Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2015 Product of the Year finalists: Chillers

Read about the four finalists in the Chillers category for the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2015 Product of the Year program.

By Amanda Pelliccione April 6, 2015

Magnetic bearing chiller

The 1,500-ton capacity Daikin Magnitude magnetic bearing water-cooled chiller is designed to create climate-controlled environments for offices, data centers, K-12 schools, colleges, hospitals, and health care facilities. Developed to improve performance and reliability and reduce service requirements, the compressor features a single rotating component—the compressor shaft—levitated on a magnetic field. Because the Magnitude magnetic bearing chiller has few moving parts, and requires no oil nor oil-circulation equipment, it therefore requires less maintenance and service. The overall life of the equipment is estimated at 20 to 25 years.

Daikin Applied
www.daikinapplied.com


Water-cooled, evaporative cooled chiller compressors

The Variable Twin Turbo (VTT) series of oil-free, variable-speed, magnetic bearing centrifugal compressors feature IntraFlow technology—a technology for improving compressor efficiency and providing an extended stable operating range while simplifying capacity control. The compressors are available with nominal capacity ranges from 200 to 350 tons for applications between 380 and 460 V as well as 575 V. The series is intended for water- or evaporative-cooled chiller applications. VTT compressors include control electronics capable of communicating via USB, Ethernet, and wireless. Other features include USB drive data recording, shaft speed detection, motor and drive cooling, and condensation protection.

Danfoss
www.danfoss.com


Ice-enhanced air-cooled chiller plant

EarthWise ice-enhanced air-cooled chiller plants provide an energy-efficient, environmentally responsible cooling solution ideal for K-12 schools and commercial buildings. Units are paired with CALMAC IceBank modular, non-corrodible tanks that circulate glycol through tubes to freeze water. Shifting energy demands to off-peak hours puts less burden on local power infrastructure and allows companies to draw on cleaner sources. Because the system is air-cooled, there are no cooling towers, and the system requires less maintenance and consumes no water. The package includes dashboards and state-of-the-art graphics that coordinate seamlessly with the control system.

Trane
www.trane.com/ice 


Screw chiller

WC Screw Chillers provide simultaneous heating and cooling through the use of two-way modulating valves without the need for additional complicated plumbing. The chillers are ideal for facilities that have heating and cooling loads at the same time and can fulfill those calls simultaneously rather than prioritizing for one over the other. The optional 4- or 6-pipe header rack allows for convenient modular installation while the unit frame includes fork truck pockets to assist in maneuverability of the product during installation. R134a screw compressors provide high efficiency and capacity control through the capability of part load operation or infinite capacity.

WaterFurnace
www.waterfurnace.com


Vote for the 2015 Product of the Year


Author Bio: Amanda is the Research Director and Project Manager of Awards Programs for CFE Media and its publications.