Increased sustainability in enclosure chillers
Rittal has improved its range of cooling technology for machines and enclosures with its new Blue e chillers in 11 to 25kW output class. Using 40% less refrigerant, the devices will make an important contribution to sustainable environmental protection. Meanwhile users benefit from the chillers’ precise temperature control, simplified operation and installation, as well as new safety functions.
Pre-configured option packages, which are quickly available from stock, can meet almost any need, from precision control systems with higher pressure requirements to robust outdoor applications in cold climates.
The re-cooling of liquids by chillers is one of the basic requirements for smooth operation in many industrial processes. For example, enclosures and machine tools must have strict temperature control for the precise machining of metal.
The latest generation of chillers need to be easy to operate and install, as well as offer maximum user safety. Customers also need fast order turnaround such that customised solutions must be available off-the-shelf, and there is an increased focus on sustainability and environmental performance.
With the development of its new Blue e chiller range and combined with the existing Blue e+ chillers (1.5 to 6kW), Rittal can offer a mature solution package that meets all these needs.
The adoption of a 100% aluminium heat exchanger with micro-channel technology results in stand-out benefits for the user: it improves exchanger efficiency and it reduces the amount of refrigerant needed by 40% compared to other chillers. In addition, the use of aluminium means that the possibility of galvanic corrosion is completely eradicated.
The fan and compressor are regulated via a digital controller which means the temperature of the cooling medium can be precisely regulated. As standard, the hysteresis is ± 2K; however, a precision control (hot gas bypass) of ± 0.25K is also possible as an option. This prevents temperature fluctuations that cause inaccuracies on the machined workpiece, and also ensures consistent quality.
The multi-lingual and industrial-grade touch display, plus the intelligent communication interfaces, make both operation and analysis easy.
The parameterisation of the devices, as well as the read-out of the data and messages are performed quickly and shown in plain text. Error messages are prioritised and displayed in three escalation levels.
Blue e chillers are wired ready for connection and can be up and running quickly, via plug-and-play.
Lifting eyebolts make transport easy, as does the base/plinth, which is suitable for transport by forklift truck. Uniform water connections, an adjustable overflow valve (bypass valve) and ideal accessibility to all the components make it easier for fitters and service staff to work on the units.
Integrated overflow valves ensure a constant circulation of cooling water when the consumer is closed, and the pump is running. This protects the coolant pump from overload.
The valve is pre-set for the pump being used 50Hz operation but it can be set for 60Hz. A filling level monitoring system ensures maximum reliability and improved availability. Besides this, optional flow monitors emit an alarm if the flow rate is too low and can detect hydraulic errors such as blockages in the system at an early stage.
Rittal also offers pre-configured option packages that are available quickly from stock and which offer a suitable solution for almost any demand.
For example, performance-enhanced pumps (four and six bar) are available for increased performance. If necessary, a precision control system (hot gas bypass) can be used to improve control accuracy.
In addition, the Blue e chillers can be prepared for cold zones of down to minus 20°C, as well as for laser applications, and they can also be fitted with a water-cooled condenser or with pre-heating and customised with special paint.