quickly and accurately troubleshoot any issues and avoid unneeded service calls. Another key deciding factor was the ability of the XJ unit to handle the heat—literally.
To test its performance in an extreme application an XJ unit was first installed on the roof of a Maverik store located in Mesquite, Nev., which reaches temperatures of 147 degrees in the month of July with high humidity.
Alexander was initially skeptical that the XJ unit would be an ideal choice for this application, but agreed to give it a try, admitting, “If it works there, it will work anywhere.”
Two years later, Alexander has not received a service call and the unit has been running without issue.
Since then, Alexander has installed three-dozen units for multiple applications, including state parks, 24 line-ups of meat cases in supermarkets and in additional Maverik stores. To-date, he has not received service calls for any of the units.
An added benefit for Maverik has been the XJ’s low sound profile. With many Maverik stores located in close proximity to residential residences, the XJ eliminates any potential noise concerns. For sound sensitive locations, standard equipment often requires additional configuration to minimize the machine’s output noise and adds to system and installation costs.
“The unit is significantly more discrete and quieter than traditional units due to the scroll compressor’s low sound and mounting position, along with a unique fan blade design and variable speed fan motor control,” noted Alexander.
The XJ unit ranges in size from 1.5 to 6-horsepower, and offers energy savings of up to 40% compared to standard industry condensing units, making it perfectly suited for many walk-in cooler and freezer applications. Epic Refrigeration continues to sell XJ units to convenience stores, which frequently have applications that require a smaller horsepower.