Posted to News on 16th Sep 2026, 15:00
ABB to showcase advanced drives and PLCs for next-generation refrigeration systems
ABB is at Chillventa 2026 to showcase its latest drive and automation technologies for refrigeration, air conditioning, data centres and heat pump systems. The world's leading exhibition for refrigeration technology takes place October 13-15 at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg, Germany.
As demand for more efficient and reliable refrigeration grows, ABB is demonstrating how variable speed drives (VSDs) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) can help equipment manufacturers, system integrators and operators optimise HVACR system performance and simplify integration.
"Energy efficiency, reliability and compact system design are increasingly important across HVACR applications," said Klas Allgaier, HVACR Drives Sales, Germany. "At Chillventa, we are demonstrating how ABB drives and PLC technologies help customers build more efficient and intelligent systems, from refrigeration and heat pumps to data centre cooling."
ABB is showing its ultra-low harmonic (ULH) drives, based on active front end (AFE) technology. By minimising harmonic distortion and addressing reactive power, ULH drives improve power quality and support efficient and reliable electrical networks.
Visitors can also explore ABB's recently expanded ACH580-01 drive range, featuring new 315 kW and 355 kW wall-mounted ratings. Their compact design helps reduce cabinet size and system footprint, optimizing space and cost.
For demanding operating environments, ABB is highlighting its IP66/UL Type 4X drive solutions, designed to provide protection against outdoor weather conditions, dust and water jets while enabling installation closer to the application.
ABB is also presenting drive solutions optimised for advanced refrigeration such as high-speed compressors that improve efficiency while reducing installation space and simplifying system integration.
Alongside its drive technologies, ABB is showcasing its PLC portfolio for intelligent system control, demonstrating how drives and automation can work together to coordinate compressors, pumps, fans and other equipment across HVACR systems.
Specifying variable speed control for compressors
As part of Chillventa's technical program, ABB is participating in the session "Specifying variable speed control for compressors: efficiency, reliability and power quality aspects."
This session explores how variable speed drives can improve refrigeration efficiency, with partial-load energy savings typically in the range of 2550 percent, while highlighting why drive selection is critical to system reliability and power quality.
ABB experts will discuss topics including high-efficiency motor technologies, ultra-low harmonic drives and the evolving role of drives as intelligent monitoring platforms for refrigeration systems. The session will take place on Tuesday, October 13 between 12:2012:40 in Hall 7A /stand 406.
