eCube® consists of a food simulant contained in a double-skinned enclosure that mimics food temperature at approximately 15mm beneath the surface. With eCube®, the thermostat regulates the refrigeration temperature based upon food temperature rather than air temperature, thereby maintaining food at the proper temperature. When fitted to the thermostat sensor, which controls the compressor, eCube® significantly reduces the frequency of the refrigeration cycles which are now based on food temperature rather than fluctuating air temperature. By using eCube® as a cycle control mechanism, refrigeration cycles last longer but can be reduced by as much as 85%. For example, a Dairy Case cycles 3 minutes on, 2 minutes off = 12 cycles per hour. With eCube®, the cycles change to 8 minutes on, 7 minutes off = 4 cycles per hour; a 66.7% reduction in starts. As the start-up of a refrigerator compressor uses 3 times more power (i.e. start-up 12 amps, run 4 amps) considerable energy savings are achieved. In addition, the more efficient refrigeration cycle leads to a more efficient unit, which then leads to a colder storage area. Consequently, by re-adjusting the thermostat back to its normal temperature settings, there are further substantial energy savings, without compromising food safety and quality.
