Aermec is set to undertake major research and development over the next five years as it responds to the F-Gas situation and the evolving market. The air conditioning manufacturer views innovation in refrigerants as the most significant challenge for the sector globally, and will be channelling its efforts into looking at solutions which utilise natural refrigerants, in particular CO2. Ensuring optimum efficiency is also high on the agenda for the business, and while export sales area manager Michele Gioachin acknowledges that this is an ongoing challenge for industry when it comes to HFC-alternatives, he maintains that 'natural is the future for the sector.'
Blue Diamond has been showcasing the most recent additions to its range of condensate removal pumps, including the MiniBlue, MaxiBlue and MegaBlue, all of which have been equipped with an increased variety of sensing options. Gianpaolo Ruvolo, UK and European sales executive for Blue Diamond, explained that the business has been placing emphasis on ensuring the quality of its product portfolio, in turn helping it to forge strong connections with institutions like Southampton City College and Bradford College which are seeking reliable, top-level training equipment.
Chillventa 2018 has seen Henry Group displaying not only its current offerings but also some exciting previews of its impending additions, including three-way valves and high pressure coalescent separators specifically for use with CO2 and expected to be rolled out across the European market from the first quarter of 2019. While CO2-compatible equipment currently comprises 10 percent of Henry Group's portfolio, market demand is increasing and the business will also be looking to enhance and develop its range of high pressure safety devices in the coming months.
Having launched its s+ minilime pump in the UK this October, Aspen Pumps has now introduced its s+ minilime pump to the wider market ahead of its official launch in Europe in February 2019. Product highlights include heightened accuracy and a more gentle start as the result of a soft-start function; the s+ minilime will only pump when required and features built-in sound absorbing materials too, so noise levels are significantly reduced. The new solution also offers touch control and a quick release reservoir for easy maintenance. Looking ahead to 2019, the business anticipates the launch of at least three new pumps. Meanwhile, the new range of ready-mixed powder chemicals from Storm Chemicals commanded attention from those seeking convenient cleaning solutions.
Daikin presented products such as the Altherma 3 and new solutions for commercial refrigeration with natural refrigerants such as CO2 and propane. Among products being showcased, the Mini ZEAS combined condensing unit, which is available with a capacity of 5.9 kW or 8.4 kW, fills a gap in the commercial refrigeration market. Small restaurants, bakeries, local grocery stores and convenience shops with light commercial cooling and freezing requirements can benefit from the advantages of Daikin’s VRV refrigeration technology. With its very low sound levels, the Mini ZEAS is suitable even for noise-sensitive environments such as residential areas.
The new chiller range (EWAT~B) is available for cooling only and heat recovery applications from 80 kW up to 700 kW cooling capacity at nominal conditions. Compared to the previous R410A range, seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is improved by 10%. The series will be available with two efficiency versions combinable with three sound configurations and providing full customisation on project-specific requirements. An extensive list of options and accessories can be provided on request, such as the fully integrated hydronic kit for fixed flow or variable flow operation, partial or total heat recovery for sanitary hot water production and many other solutions.
The company also revealed that it is currently building a refrigerant recycling plant in Germany. The installation will offer additional quota for Daikin and its customers, since recycled refrigerants that have already been used on the EU market are not included in the EU F-gas quota.
Güntner showcased a number of products alongside sister company Jaeggi, among which is the DUAL Compact air cooler which has a capacity of 2 to 25 kW and is available for HFC and CO2 applications. Developing diversity in dry cooling applications, the Güntner V-SHAPE Vario? is a highly flexible unit which offers customised solutions using standard units for any application. The configuration of a unit tailored to the requirements of the plant is performed quickly and reliably via GPC (Güntner Product Configurator). The wide modular variety of heat exchanger coils, sizes, fans and accessories allows the GPC to come up with a tailored design, which results in a unit that is designed with pinpoint accuracy and offers reliable and durable quality in a capacity range of 75 kW to 2,100 kW for practically all applications.
With a drive towards developing business in European markets, Petra had its range of chillers on display, including those for the hazardous area applications. The UK is a key area for Petra and Chillventa is a platform for showcasing the company's low GWP, R1234ze chiller range which has a cooling capacity from 100kW to 2000kW, meeting the current demands for environmental consideration and efficiency.
Matelex presented on its smart refrigerant leak detection system, the DNI, which was first developed in 2009. It not only detects leaks; the energy module calculates the consumption levels of different components and overall COP, while the floating HP module also helps save energy. As awareness of environmental issues grows and the use of mildly flammable refrigerants becomes more commonplace, leak detection is more essential than ever, and today, more than 1,000 DNIs have been installed. As demand continues to rise, Matelex reported that it has also bolstered its production capacity.
Honeywell was talking about its Solstice N41 (R466A), a nonflammable and lower GWP refrigerant for use in stationary air conditioning systems. Once on the market in 2019, the company anticipates that it will be the lowest GWP, nonflammable, R410A replacement refrigerant available worldwide. Solstice N41 joins the family of Solstice products which Honeywell developed to accelerate the transition from away from materials with high GWPs.