Taking the Temperature on HVACR

In this episode of the Chilling with Jens podcast, our host looks at the overall landscape when it comes to the use of CO2 in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating from a Danfoss Perspective. He also explores how the business has developed over the last decade in terms of applications and technical trends are headed. Finally,&...

In this episode of Cool Talk, Jens interviews Senior Product Manager Ejnar Luckmann about the new Danfoss AK-CC55. They discuss several of its intriguing new features, such as its smartphone user interface, improved defrosting, and adaptive liquid injection algorithms. Ejnar also shares some insightful information on the historical development of the Danfoss ADAP KOOL® controllers. Learn more abou...

After straying away for a bit to focus on “Cool Talk”, Jens gets back on the educational track here in Chapter 19. This episode addresses the “cool” part of the cooling system: the evaporator, the evaporator coil, and the TXV. Jens discusses how they work together to optimize the cooling process and shares his insights about function, maintenance, and servicing. Mentioned in this episode: Download...

In this special wintery edition of Chilling with Jens, our host dives back into the written works of Glenn Moore. This time around, the focus is on how compressors and condensers operate during the winter season in the northern hemisphere. There are special considerations to keep in mind to keep things slightly comfier for the compressor with a warm coat (of sorts) and how to nurse the condenser a...

The Danfoss Optyma™ Plus condensing unit is ideally suited for use in locations with high ambient temperatures. However, when you combine the naturally high environmental heat with the use of a new refrigerant, the scroll compressor inside the unit can start running hot. In this episode, Jens is joined, once again, by Danfoss expert John Broughton, who shares an interesting trick that Danfoss is u...

Jens dug through the Danfoss archives and found four articles written by Glenn Moore, longtime Danfoss Technical Field Service and Support Manager. In this episode, Jens reads through each one to reveal insightful and still-relevant information about condensers, as well as Glenn’s personal stories about the different challenges he’s faced out on service calls. Here’s a quick breakdown of the topic...

This podcast is about the use of CO2 or carbon dioxide as a refrigerant in larger commercial systems like supermarkets or hypermarkets. CO2 or carbon dioxide, is a natural occurring substance, a natural part of the earthly atmosphere, although the concentration has been rising in the last 50 years, the CO2 is still one of the most environmentally friendly refrigerants and is one of the few sustain...

Cool Talk: Interview with Norbert Blatz on switching to low-GWP refrigerants. Norbert tells us what you need to know when performing a retrofit in an existing system, what considerations you need to have, what protocols, guidelines and standards you need to comply to. Norbert touches also on some of the practicalities and the certifications that an installer will need to obtain. The podcast is mad...

In this episode Jens talks about the things to consider when charging new refrigerant into an existing system, what to think of, what to do, and what not to do. You can do the shift in charge from HFC to another HFC and in some cases also from HCFC to HFC, but you just don’t go all the way to HFO in an existing system. You need to check the component performance, so you’ll need to know what you’re...

Why compressors fail: John Broughton, Danfoss Global Application Specialist, joins Jens for a special edition of the podcast. They discuss the most common reasons compressors fail and how to avoid these failures. John also shares some sage advice to keep in mind when installing compressors, piping, and lubrication. Finally, the two dive into setups and adjustments of cooling systems. Mentioned in...

In this chapter, Jens discusses PLC’s or “Programmable Logic Controllers”. He dives into the logic behind them and the Boolean perception of logic, i.e. "True" and "False”. He also covers a bit about programming, statements, and conditions. Mentioned in this episode: Download Ref Tools app for Free! The essential, all-in-one mobile app for air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. You can su...

This chapter sheds light on more complex store systems, including remote monitoring. These systems are tailored for large contractors, supermarket chains, and independent monitoring companies. These systems provide real-time status monitoring, which helps ensure food quality, system health, and diagnostics. Join Jens as he takes a deep dive into what all this means and how installers can help thei...

