CSU partners with REbound Technology to develop cost-saving refrigeration system

By: InnovatioNews Thursday January 16, 2014 0 comments Tags: Boulder, CSU Energy Institute, Dan Zimmerle, Fort Collins, IcePoint, Kevin Davis, REbound Technology

FORT COLLINS - Colorado State University researchers are teaming with a Boulder company to develop a commercial refrigeration system that could save supermarkets up to 65 percent on their freezer costs.

REbound Technology was awarded a six-month, $141,507 National Science Foundation small business grant to build a prototype of its IcePoint system, which relies on stored energy to keep freezers at their target temperature.

Researchers at CSU's Energy Institute will help build and test a working 2-kilowatt prototype, CSU said.

"We are providing technical support, including prototyping, testing and simulation," said Dan Zimmerle, lead CSU scientist on the project.

"Supermarket compressors are energy hogs that operate 24/7," said Kevin Davis, REbound CEO. "IcePoint doesn't need a constant supply of compressor power to provide cooling. Cost savings plus the environmental benefits of a natural refrigerant make the IcePoint's potential very attractive."

The project is the second CSU/REbound collaboration announced in the last month.

Rebound recently received a $1.37 million federal grant to develop a solar-powered refrigeration system for use in developing countries where there is little access to electricity.

"(The Energy Institute) tries to act as an incubator and work with companies like REbound early on to help them develop their products," said Zimmerle.

"Our relationship with REbound is a good example of how we can assist statrtups."