Mitsubishi Electric to offer chillers
4th June 2015
UK: Mitsubishi Electric has followed up last year’s introduction of a range of air handling units by diversifying further into chillers.
Manufactured and available in Japan since 2012, the e-series chiller is being launched in the UK, France and a few other European countries over the next few months.
Mitsubishi has marketed chillers in Japan since the 1970s and the company’s engineers are said to have looked at every aspect of the technology to come up with a modular with a reduced footprint, high efficiencies and low noise.
The e-series uses two DC inverter-driven scroll compressors in each 90kW module – based on the company’s knowledge and experience of VRF technology – to deliver a capacity range of 8%-100%.
The use of two plate heat exchangers in series provides increased evaporation temperatures on the second circuit, leading to improved overall system efficiencies and EERs of 9.
The unique shape and modular design means that the system can be constructed with up to six individual units connected together, to provide capacity of between 90kW and 540kW.
The use of U-shaped heat exchangers is also said to offers a greater surface area and also means that the units are much narrower than conventional systems. Each 90kW module can be positioned next to each other in a row with up to six units using the same in-built, internal header. For larger systems it is also possible to have double rows of the units with a gap of only 900mm service space.
The modular approach also enables the company to hold units in stock available for on-site delivery, rather than clients having to build to order. Mitsubishi insists stock will be available from August 15 with next day delivery.
The e-series achieves some of the quietest noise level on the market which is increasingly important in inner city locations. These low noise levels are achieved through both the unique construction and design of each unit as well as the advanced component technology within each chiller, which is also easily integrated within new and existing systems using BEMS control.
Each of the two refrigerant circuits has three separately-controlled, inverter-driven DC fans, allowing for more precise control to save energy and optimise system efficiency.
An upright system, as opposed to the established cube allows for easier servicing from the front.
“We are bringing these to the UK chiller market because we believe the time is right for a high performing, low carbon solution that can also help reduce space requirements”, commented central plant product manager Jason Tinsley.
