Against the backdrop of global climate urgency and the accelerating “dual carbon” goals, the low-carbon transformation of commercial refrigeration systems has shifted from an “optional path” to a “strategic imperative.” Among low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants, R290 (propane) has emerged as a cornerstone solution, driven by its eco-friendly profile and stringent regulatory mandates such as the EU F-Gas Regulation and Kigali Amendment—regulations that cap refrigerant charges at ≤150g for small-scale systems and ≤500g for larger units based on machine power. Yet, traditional R290 systems often grapple with challenges like high refrigerant charge, noisy operation, and limited component flexibility.
Enter Boyard’s R290 water-cooled variable-frequency units, which redefine industry benchmarks through three core strengths: ultra-low refrigerant charge with silent operation, flexible heat exchanger options, and intelligent full-DC variable-frequency control.
Core Strength 1: Ultra-Low Refrigerant Charge & Silent Operation
Boyard’s R290 units lead the market in environmental friendliness, achieving a 60% reduction in refrigerant charge compared to traditional air-cooled systems. This breakthrough is enabled by optimized heat exchanger designs and streamlined refrigerant pathways, which minimize refrigerant volume without compromising cooling performance. Beyond reducing environmental risk, this low charge aligns seamlessly with global regulations, easing compliance for operators.
Equally notable is the unit’s ultra-low noise performance. Equipped with full DC variable-frequency technology, the compressor operates at noise levels below 65dB—quieter than a typical office environment. This makes Boyard units ideal for noise-sensitive spaces like supermarkets, pharmacies, and convenience stores, where customer comfort is paramount.
Core Strength 2: Flexible Heat Exchangers & Component Synergies
Boyard’s modular design redefines adaptability. The units support interchangeable heat exchangers, including plate-type and coaxial tube-in-tube options. This flexibility allows operators to tailor thermal efficiency to specific needs: plate exchangers excel in high-efficiency scenarios (e.g., frozen food storage), while coaxial designs suit applications requiring compactness (e.g., ambient display cases).
Beyond customization, Boyard leverages cross-compatibility with existing components. The units share key parts—compressors, valves, and control boards—with its air-cooled series, streamlining production processes and reducing inventory complexity. This synergy not only lowers manufacturing costs but also simplifies maintenance: operators can source spare parts from the same ecosystem, minimizing downtime and logistics expenses.
Core Strength 3: Intelligent Full-DC Variable-Frequency Control
Variable Frequency technology,enables compressors to automatically adjust operating speeds to match varying load conditions. Unlike fixed-frequency systems that rely on repeated start-stop cycles—causing power consumption spikes, sharp current peaks, low efficiency, and high operational costs—Variable Frequency technology ensures stable, adaptive performance. By optimizing speed to real-time demands, it delivers superior energy efficiency and significant energy savings. Additionally, precise control over cooling output minimizes temperature fluctuations, effectively preserving food quality in cold storage. This blend of adaptability and efficiency makes Variable Frequency technology a critical solution for sustainable and reliable refrigeration.
At the heart of Boyard’s efficiency lies its full-DC variable-frequency control system, which integrates pressure-based and temperature-based logic to optimize performance across all operating conditions.
- Pressure-Based Control: The system dynamically adjusts compressor frequency to maintain optimal suction pressure (default target: 3.5bar ±0.1). By matching pressure to real-time load, it minimizes low-pressure energy losses by 25%, ensuring the refrigerant operates at peak efficiency.
- Temperature-Based Control: A proprietary PID algorithm regulates compressor speed (30–70Hz) based on cabinet temperature (monitored via F1/F2 parameters). This eliminates energy spikes from abrupt start-stops and maintains ±0.5°C temperature stability, critical for food preservation.
Driven by intelligent driver boards, the system further enhances efficiency: active control logic prioritizes stable operation during demand fluctuations, while the drive board optimizes motor performance in real time. Together, these features reduce energy consumption by up to 40% compared to AC models, all while extending compressor lifespan through smoother, demand-responsive operation.
The following two figures record the changes in cabinet temperature/current of a 1.8m refrigerated cabinet when using a fixed-frequency unit and a variable-frequency unit respectively.
1.88m Refrigerator Cabinet temp.( Fixed frequency unit )
1.88m Refrigerator Cabinet temp.( Variable Frequency unit)
Modularity & Versatility: Adapting to Diverse Needs
Beyond these core strengths, Boyard’s units are built for flexibility. Their compact, modular architecture supports seamless scalability, fitting everything from compact supermarkets to large hypermarkets. Key features include:
- Universal Temperature Range: Operates efficiently from -40°C to +5°C, accommodating frozen storage to ambient displays.
- Hybrid Integration: Paired with dry coolers and redundant pumps (1+1 backup), reducing water treatment and downtime for continuous operation.
- Multi-Split Compatibility: Integrates with multi-split systems for distributed cooling in large facilities, simplifying expansions or retrofits.
- Broad Refrigerant Adaptability: Works with R32, R410A, R448A, and other low-GWP options, future-proofing against regulatory changes.
By combining R290 refrigerant, water-cooled condensing unit efficiency, and modular flexibility, Boyard’s solutions address both regulatory compliance and operational excellence. The series prioritizes hygienic, non-corrosive refrigerant options (e.g., R32, R410A) for food safety and integrates seamlessly with multi-split systems for scalable, future-ready cooling solutions. As the commercial refrigeration sector evolves, Boyard remains dedicated to delivering products that harmonize profitability, sustainability, and technological leadership.
