Advancing Sustainable Cooling Solutions
Over the past decades, Alleima, a global manufacturer of high value-added products in stainless steels and special alloys, has pioneered advancements in compressor valve steels to meet the latest energy efficiency standards in HVACR (Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration) applications. Freeflex® Versa represents substantial progress in compressor valve steel technology. Building upon the success of its predecessor Hiflex™ and Freeflex® Core this martensitic stainless steel is engineered, with a focus on catering to the unique requirements of reciprocating and linear technologies. Notable features of Freeflex® Versa include exceptional fatigue resistance, outstanding wear resistance, and the ability to contribute to noise reduction and downsizing.
Freeflex® Versa at International Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Conference
At the International Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Conference at Purdue University, Alleima, will present the exploration of the development of the new compressor valve steel variant Freeflex® Versa, as well as showcasing its dynamic valve steel portfolio, tailored to meet specific technological demands. The company’s commitment to developing lighter, stronger, and more durable materials underscores its dedication to fostering energy efficient and sustainable applications.
“Even a small piece of steel can have a great impact. Our premium compressor valve steel provides increased design freedom, leading to more energy efficient appliances and sustainable products,” says Anders Hoel, Ph.D. in Material Science and Senior Research Engineer, at Alleima.
Alleima’s compressor valve steel is ideally suited for a variety of applications, including air conditioning equipment, heat pumps, refrigerators, freezers, and clothes dryers. Freeflex® Versa opens up new possibilities for enhancing performance and efficiency in these essential household and commercial appliances.
The global demand for cooling systems is rising due to population growth, urbanization, higher living standards, and climate change. According to International Energy Agency, air conditioners and electric fans account for about 20% of electricity used in buildings worldwide, or 10% of all global electricity consumption. Therefore, using more energy-efficient cooling systems is crucial.
Research by Alleima over a 10-year period to 2022 showed that Alleima Hiflex™ improved air conditioner energy efficiency by an estimated 18%. Alleima Versa is the next generation of this product and advances energy efficiency further.
About Alleima
Alleima is a global manufacturer of high value-added products in advanced stainless steels and special alloys as well as solutions for industrial heating. The offering includes products like seamless steel tubes for the energy, chemical and aerospace industries, precision strip steel for white goods compressors, air conditioners and knife applications, based on more than 900 active alloy recipes. It also includes ultra-fine wires for medical and micro-electronic devices, industrial electric heating technology and coated strip steel for fuel cell technology for cars, trucks, and hydrogen production. Alleima, with headquarter in Sandviken, Sweden, had approximately 6,500 employees and revenues of about 21 billion SEK in about 80 countries in 2023.
