Refrigeration Compressor Information

Screw compressors and reciprocating compressors are the two main types of refrigeration compressors for ice manufacturing. Both types can have sophisticated controls allowing for remote operations and allowing for multiple compressors to work seamlessly together. Systems can be designed for current production and to allow for future growth.

Screw compressors are generally more efficient when operating at full-load capacity and are inefficient below the 50% capacity when compared with reciprocating machines. However, reciprocating compressors are better suited for systems that have high load variability.

Screw Compressor	Reciprocating Compressor
Pros	Pros
Ideal for multiple ice makers driven off a compressor and where operators may not be present	Ideal for single ice maker operation on a single compressor with high load variability. Works well for constant loads, such as flake ice makers
Very efficient when operating at 85% or more loaded	Below 100% capacity, reciprocating compressors use less power than similarly-sized screw compressors
Better suited for base loading and operation at full load and never needs to be unloaded completely – Infinite unloading levels but will shut down if fully unloaded	Unloads 100% with no efficiency loss. Unloads in increments (75%, 50%, 25% unloading for example)
Requires less maintenance	Simple to maintain and rebuild
Two 75-ton Vogt ice makers only require one screw compressor saving approximately 30% on the compressor purchase
Cons	Cons
Less efficient at below 50% capacity	Requires more maintenance
Difficult to run on just one icemaker if the icemaker is 25 ton a day or below	Less efficient oil separation resulting in more oil migration into the icemakers