Frequently Asked Questions
How can power use fall without changing the set temperature?
We do not ask you to tolerate higher temperatures. Control maintains the same temperature band with less power by adjusting compressor frequency and staging, evening out start/stop timing and correcting temperature imbalances, based on measured outdoor and cold-room temperatures. Control operates only within the permitted band.*2
*2 Control operates only within the pre-set permitted temperature band.
Where do the savings come from? Is it only correcting overcooling?
Correcting overcooling is one part of the solution. We also address imbalances between indoor and outdoor unit capacity, optimise compressor frequency and staging, smooth operating timing, correct temperature differences and reduce peak-time demand. The contribution of each measure varies by equipment; we explain the breakdown through the site survey and estimate.
Are room temperatures protected? What about stored goods?
Control operates only within the permitted temperature band agreed with you. If a threshold is exceeded, automatic alerts by email and automated voice call notify both you and Greenphard, 24 hours a day. On-site equipment operation always takes priority over automatic control. Pre-cooling for demand response is performed only at sites that have agreed to it.
Which manufacturers and equipment are supported?
There is no restriction on manufacturer. We send signals through the external-control terminals provided as standard, without modifying the equipment. Supported equipment includes freezing and refrigeration systems and electric or gas air conditioners. Electric furnaces and snow-melting equipment are under consideration. Results may be more limited on older models or those without external-control terminals.*3
*3 Compatibility is assessed individually from the equipment list, layout and single-line diagrams.
Which equipment is less likely to benefit?
Equipment with no spare operating capacity, such as production-line freezers that must always run at full capacity, offers limited scope. Savings may also be smaller when equipment is stopped or in thermostat-off mode for long periods, such as during mild seasons. If significant savings are unlikely, we will explain this at the estimate stage.
How large are the results, and how are they verified?
Indicative savings are 10–20% for freezing and refrigeration and 20–40% for air conditioning. We verify results by comparing operation with control switched on and off on alternate days over a defined period. Savings do not peak immediately after installation; they increase in two stages over about a year.*1
*1 Results vary with equipment configuration, operation and outdoor temperature. These ranges are indicative, based on our track record, and are not guaranteed. The service is provided on a best-effort basis.
Do you guarantee results?
Our contracts do not guarantee a particular level of savings; the service is provided on a best-effort basis because results depend on equipment condition, operation and outdoor temperature. Instead, we provide an advance estimate based on actual site data, then verify measured results by comparing control-on and control-off operation after installation. If results fall below expectations, we review operating and contractual conditions.
How is this different from other energy-saving controls?
As explained at the start of the brochure, Greenphard offers a world-first product and solution that simultaneously delivers energy savings, demand response, plant digitalisation and optimised electricity procurement, rather than energy savings alone. Some technologies are also used in other companies' demand controllers, but our overall product is substantially different.
How much work is needed? Will operations stop?
Existing refrigeration units, air conditioners, refrigerant piping and receiving equipment remain in place. We install our remote-control BOX at the control panel and wire it to each unit's external-control terminals. Connection typically requires a 5–15-minute stop per unit, carried out in rotation so normal operations are expected to continue. Installation typically takes 1 day for a small building to 2 weeks for a large factory.
How long does implementation take?
Without subsidies, control can begin as soon as 2 months after contracting. After installation, allow 1–3 months to check cold-room temperature behaviour and tune the system before finalising operating conditions. Air-conditioning systems generally require very little tuning time. With subsidies, ordering and contracting must wait for the grant decision, typically taking 2–4 weeks of review, which adds to the timeline.*1
*1 Timing and costs vary by equipment configuration and scale. We provide an individual quotation after a site survey.
Does this affect existing equipment or manufacturer warranties?
We use the external-control terminals provided as standard by each manufacturer, without modifying the equipment. We therefore understand that this does not affect the manufacturer's warranty. Please also check the terms of your maintenance agreement before deployment. Our IoT equipment is provided on loan; natural failures are repaired or replaced free of charge during the warranty period.
Will on-site workload increase after installation?
No. Greenphard configures and maintains automatic control, so customers do not need to operate it during normal use. On-site equipment operation always takes priority. During the site survey, we define how to disable control for maintenance, emergencies or other situations, and provide a site-specific switching procedure.
Do we need to change our electricity contract?
No change is required. You can keep your existing electricity contract and add our service. If you also want to review how you purchase electricity, we can separately propose our power supply service.
What is demand response, and who receives the payment?
When electricity is scarce, demand response reduces consumption on the demand side, creating the same effect as adding supply. We reduce output rather than shut equipment down. Instructions arrive at least 3 hours in advance. Events last up to 3 hours, typically occur about twice a year, and may occur up to 12 times. Choose payment from Greenphard in April–May of the year following the delivery year, or a discount on your monthly service fee.*2
*2 Demand response is not included in the feature grades and requires a separate DR contract. A DR intermediary may sit between Greenphard and the customer, in which case settlement is made through that company. Participation conditions include a high-voltage or higher connection and contracted demand of at least 50 kW.
How is pricing structured? Can subsidies be used?
Choose from 8 combinations of an upfront-fee plan or the Full-Flat plan with ¥0 upfront, with or without a DR-payment discount, and with or without subsidies. Costs depend on equipment configuration and scale, so we quote individually after a site survey. Greenphard handles subsidy applications.*3
*3 Subsidy application periods and requirements vary by year. Ordering or contracting before the grant decision makes the project ineligible.
For behaviour during communication loss or equipment faults, see Reliability & Security.
