BALTIMORE — Danfoss has joined forces with Enersponse, a distributed energy resource management company, to enhance energy flexibility in HVAC and refrigeration systems at supermarkets by using the benefits of automated demand-response (Auto-DR).

The food retail industry is transforming through digitalization ,and sustainability is a key phase of this journey. To foster the green transition, Danfoss and Enersponse will collaborate to ensure retailers achieve grid stability, while reaping financial rewards automatically, via Auto-DR, a press release from Danfoss said.

By reducing energy usage when electricity demand exceeds supply, Auto-DR helps ensure the lights stay on and food stays fresh, all while reducing energy use during peak periods, which often correlates with high-emission periods, the press release said.

Enersponse’s DERMS platform will be integrated into Danfoss Alsense, an Internet of Things (IoT) cloud solution that tracks refrigeration performance, allowing retail managers to easily respond to alarms, ensure around-the-clock monitoring of food conditions, and reduce energy consumption, the press release said.

“We maintain an unwavering commitment to seeking out premier building control partners, enhancing the impact of our energy initiatives,” said James McPhail, founder and CEO of Enersponse. “Being at the forefront of our industry with unmatched technology, collaborating with a company like Danfoss was an obvious choice. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both organizations, delivering not only excitement but also substantial benefits to their customers, such as tailored demand-response events … all while maintaining adherence to safety standards to ensure perishable foods remain well within the designated safe temperature zones and a multitude of other advantages.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Enersponse to expand our offerings to food retail customers in the United States,” said Natalie Schnippering, head of digital services at Danfoss. “With digital innovation, we can capture supermarket data and gain the insight needed to optimize energy use, automate corrective actions, and prevent peak loads and energy waste.”