Jens talks about capacity controls and Danfoss Pack Controllers. He also discusses different ways of controlling the energy consumption of the most energy-consuming part of the refrigeration system: the compressor. Finally, he touches on the condensing fans as he continues to guide you on your journey through the world of electronic controls for cooling systems. Mentioned in this episode: Download...

We’re moving on to more complex controllers and therefore also the applications that go beyond basics. Jens talks about controlling stand-alone applications like glass door merchandisers and display cases and the controlling of the different functions, such as capacity control, superheat control, and defrosting. Mentioned in this episode: Download Ref Tools app for Free! The essential, all-in-one...

The ETC has a simple design, but it’s still a pretty clever refrigeration control that can yield some impressive benefits. In this episode, Jens uses the ETC as an example for explaining the sensor-controller-compressor interface, signal logic, programming, and cabling. Mentioned in this episode: Download Ref Tools app for Free! The essential, all-in-one mobile app for air conditioning and refrige...

In this episode, Jens shares what you need to know about digital communication. He also covers the issues related to setting up a good and stable communication with your electronic controllers for the refrigeration business. Mentioned in this episode: Download Ref Tools app for Free! The essential, all-in-one mobile app for air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. You can subscribe and list...

Get a lightning-fast recap of what you learned about electricity and electrical components in trade school, plus a few secrets they didn’t tell you at the time. This episode covers both the good and the bad, and it’s all essential knowledge that you’ll need when you’re working with refrigeration out in the field. Mentioned in this episode: Download Ref Tools app for Free! The essential, all-in-one...

In this episode, Jens takes you on a journey through indirect cooling, brine, and other coolant types. Discover remote cooling, where you transfer cooling with fluid coolants to avoid using hazardous refrigerants near food or inhabitable environments. Jens also touches briefly on heat pumps as an example of indirect cooling and heating. Mentioned in this episode: Download Ref Tools app for Free! T...

In this episode, Jens talks about the most common ways of controlling cooling systems—from basic smaller systems to complex commercial versions. He also briefly mentions electronic controls and their benefits. Mentioned in this episode: Download Ref Tools app for Free! The essential, all-in-one mobile app for air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. You can subscribe and listen to Chilling...

Chapter 9 is all about refrigerants, including what they are made of and what you should expect when using them. Safety is job 1, so Jens focuses on sharing about safety codes and precautions. Finally, he gives you a quick shot of retrofitting knowledge. Mentioned in this episode: Download Ref Tools app for Free! The essential, all-in-one mobile app for air conditioning and refrigeration technicia...

In this chapter, Jens discusses the condenser and the role it plays in the refrigeration process. You’ll learn about the two main types of condensers and what you need to keep in mind when working with the air-cooled variety. Last, but not least, Jens shares some wisdom about air-cooled condenser pressure regulator methods. Mentioned in this episode: Download Ref Tools app for Free! The essential,...

In this episode, Jens takes a quick break from the usual topics to cover something special as part of the Danfoss Refrigerant Week 2018 (Sept 24 - 28). As new regulations phase out old refrigerants in favor of more environmentally friendly ones, HVACR professionals will need to perform more refrigerant retrofits. Jens discusses what you need to think about when doing a retrofit. It may seem like a...

Let’s talk about compressors. There is so much to learn when it comes to compression and how you achieve it. In this episode, Jens eases you into the topic by touching upon the different types of compressors available. Mentioned in this episode: Download Ref Tools app for Free! The essential, all-in-one mobile app for air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. You can subscribe and listen to...

This episode is all about controlling the evaporation and expansion process electronically using sensors, controllers, and two types of electronic expansion valves. Electronic control can provide a lot of benefits and is an important part of modern refrigeration systems. Mentioned in this episode: Download Ref Tools app for Free! The essential, all-in-one mobile app for air conditioning and refrig...

In this chapter of Chilling with Jens, Jens discusses the thermostatic expansion valve—a key component in many refrigeration systems such as cold rooms or walk-in coolers. The TXV, or metering device, is installed to ensure correct and optimal pressure in the evaporator. Tune in to learn more about the TXV and its importance, and maybe even pick up some fun trivia bits along the way (hint: the TXV...