Drive solutions for refrigeration and air-conditioning technology
Today’s heat pumps, compressors and air-conditioning systems operate at variable speeds, are highly dynamic and rarely run at their rated point. Anyone who leaves the design of the drive until the very end will notice this, at the latest, during partial-load operation.
Where ATE comes into its own in refrigeration and air-conditioning technology
Scroll, screw and turbo compressors
Compressor drives for refrigeration systems and industrial cooling applications
Heat Pumps & Chiller Systems
Drives for heat pumps, chillers and integrated heating and cooling systems
Process Cooling Systems
Customized drive solutions for industrial process cooling
High-Speed Blowers & Air Handling Modules
High-speed motors for blowers and compact air handling modules
Condenser & Evaporator Fans
Fan drives for heat transfer in refrigeration and HVAC systems
HVAC Systems & OEM Refrigeration Units
Inverter-controlled HVAC systems and compact, customized refrigeration units
What makes the drive task challenging
Refrigeration and air-conditioning systems do not operate at their rated point for much of their operating time. Heat pumps, chillers and modern compressor systems operate variably – and it is precisely here that the drive design determines efficiency, service life and system stability.
Wide control range, constant output across different operating points, precise control of refrigerant flow and air volume.
Load changes and inverter operation place a thermal load on the motor. Cooling concepts, winding design and heat dissipation must be considered from the outset – not as an afterthought.
In HVAC applications, smooth running and noise levels are not simply matters of comfort, but design parameters. At the same time, motors must fit into compact equipment platforms – both mechanically and electrically.
Standard motors function as long as the speed range, installation space, cooling and load profile remain within typical parameters. In refrigeration and air-conditioning technology, this is less often the case than one might think.
Variable compressor speeds, extensive part-load operation, tight installation space requirements, noise limits and the close coupling of motor, inverter and refrigeration circuit – as soon as several of these parameters coincide, the standard motor becomes a compromise solution. Particularly in modern inverter systems, the motor is no longer a replaceable component, but an active part of the overall system.
How ATE approaches such tasks
Clarify requirements
Speed range, torque, load profile, installation space, cooling concept, inverter data, mechanical interfaces. Design work only begins once the operating profile has been understood.Designing the drive
Motor technology, rotor/stator geometry, windings, electromagnetic and thermal design – tailored to real operating conditions, not catalogue values.Integration into the machine
The motor, inverter, cooling system and mechanical interfaces are viewed as a single system. What works individually in the laboratory must fit together within the OEM system.Preparing for implementation
From functional prototypes through validation and test bench testing to small-batch production and series production readiness. At ATE, development and manufacturing are handled in-house.What goes into this
Compressor drive for a compact heat pump system
Initial situation: An OEM is developing a speed-controlled heat pump system. The available installation space is limited, and the drive must operate efficiently and with thermally stable performance over a wide speed range – a standard motor is not an option.
ATE solution: Customized high-performance motor with matched rotor and stator components, an optimized thermal design and defined interfaces for the inverter and cooling system. Designed for controlled part-load operation.
Result: A compact, production-ready drive solution – validated for continuous HVAC operation.
FAQs
Tailoring drive solutions
Are you developing a compressor, a heat pump or an HVAC system with requirements that a standard motor cannot meet adequately?
ATE will work with you to identify the appropriate technical approach – from the initial assessment right through to a production-ready solution.
Call us on
+49 (0) 7561-98248-280
Send us a message to
y.oelhaf(at)ate-system.de