Rachel Urquhart
Nidec Global Appliance and smartphone and hardware manufacturer Xiaomi have closed an agreement that will see Xiaomi refrigerators and washing machines use Embraco compressors and Nidec motors.
“Xiaomi always pursues the best technology in the industry, and this agreement recognises the leading market position of Nidec and our portfolio of products and brands, such as Embraco compressors for refrigerators, and Nidec motors for washing machines,” says Ricardo Bristotti, Head of the Home Appliances Business Segment at Nidec Global Appliance.
Xiaomi’s new smart refrigerator 630L Mijia is the first of this partnership to reach Chinese consumers. It incorporates an Embraco variable compressor VES which, according to the company, provides strong refrigeration performance, low noise, first-class energy efficiency, and long service life.
“Its main features are all about environmental sustainability,” says Nidec. “The power consumption is as low as 0.95kWh/day, and the operating noise is 36 decibels. In addition, this Embraco compressor uses natural refrigerant R600a – isobutane – which does not harm the ozone layer and presents global warming potential close to zero, being a solution for the present and the future.”
All Embraco compressor lines provided to Xiaomi are variable speed, which Nidec says is the most energy-efficient technology for refrigeration compressors.
“The energy savings vary according to the compressor model, but can reach up to 40 per cent compared to traditional compressors, known as ‘on-off’,” says the company. “In addition, the technology presents lower noise levels.”
In parallel to the compressors lines, Nidec Global Appliance will also provide Xiaomi with a line of direct drive (DD) motors for horizontal washing machines. Nidec Global Appliance produces and sells its own controls, which are manufactured in its facilities in China, a logistical advantage to the partnership.
The first Xiaomi washing machines with Nidec Motors are expected to be launched in the next few months. The DD motors are characterised by operating without a drive belt, being connected directly to the washing machine’s shaft.
“The advantage of that is fewer rubbing parts, which leads to more durability and less noise,” says Nidec. “For being electronically controlled, this type of motor also offers high levels of washing efficiency, speed and energy efficiency.”
Image shows Ricardo Bristotti, Head of the Home Appliances Business Segment at Nidec Global Appliance.
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