Project: Innovative new silencer for A++ household refrigerator compressor

The CO objective of the proposed A++SILENCER project is: _x000D_1. To develop significantly more silent and energy efficient compressor for A++ household refrigerators based on innovative new silencer with optimal gas flow paths and design._x000D__x000D_Compressor refrigerators are by far the most common type of refrigerators on the market today but they make a very noticeable noise and are also relatively energy wasteful. This is due to cyclical changing of conditions inside the compressor (pressure, speed), which creates shock waves which cause the noise. If we wish to decrease this noise, we need to smooth the shock waves with a so-called silencer. Silencing needs to be performed as optimally as possible: with minimum loss of pressure needed for the performance of the entire system and with maximum loss of unneeded noise. Unfortunately, the majority of silencers in use today are hopelessly outdated and, consequently, suboptimal._x000D__x000D_The presently existing technological solutions in the field of household refrigerator compressors have all been found fundamentally lacking, mostly because they are:_x000D_• Wasteful in terms of energy use: compressors use too much energy because the pressure losses of when medium flows through the compressor are too great. Pressure losses are the result of suboptimal flow channels (too small or too large, too bendy, too rough or too smooth, etc.)_x000D_• Unnecessarily complex: the compressor as a unit consists of too many components At the junctions of components leakages and shifts occur which hinder the flow of medium through compressor. Result is loss of pressure which leads to unnecessary loss of energy. _x000D_• Too loud: because of too many components, leakages and shifts occur which increase the noise (hum) during the flow of the medium. Current silencers today are COly produced out of plastic materials, which do not provide sufficient sound insulation. _x000D_• Outdated: Existing silencer in use today was developed 10-15 years ago, with technical development failing to follow market requirements since then. Standards have increased and only use of plastic is not enough anymore. _x000D_• Suboptimal regarding storage capacity: in order to achieve A++ energy efficiency, most producers were forced to decrease volume of usable storage capacity – by increasing the thickness of insulation which decreases loss of heat and the number of times compressor has to switch on/off. _x000D__x000D_A++SILENCER project is a direct response to the conclusions of the comprehensive analysis of the market needs that the Ps on the proposed project carried out in old, new and future EU Member States. There exists a great need for a cost-effective solution which would provide more silent, more energy efficient A++ refrigerators without the need to sacrifice storage space. The development of significantly more silent and energy efficient compressor for A++ household refrigerators based on innovative new silencer with optimal gas flow paths and design will represent a significant technological advance in the field of compressors for household refrigerators, giving Ps on the project significant advantage over their competitors._x000D__x000D_The proposed project could not be successfully performed by either of Ps alone. They both bring to the project their complementary knowledge, skills, experience and references in their respective fields, combining them into synergies which are expected to produce the final result of the proposed project._x000D__x000D_Ps Polycom and Danfoss have already successfully cooperated on several successful development projects so far (including electrical connection covers, electric terminals, silencers for old variants, short circuit protection layers on stator packages, etc.). They possess complementary technical, managerial and marketing skills to successfully implement the proposed A++SILENCER project. Process development in polymer injection moulding is of core competence of Polycom which possesses experience and resources needed to develop new injection moulding technology and the new innovative silencer. On the other hand, Danfoss leads R&D in piston compressors and has strong background in developing innovations in the field of household compressors, developing and producing compressors for refrigerators, freezers and light commercial-applications. It is a leading developer of products and solutions that focus on climate and energy. It has a strong worldwide presence, holding a 7% market share and produces up of 100 million compressors annually. _x000D__x000D_For Polycom as an SME, Danfoss as a major global player, their suppliers and the wider environment, completed project proves strategically important as it will increase competences and competitiveness._x000D__x000D_The current set-up of the project with two Ps, Polycom and P Danfoss, is sufficient to carry out the proposed project successfully, achieving all the CO objectives and producing a truly innovative new product and technology in the process. _x000D__x000D__x000D__x000D__x000D__x000D__x000D__x000D__x000D__x000D__x000D__x000D__x000D__x000D__x000D__x000D__x000D__x000D_

Acronym	A++SILENCER (Reference Number: 6497)
Duration	01/07/2011 - 30/06/2013
Project Topic	A++SILENCER project will focus on the development of technologically advanced, significantly more silent and energy efficient compressor for A++ household refrigerators based on innovative new silencer with optimal gas flow paths and design.
Project Results (after finalisation)	Development of new compressors variants by using a new technology for polymer plastic parts, which are more energy efficient.
Network	Eurostars
Call	Eurostars Cut-Off 6

Project partner

Number	Name	Role	Country
2	Polycom Škofja Loka d.o.o.	Coordinator	Slovenia
2	Secop s.r.o.	Partner	Slovakia