Powering Energy-Efficient Cold Storage for the Beverage Industry: A VFD Upgrade Case Study

VFD Installation for Cold Storage Compressors — Beverage Industry Case Study

Project Snapshot

Industry: Beverage Manufacturing and Distribution Application: Compressor systems for cold storage 

Location: Zamboanga City, Philippines

Equipment: 5 units of 110kW Variable Frequency Drives and 2 units of 630kW Variable Frequency Drives, both with Dynamic Control Regeneration (DCR)

Supporting Growth in Mindanao

A leading name in the beverage manufacturing industry opened a new distribution center in Zamboanga City to strengthen its supply chain across Northwest Mindanao. The facility takes advantage of the city’s access to major ports and key transportation routes, making it a strategic hub for logistics and distribution.

The Challenge: Upgrading an Outdated Motor Starter System

The cold storage facility relied on an existing wye-delta motor starter control system to run its compressors. While functional, this setup limited the plant’s ability to optimize energy consumption and improve overall system performance.

As part of a broader energy-efficiency initiative, the plant decided to replace the wye-delta controller with Variable Frequency Drives. This upgrade was designed to deliver more precise motor control, reduce energy waste, and support long-term sustainability goals.

Why Variable Frequency Drives Were the Right Fit

The production line already used Variable Frequency Drives from another manufacturer for most of its equipment. However, one blower on-site was running on a Fuji Electric drive, and its performance stood out.

Satisfied with the reliability and efficiency of that single unit, the plant decided to move forward with Fuji Electric Variable Frequency Drives as the replacement solution for the wye-delta motor starter system used in its compressor application for cold storage.

Key factors behind the decision included:

Planning the Installation

Before installation, the project team conducted an on-site visit to evaluate the requirements for a smooth and safe integration. Key considerations included:

This groundwork ensured the Variable Frequency Drives could be installed with minimal disruption to ongoing operations while meeting all technical and safety standards.

Looking Ahead: Training and Future Projects

Beyond the compressor upgrade, the plant requested training for its personnel to accompany the installation and commissioning process. This training covers system operation, maintenance procedures, and basic troubleshooting, equipping the in-house team to manage the new equipment with confidence.

The client also expressed interest in future projects involving their pump systems, opening the door for continued collaboration on energy-efficiency initiatives across the facility.

Key Takeaways for Cold Storage and Compressor Applications

This case highlights how facilities in the beverage manufacturing and distribution industry can improve energy efficiency by upgrading legacy motor starter systems to Variable Frequency Drives. For compressor applications in cold storage, the right VFD solution can deliver:

Facilities looking to modernize their compressor systems or replace outdated Wye-Delta controllers can benefit from a similar approach: start with a proven pilot unit, evaluate performance, then scale up with a full VFD installation backed by proper site planning and personnel training.