AxiCool from ebm-papst: High-efficiency axial fans for evaporators and cold rooms

Proper air distribution is essential for maintaining consistent temperatures in refrigerated environments and preserving the quality of stored products. With AxiCool, ebm-papst offers a range of AC and EC axial fans specifically designed for evaporators and air coolers for commercial and industrial refrigeration. Aerodynamic solutions, a variety of available configurations, and design features designed for easy cleaning allow them to meet the needs of refrigeration systems, from food preservation to temperature-controlled logistics.

AxiCool: Optimized air distribution thanks to aerodynamic design

In refrigerated environments, the airflow generated by the evaporators influences the temperature distribution and the storage conditions of the products.

To improve this performance, ebm-papst developed AxiCool as a system in which the impeller, motor and aerodynamic components are designed to work in coordination.

One of the distinctive elements is the particular design of the housing, which helps to optimize the passage of air through the fan.

In configurations equipped with a flow straightener, special fixed vanes reduce the rotational component of the air exiting the impeller, orienting it more in the axial direction.

This feature improves the directionality of the jet and the air distribution capacity, making it easier to reach the areas furthest from the evaporator.

The solution is particularly interesting for cold storage rooms where the arrangement of the shelves, the geometry of the rooms and the presence of stored products can influence air circulation.

GreenTech EC motors: energy efficiency and reduced consumption

Ventilation accounts for a significant portion of electricity consumption in refrigeration systems, especially when evaporators operate for extended periods.

For these applications, the AxiCool range includes versions equipped with GreenTech EC motors , which combine high efficiency and the possibility of modulating the rotation speed.

The use of EC technology, together with aerodynamic optimization, allows for a reduction in the electrical power required while maintaining the same performance, depending on the configuration and operating point.

The ebm-papst technical documentation reports a 46% reduction in power consumption for an AxiCool EC size 500 compared to a conventional AC fan with a short nozzle , under the comparison conditions specified by the manufacturer.

At an air flow rate of 6,800 m³/h, the absorbed power drops from 685 W to 370 W, while the sound power level is 5 dB(A) lower.

These values ​​refer to a specific technical comparison and do not represent guaranteed performance for all versions of the range.

A further advantage of EC motors is the lower heat dissipation into the refrigerated environment compared to less efficient solutions: an aspect that can help contain the thermal load on the refrigeration system.

Hygiene and accessibility: solutions for cleaning evaporators

Periodic cleaning of evaporators is an essential activity in food refrigeration applications, where the presence of humidity and residues can promote the accumulation of dirt on the surfaces.

AxiCool integrates construction solutions designed to facilitate cleaning operations , including smooth surfaces, geometries that limit accumulation points and protections suitable for humid environments.

Depending on the configuration, the fans can achieve a degree of protection up to IP55.

For sizes up to 450 mm, a version with a hinged opening system is also available, which facilitates access to the heat exchanger.

Once the required fixing elements have been loosened, the fan assembly can be opened to allow cleaning of the surfaces, without requiring the complete removal of the module.

This feature helps simplify maintenance interventions and supports the application of hygiene procedures required in food storage and processing environments, including those based on HACCP principles.

Defrost Management: Solutions to Prevent Ice Buildup

In evaporators intended for low temperatures, the humidity present in the air can cause the formation of frost and ice on the surfaces of the exchanger.

When buildup becomes significant, airflow can become obstructed, impacting cooling performance.

For these operating conditions, some AxiCool configurations include construction features to facilitate water drainage and the integration of heating elements .

The provision for the installation of heating elements allows for easier defrosting of the affected components, while the special drainage channels facilitate the removal of water.

These solutions help manage ice formation phenomena and maintain adequate operating conditions, simplifying evaporator maintenance activities.

Commercial and industrial refrigeration: the different AxiCool configurations

The AxiCool range includes different sizes and configurations, developed to adapt to the needs of evaporator and air cooler manufacturers.

AxiCool up to 450 mm: commercial applications

The 300, 350 and 450 mm sizes are mainly suitable for cold rooms and small refrigerated environments, such as those used in food distribution and professional catering.

The range includes standard versions and configurations with hinged opening, flow straightener or both features.

AxiCool 500 mm: Industrial applications

The 500, 630 and 800 mm sizes are intended for applications with increased air movement demands, including cold storage warehouses, food processing plants and temperature-controlled storage facilities.

Different construction configurations are available, including versions with additional housing protection, designed to meet specific environmental and usage conditions.

The possibility of choosing between AC and GreenTech EC motors allows manufacturers to evaluate the most appropriate solution based on the required performance and the characteristics of the system.

Regulation and integration into refrigerator control systems

In versions equipped with a GreenTech EC motor, AxiCool can be integrated into the control logic of refrigeration systems, allowing the fan speed to be adapted to operational needs.

Depending on the model and available electronics, features may include:

• Regulation via 0–10 VDC or PWM signals , for speed control.
• Modbus RTU communication , in the prepared versions, for connection to automation systems.
• Monitoring of operating parameters , for operation supervision.
• Integrated electronic protections , including those against rotor blockage and thermal overload, when provided for by the configuration.

These features allow you to manage ventilation in relation to the different operating phases of the system, offering greater control possibilities compared to fixed-speed solutions.

AxiCool: a range developed for the needs of the cold chain

With AxiCool, ebm-papst provides evaporator manufacturers and refrigeration operators with a range of axial fans designed for the operating conditions of refrigerated environments.

From small commercial cells to large cold storage warehouses, the different configurations allow you to select solutions suited to your air distribution, accessibility, and system management needs.

To learn more about the features of the range, visit the official AxiCool page from ebm-papst.