Following extensive testing and an intensive qualification programme, compressor specialist Bitzer has approved several compressor series for HFO/HFO blends.
Following extensive testing and an intensive qualification programme, compressor specialist Bitzer has approved several compressor series for HFO/HFO blends.
The company is showcasing several models that are also designed for refrigerants with low global warming potential at Chillventa (hall 7, stand 330) this week.
Refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP) are becoming increasingly important in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry in Europe and beyond and this trend will only accelerate in the years ahead. Therefore Bitzer is not only further developing its compressors and condensing units for use with natural refrigerants such as CO2, ammonia, hydrocarbons and HFO/HFO blends, but also adapting its service to meet current requirements. In addition, the company has promoted the qualification and documentation of its semi-hermetic and hermetic compressors, its condensing units and its water cooled condensers with HFO/HFO blends.
“HFO ready is more than just a term for Bitzer,” says Rainer Große-Kracht, chief technology officer. ”It means that the compressor, the condensing unit or the condenser has undergone full qualification, which at Bitzer tends to be extremely demanding. For instance, it can include intensive measurement of the performance data and extensive risk analysis, if the refrigerant in question belongs to the A2L or A3 category.’
Bitzer is also presenting its new ECOLINE+ reciprocating compressors at Chillventa. With the new six-cylinder reciprocating compressors for transcritical CO2 applications, the company is setting a new benchmark in the use of CO2 as a future-compliant refrigerant. The ECOLINE+ series boasts three key developments: a new motor technology has been developed for series production to achieve new levels of energy efficiency. Along with the mechanical capacity control, which is also new for transcritical CO2 applications, system efficiency has increased considerably in full and part-load operation. The new operating concept with the IQ modules was developed to take full advantage of the potential of the new technologies in terms of energy efficiency and straightforward integration into refrigeration systems, whilst ensuring simple service. These are also used in conjunction with the ECOLINE+ compressors.
Another innovation at Chillventa this year from Bitzer is the VARIPACK product series. All of the company’s reciprocating compressors can be operated with this new generation of intelligent frequency inverters. They feature impressive user-friendliness, reliability and high energy efficiency.
The new VARIPACK frequency inverter series is designed for safe and easy speed control. More efficient use of energy through the specially developed VARIPACK capacity controls is an important factor. The VARIPACK frequency inverters can be intuitively commissioned without any specific knowledge about inverters. The advantage is that it adjusts to ideally suit the system’s current cooling requirements, reducing both energy consumption and running costs. The precise coordination of compressor and frequency inverter saves additional energy and thus increases compressor efficiency in full and part-load.
Bitzer has also launched a free refrigerant app that boasts a user-friendly and straightforward interface. The original version developed in the USA in 2010 has been revamped, equipping it with new functions and a fresh design.
Intuitive operation makes it simple to read the saturation temperatures and pressures of various refrigerants. Additional new features include the display of dew point and boiling point temperatures for refrigerants with temperature glide and convenient filter functions, for instance according to natural refrigerants and refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP). The app also provides users with access to the new Bitzer refrigerant report.
The company has also expanded the selection of product innovations and refrigerants for every application with its 6.5.0 software. Customers can calculate the performance data for innovative products with new refrigerants and access technical information. In this way, the company helps users to select the appropriate components.
The software now contains the external VARIPACK frequency inverters, all ECOSTAR condensing units and Ecodesign performance data sheets and new refrigerants.
Flexibility and an extensive range of applications take priority at Bitzer, including when it comes to its technologies for capacity control in reciprocating compressors. Refrigeration and air conditioning engineers can choose between the VARISPEED compressor series with integrated frequency inverter, the external VARIPACK frequency inverter and speed control provided by the CRII mechanical capacity control. The different concepts offer individual benefits, increase energy efficiency and reduce life cycle costs.