Danfoss has announced an extension to its range of innovative Z-design Micro Plate heat exchangers.
Z-design technology offers water chiller and heat pump manufacturers the opportunity to improve the economic and environmental efficiency of their equipment.
The innovative Z-pattern channel plate technology enhances performance of the heat exchanger by fully mixing liquid and gas refrigeration through a “zigzag” flow.
The Z-design range now includes custom-size heat exchangers with capacities from 90 to 400 kW with R-410A.
Although the range is optimized for R-410A, it can also be used with other commercial air-conditioning refrigerants such as R-410A replacements including flammables.
For example the range is compatible with refrigerants for commercial refrigeration like R-134a, R-448A, R-449A, R-452A, R-290, and more.
The main benefits of the Z-pattern design include optimized heat transfer and a reduced loss of charge for the water circuit, which contribute to higher energy efficiency, and lower energy consumption and refrigerant charge.
The reduced internal volume represents a smaller refrigerant charge and reduced installation costs.
Moreover, better heat transfer limits Co2 emissions while a reduced number of plates limits weight and carbon footprint.
The new C118(L)-EZ is a single-circuit evaporator for use in high-efficiency chillers with a capacity of 70-250 kW, optimized for refrigerant R-410A.
It is available in comes two versions: one for 435 psi/30 bar design pressure, and one for 653 psi/45 bar design pressure.
These heat exchangers are compatible with other Danfoss product groups including oil-free systems.
Single or double circuit models are available for chillers and heat pumps dedicated to large commercial buildings such as hotels, office spaces, and data centres.
They are also suitable for new applications dedicated to heat recovery, such as heat transfer between data centre cooling systems and central heating, according to the company's marketing director for air conditioning controls, Victor Marinich.
“We have completely redesigned the circulation of liquids and heat exchange in order to improve the energy performance of plate exchangers, all while optimizing installation costs and volumes for chillers and heat pumps and reducing refrigerant charge, which can be key in some installations,” he said.
Danfoss’ new range of Z-design heat exchangers feature dimpled micro plates, which maintain the liquid’s asymmetrical circulation in a Z-shaped pattern.
This is an excellent way to optimize the surface area, which is dedicated to heat transfer, and to ensure perfect synchronization of the refrigerant’s liquid and gas phases for better heat exchange with the water circuit. As a result, fewer plates are needed to reach a specific capacity in comparison to the standard design, which makes it possible to reduce installation costs.
As architects and developers look for technologies that can adapt to their new low-energy building concepts, the impact of this innovation is significant. The entire range of Danfoss MPHE with Z-design was designed for use in both new and retrofit installations.