Survey of Ultra-Low-Temperature Freezers
Marco Neri, Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation
Jeremiah Convery, Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation
In order to determine a suitable make and model to standardize our ultra-low-temperature (ULT) freezer platform, ongoing experiments are being conducted measuring insulation and energy use efficiency for several manufacturers of ULT storage systems.
Different makes/models of ULT freezers will exhibit different rates of energy consumption and unique compressor cycles, and have various levels of insulation efficiency. Tests are designed to use these data to determine the best performing unit under controlled conditions. Various ULT freezer models from several manufacturers are being evaluated. Measurements are being recorded with monitors that track internal temperature, power consumption, and compressor cycling in real time.
Two pilot experiments were conducted:
- Power loss to the unit followed by tracking the temperature over real time to determine how long (in hours/minutes) the unit would take to rise in temperature from -80 degrees Celsius to -40 degrees Celsius. Units were placed in the same location, with identical loads, and switched off at the same time per day after stabilizing for 24 hours.
- Using the same loads and location, kilowatt hours used were also recorded, along with the refrigeration cycle (time on/time off) in real time, under typical non-stressed conditions over a 24-hour running period.
Preliminary data show there are significant differences in insulation properties, energy consumption, and compressor run cycles for various freezer units. Additional experiments are planned with different makes and models of freezers with varying freezer loads to further evaluate energy consumption and insulation properties. The speakers hope to see trends in compressor cycles that can be related to energy consumption.
Biographies:
Marco Neri is a laboratory operations coordinator for the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, which is part of the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research. Mr. Neri holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of San Diego.
Jeremiah Convery is a laboratory operations coordinator for the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, which is part of the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research. Mr. Convery holds a bachelor's degree in microbiology from Arizona State University and an Masters of Business Administration from the Keller Graduate School of Management.