Compressed innovation

Fisher & Paykel Appliances (FPA) has claimed a technology breakthrough that will boost the energy efficiency of home refrigerators by 3 per cent and increase their storage capacity. The company has designed a revolutionary compressor, the component that pumps refrigerant gases around the appliance to keep it cold. This development could provoke a revolution in refrigerator design and production around the world and is potentially as important to manufacturers as the electric car engine was to the automobile industry. “In addition to energy savings, the shape of the compressor will allow around 15 liters more space inside the fridge, the equivalent of five 3-litre containers of milk, or an extra fruit and vegetable compartment,” FPA managing director and chief executive Stuart Broadhurst said. FPA, which was founded in New Zealand in the 193s, has manufacturing sites in Auckland, Italy, Thailand and Mexico.