Launched at AWE 2025, the product was designed to make variable-speed technology more accessible

Nidec Global Appliance’s booth at AWE 2025 – one of the world’s largest home appliances and consumer electronics trade shows – held from March 20 to 23 in China, was the stage for the launch of the new Embraco residential refrigeration compressor: the Embraco Atom. It stands to be the most compact variable-speed compressor for residential applications on the market, designed to democratize this energy-efficient technology. The product was granted the AWE Innovation Award during the event. 

Weighing just 2.5 kg and measuring less than 110 mm, it is 30% lighter than Embraco’s previously most compact compressor, the FMS. It was designed to be competitive enough to accelerate the migration from fixed-speed to variable-speed technology, being accessible to a wide range of refrigeration applications, from premium models to single-door refrigerators and beverage coolers. 

“There is a growing global push for increased energy efficiency, driven by economic, social, and environmental motivations, and variable-speed technology plays a crucial role in this transformation, especially in refrigeration appliances. This technology enables compressors to adjust their speed based on demand, resulting in significant energy savings compared to traditional fixed-speed systems. The Atom was developed as a global platform to support the widespread adoption of variable-speed technology, and our initial key markets include China, Europe, and India”, explains Alberto Casnati, president of Nidec Global Appliance. 

 “At the same time, Atom has been meticulously engineered to lead in sound performance, both in terms of sound level and sound quality. It also sets new standards for compactness, allowing more usable space inside the appliance, a key benefit for maximizing food storage. Thanks to its innovative and space-efficient design, Atom is setting a new industry benchmark for low noise compressors”, adds the executive. 

The product runs on natural refrigerant R600a, and has a coefficient of performance of up to 1.90W/W, an indicator of its energy efficiency that shows it is capable of meeting the most stringent energy consumption regulations of any region in the world.  Its efficiency level allows the Atom to reduce energy consumption by more than 25% compared to a traditional fixed-speed compressor. 

Innovative technical solutions 

The Atom features innovative solutions to meet bold design targets of size, low noise and energy efficiency established in its research and development process. One of them is the polymeric discharge line, which replaces the traditional metal discharge tube, allowing the reduction of the compressor’s size, as well as decreasing heat dissipation, vibration, resonance and noise, without compromising performance. “Making such a small compressor is an engineering challenge. And we are reducing the size without affecting reliability, efficiency, capacity or robustness”, summarizes Casnati. 

Another technological breakthrough is the electronic component. The Atom comes with an ultra-compact inverter, which is the component that controls the compressor’s speed. This specific model is capable of intelligently extracting peak performance from the compressor and actively controlling its vibration levels, making it more silent. The Atom reduces up to 5 dB compared to standard market compressors. 

The small size has additional advantages linked to logistics, such as allowing twice as many compressors per pallet versus market alternatives, which reduces emissions caused by transportation, and demands less storage space. It also reduces resource consumption during production. Another positive outcome of such a compact compressor is to maximize interior space in the refrigerator and allow more design flexibility to appliances manufacturers, even for special applications, such as two compressor systems or refrigerated drawers. 

About Embraco

Since 1971, Embraco has been a global provider of refrigeration technology for the complete residential and commercial cold chain, counting on a broad, efficient and competitive portfolio for household, food service, food retail, merchandisers and medical applications. Its solutions are differentiated by innovation that exceeds customers’ most challenging expectations. Embraco is part of Nidec Global Appliance, a platform of Nidec Corporation. Further information at www.embraco.com

About Nidec Global Appliance

With over 13,000 employees, 18 manufacturing units and 5 business offices across 9 countries, Nidec Global Appliance manufactures and commercializes solutions for commercial and residential applications. Its portfolio includes Embraco’s complete range of solutions for the refrigeration industry, Nidec motors for residential washing machines, dryers and dishwashers, FIR motors and pumps for food service, commercial washing machines and medical applications, and U.S. MOTORS® and Rescue solutions for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industries. Nidec Global Appliance is a Platform of ACIM (Appliance, Commercial and Industrial Motors), a Business Unit of Nidec Corporation.