Hussmann and Phoenix Energy Technologies Partner to Launch AI-Powered Refrigeration Leak Detection

Hussmann Corporation has announced a strategic partnership with Phoenix Energy Technologies to introduce Refrigeration IQ Powered by StoreConnect, an AI-driven solution designed to enhance refrigeration system efficiency and reduce refrigerant leaks. The solution will launch in March 2025, offering grocery stores and facility managers a tool to optimize refrigeration asset health and regulatory compliance.

Refrigeration IQ combines Hussmann’s automated leak detection (ALD) technology with Phoenix’s data integration and analytics platform. The system continuously monitors refrigeration systems, reducing leak rates by over 30% in the first year. By eliminating the need for manual leak checks, it helps grocers avoid penalties, lower refrigerant replacement costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The system is also designed to meet state and federal regulatory requirements for refrigerant leak detection, including mandates under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which aims to phase out high-HFC refrigerants.

“As regulations surrounding refrigeration tighten, businesses must now act quickly to stay ahead of compliance requirements and rapidly rising refrigerant material costs,” said Ryan Adelman, CEO of Phoenix Energy Technologies. “Refrigeration IQ Powered by StoreConnect is designed to help facility managers not only ensure compliance with the AIM Act and strict, state-level regulations, but also improve the efficiency of their refrigeration operations through AI-driven insights that reduce maintenance costs and prevent costly refrigerant leaks.”

The partnership also gives Hussmann’s service organization access to Phoenix’s IoT platform, EnterpriseDX, expanding capabilities in HVAC asset analytics and data-driven facility management solutions.

To strengthen the collaboration, Hussmann has made an equity investment in Phoenix, joining investors Spring Lake Equity and Energy Innovation Capital. This comes as Phoenix reports significant growth, with revenue doubling in late 2024 and its managed site portfolio expanding to nearly 50,000 buildings covering over 637 million square feet.

“We are excited to join forces with Phoenix, a leader in IoT and data analytics for facility management,” said Jay Welu, SVP of Retail Services at Hussmann. “This partnership will not only bring cutting-edge solutions to the refrigeration market but also enable us to better serve our customers with powerful new tools to manage HVAC asset health and meet regulatory requirements.”

Refrigeration IQ Powered by StoreConnect will be available for deployment in March 2025, with early access opportunities for select customers. Phoenix will showcase the solution at EEI 2025 and ConnexFM 2025, highlighting its potential to improve energy efficiency and compliance in refrigeration operations.