10 Benefits of Magnetic-Bearing Compressor Chillers
The use of oil-free compressors with non-contact magnetic levitation bearings results in higher efficiencies, less complexity and reduced chiller maintenance – read on to explore the 10 main benefits of magnetic-bearing compressor chillers…
1. Energy Efficiency & Environmental Protection
Magnetic-bearing compressors have excellent EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) values, especially at part loads, providing a reduction in operating costs of up to 50%.
Environmentally-friendly refrigerant choices are available, including the low GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerant R513A and the ultra-low GWP refrigerant R1234ze. With economisers as standard, maximum output can be ensured with minimum refrigerant charge.
2. Variable Control
In a 4-month study of a real air conditioning application with chilled water at 13°C / 7°C and cooling water at 28°C / 33°C, the data proved up to 50% better EER values (left) and 50% less to generate cooling (right).
The variable control modulates to partial and full loads, be it a water or air-cooled chiller. Optional flow meters, energy meters and EER or COP can be provided to prove savings for grants or internal kW and carbon monitoring and targeting.
3. Oil-free Compressor with non-contact Magnetic Bearings
4. Smooth Start-up
The magnetic-bearing compressor does not have an abrupt start. It starts gradually and then proceeds smoothly, driven by the integrated Variable Speed Drive (VSD), with a maximum start-up current of 5 amps.
The electrical supply network therefore remains stable as there are no voltage peaks during the activation. Furthermore, the capacity control increases the electrical power input steadily and smoothly.
This start-up profile allows the design of the electro-technical supply line to be based on the operating point, without running the risk of overheating.
5. Minimal Noise & Vibration
The minimal noise level and practically vibration-free operation require no further reduction measures. There is no danger of refrigerant leakage or component damage due to vibration. There is no need for additional spring-mounted bases as no vibration is transmitted to the building structure.
6. Carbon Emissions & Electrical Energy Savings
Energy savings are obtained from day one. Over a 15-year period, a magnetic-bearing compressor with a cooling capacity of 1.4 MW will emit approximately 500 tons less CO2 than a similar capacity compressor. This is an energy saving of 53,700 kW. Even greater savings are possible, both energy and financial savings.
7. No need for Power Factor (PF) Correction
A magnetic-bearing compressor consumes minimal current across full motor speed range due to the high-power factor value (0.92). Therefore, expensive capacitor banks for PF correction are not necessary. This avoids additional space requirements and the cost of the PF correction equipment.
8. Heat Recovery
The heat energy released by the chiller, which would normally be dumped into the atmosphere, can instead be used to heat a different process or area. Note that for an energy-efficient chiller, a minimal amount of additional energy is required to cool a system. Due to high efficiencies, particularly during partial loads, there is less heat generated from a magnetic-bearing chiller. The ideal chiller cools with minimal energy consumption.
9. Reliability
The availability of a chiller with multiple compressors is considerably higher. Multi-compressor design, combined with highly reliable compressors minimises the unexpected service shutdown versus the single compressor chillers of traditional designs. Even in the unlikely event of one compressor defect or failure, the rest of the chiller can continue operating, ensuring critical services are maintained.
Furthermore, each compressor can be replaced easily, even during chiller operation, thanks to the compact and simplified design of the power and refrigerant circuits.
10. Service & Maintenance
Not only are electrical costs minimal during operation, but the easy servicing of a smooth-running, oil-free system also results in the elimination of the maintenance costs associated with oil service.
The simple and robust design leads to a reduction in the number of components, making them easier to access, therefore reducing service and maintenance activities.
The above benefits also apply to heat pumps with magnetic bearing compressors at their core. Using a “high lift” (greater pressure ratio) compressor in a heat pump, a hot water temperature of 65°C can be achieved, allowing for heat recovery or energy harnessing from the environment.
Sirus is a partner of Engie Refrigeration, supplying and installing magnetic-bearing chillers and heat pumps in Ireland – Contact us for more information. Our Applications Engineers are on hand to discuss the suitability of magnetic-bearing chillers or heat pumps for your energy-efficiency project. Let’s save energy and carbon together.
Magnetic Bearing Chillers & Heat Pumps
Water-cooled QUANTUM Chiller
The water-cooled QUANTUM works just as well for process cooling with its high demands for reliability, as for HVAC applications that present a special challenge to produce efficient refrigeration that does not affect the climate.
Air-cooled QUANTUM Chiller
The QUANTUM is also available as an air-cooled variation to be set up outdoors. This technology is independent of external re-cooling. It can be placed where no cooling water is available.
Water-source SPECTRUM Heat Pump
The SPECTRUM Water Commercial Heat Pump is available with up to 6 oil-free turbo-compressors, a rated heating capacity of 350 to 3,100 kW, and for condenser leaving water temperatures of up to +65 °C.
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