Introducing the TR2-FC-G04-Z

Using lower ambient temperature to generate chilled water at the required temperature can lead to large power savings. This is of course not a new idea, but can this be done much better?

Intramech introduces the TR2-FC-G04-Z to address the distinctive cooling demands of large colocation and hyper-scale data centres, prioritising energy efficiency, cost savings, and environmentally sustainable operations. These free-cooling chillers with oil-free centrifugal compressors are designed and produced by MEHITS. ?

How it works, 3 possible scenarios

With mechanical cooling, the outdoor air temperature is equal to or higher than the return water temperature. The total cooling capacity is provided by the compressors in the evaporator. In the case of hybrid cooling, the outdoor air temperature is lower than the returning water temperature but not cold enough to achieve total free cooling. Part of the cooling capacity is provided by the outdoor air while the rest is provided by the compressors. With free cooling, a valve system redirects the water to the special coils when the outdoor air temperature drops 1 degree below the returning water temperature. The water now passes through the free-cooling coils and the evaporator. As the outdoor air temperature is low enough to satisfy the entire cooling demand,?the total free cooling?begins. This point would typically be reached when the ambient temperature is about 110C below the leaving water temperature. Total cooling capacity is provided by the outdoor air in the free-cooling coils while the compressors are off. Since they are off, very little energy is needed to provide the whole cooling capacity.

Reduced power consumption during hybrid mode

The fine optimisation of core components of the unit has led to a new free-cooling logic. Taking advantage of high-efficiency compressors, the low lift pump and the EC fans, the new logic significantly increases the efficiency of the unit when running in hybrid mode (free cooling and mechanical). The new FC management takes advantage of the low lift pump and the high efficiency of the oil-free centrifugal compressors at a very low load. The new logic acts on the behaviour in the hybrid mode. Thanks to the refrigerant pump, the compressor can operate at a lower pressure ratio. This allows a higher fan speed, which increases FC and EER. When entering the zone where total FC is possible, instead of switching off the compressor and running the fans at max speed, the new logic keeps the compressor running at a very low speed, allowing the fans to reduce speed as well. This allows for an increase in efficiency, compared to the previous generation of free-cooling machines.

Reduced energy consumption

The annual energy consumption can be reduced by 20% compared to the traditional free-cooling logic. Furthermore, higher water operating temperatures increase the free-cooling potential and a higher inlet/outlet ΔT cuts down the pumping energy. When these units are coupled with the Mitsubishi RC wall that can operate at a close temperature approach, a larger water temperature rise is achieved. TR2-FC-G04-Z has a new V-block design to enhance maintenance and increase the cooling density (kW/length). It has been designed to push energy savings to the maximum: it can work with up to 26°C of leaving-water temperature and up to 20 K of ΔT. Intramech can easily calculate the annual energy savings of TR2-FC-G04-Z thanks to the devoted ELCA energy analysis tool by setting up the climate and load profiles and discovering your best plant room line-up.

Cool and green

?The range is available with R1234ze refrigerant, which is the greenest solution available for oil-free centrifugal compressors. With a GWP of 7, it represents the future-proof choice for the IT cooling market. Also, all models come either in standard FC configuration, or in NG (No Glycol) configuration, for those applications where a glycol solution is not allowed. ?

Features

? TR2-FC-G04-Z comes with a lot of new features:

• Split electrical panel, which completely separates controls from the power supply
• Large ?910 mm EC fans improves efficiency of the unit
• V-block redesigned to increase the cooling density and facilitate maintenance
• Low lift pump that improves the efficiency of the unit
• Unique 3-layer MCHX coil pack: condenser, RED cooler, FC coil, Traditional FC tube and fin coils available as special execution (unit without RED cooler)

TR2-FC-G04-Z comes fully equipped. The standard configuration includes:

• Fast Restart, to restore 100% of cooling capacity within 180”
• 2-level alarm management
• Voltage presence relay
• Numbered wiring on electrical board
• Compressor operation signal
• Lights on electrical board + power socket
• Dual relief valves with switch
• Compressor suction and discharge valves
• Internal leak detector
• Remote demand limit

?Options and functions Specific options are available to fulfil the most challenging requirements, among those:

• Fast Restart with traditional UPS or with new Ultracap
• ATS
• Energy meter
• Thermal energy meter
• LAN functions: Multi Manager and HPC optimizer
• Active Harmonic Filters
• Smart current limit
• Fan diffusers and discharge air plenum