Hitachi air cooled chillers

Types of Hitachi air-cooled chillers

Hitachi is a Japanese multinational company, and it manufactures a wide range of products, including machinery and equipment. It offers many types of air-cooled chillers. Some of them are described below:

• Hitachi scroll chillers:

  A scroll chiller uses an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and an expansion valve to support robust cooling needs. The refrigerant goes through a linear cycle within the chiller, and parts like the compressor and condenser work to remove heat from the chilled water. When it's hot outside, a scroll chiller can be an efficient way to keep a building cool. Generally, a scroll compressor is less noisy and more reliable than other types of compressors. It provides sufficient cooling for commercial buildings, factories, and many more places.

• Hitachi screw chillers:

  When a building needs a lot of cool water and may need more than one machine to provide it affordably, a maintaining cooling load of 0.5-2.2 kW/(m2. A screw compressor has two helical rotors that compress the refrigerant. This design offers durability and energy efficiency. Power range: from 210 to 1,200 kW, Screw compressors are quieter, more reliable, and efficient than other compressor types, so they use less energy to make the same cool water.

• Hitachi centrifugal chillers:

  For really big buildings like factories, hospitals, and shopping centers where a lot of cool water is needed, use a centrifugal chiller. A centrifugal chiller is a more giant machine that cools water quickly, and it has a simple design and fewer moving parts. Some separate components can help save electricity and stop using it when air conditioning is not required.

• Hitachi multi-path condensing chillers:

  The technology behind multi-path condensing chillers is precisely engineered to achieve greater heat transfer efficiency. This not only allows for a more compact design but also contributes to a significant reduction in energy consumption during operation. One of the standout features of these chillers is their low noise and vibration levels, making them ideal for installation in areas where such disturbances would be undesirable. Additionally, the robust design and high efficiency of multi-path condensing coolers ensure their suitability for a diverse range of applications, meeting varying cooling demands across different industries and settings. This adaptability positions them as essential components in numerous industrial and commercial cooling systems.

Specifications & maintenance of Hitachi air-cooled chillers

The following are the specifications of some of the Hitachi air-cooled chiller models:

• Hitachi 30RQD: The cooling capacity range is from 203 kW to 2042 kW. The chiller uses R-410A refrigerant, which is an environmentally friendly option.
• Hitachi 30RQP: The cooling capacity range is from 275 kW to 1903 kW. The chiller uses R-134A refrigerant.
• Hitachi 30RUC: The cooling capacity range is from 0110 kW to 0539 kW. The chiller uses R-410A refrigerant.
• Hitachi 30RUD: The cooling capacity range is from 310 kW to 1914 kW. The chiller uses R-134A refrigerant.
• Hitachi 30RPM: The cooling capacity range is from 01.0 kW to 0603 kW. The chiller uses R-410A refrigerant.
• Hitachi 30RRD: The cooling capacity range is from 0451 kW to 1586 kW. The chiller uses R-134A refrigerant.
• Hitachi 30RRY: The cooling capacity range is from 1790 kW to 2262 kW. The chiller uses R-407C refrigerant.
• Hitachi 30RRP: The cooling capacity range is from 2445 kW to 4003 kW. The chiller uses R-134A refrigerant.
• Hitachi 30RTE: The cooling capacity range is from 0160 kW to 0603 kW. The chiller uses R-410A refrigerant.
• Hitachi 30RTS: The cooling capacity range is from 0146 kW to 0361 kW. The chiller uses R-410A refrigerant.
• Hitachi 30RZJ: The cooling capacity range is from 0874 kW to 2464 kW. The chiller uses R-410A refrigerant.
• Hitachi 30RZZ: The cooling capacity range is from 0340 kW to 4904 kW. The chiller uses R-407C refrigerant.

Chiller maintenance is necessary to keep the machine running well. Here are some air-cooled chiller parts' maintenance tips:

• Condenser: Overall cleaning and dusting of external tubing should be done. A corrosion-resistant coating is needed on the tube surface. The tubing should be cleaned with a high-pressure water jet if there is any clog.
• Fan: The blade should be cleaned with a damp cloth or paper to remove dust. The fasteners should be checked and tightened as needed. The AC fans can be oiled if there is any oil reservoir.
• Compressors: The electric connections and terminals should be checked to see if they are loose. The torque required should be checked on the bolts. The magnetic starters should be inspected for signs of excessive heat, rust, or corrosion. Any unusual compressor sounds should be noted to get timely service.
• Filters: The external tube surface should be carefully cleaned to avoid further dust removal. Replacement should be considered if there's a clog.
• Condensate pump: The pump reservoir should be cleaned to remove any contaminants that can cause clogging. The pump cables should be visually inspected for damage or wear. The pump's flushing and overflow should be checked to ensure the system works well.
• Float valve: The valve mechanism should be cleaned to remove contaminants. The valve inlet and outlet surfaces should be inspected for damage. The valve should be operated occasionally to ensure it works correctly and the water is flowing.
• Hoses, piping, and clamps: The hoses and pipes should be inspected to see if there are blockages. Any obstructions or debris should be cleaned immediately. The clamps should be inspected to see if there is any corrosion that can lead to water leaks.

Industries using Hitachi air-cooled chillers

Hitachi air-cooled chillers are essential components for different industrial processes to maintain specific temperature controls. Some industries that need the use of air-cooled chillers are as follows:

• Food and beverage manufacturing: Factories producing food items such as bakeries, breweries, and dairy factories require air-cooled chillers to control the temperature of fermentation, preserving perishable items, and keeping processing and packaging equipment at optimal temperatures. Hitachi air-cooned chillers are selected due to their high efficiency and reliability in maintaining precise temperature controls.
• Pharmaceutical and biotech:Chillers are vital in pharmaceuticals and biotech industries to ensure temperature-sensitive processes like drug production, storage of medicines, and laboratory research. They help keep reactions, incubations, and storage areas at specific temperatures to maintain product quality and compliance with regulations.
• Plastics and polymer processing: Plastics manufacturing processes involve high temperatures and precision cooling is required for stable polymerization reactions, extrusion, injection molding, and tooling maintenance. Air-cooled chillers are often used to cool molds and processing equipment to ensure dimensional accuracy and reduce cycle times.
• Data centers and IT: Data centers use air-cooled chillers to cool servers, networking equipment, and other IT infrastructure. As IT equipment generates heat during operation, temperature regulation is crucial to ensuring optimal performance, preventing overheating, and prolonging the lifespan of the equipment.
• Printing and coating: In the printing and coating industry, controlling the temperature of printing presses, coating machines, and drying systems is essential for achieving consistent print quality, reducing material waste, and improving production efficiency. Air-cooled chillers are used to cool these equipment and maintain stable operating conditions.

How to choose Hitachi air-cooled chillers

• Circuit:

  The chiller's refrigeration circuit design significantly impacts its performance and efficiency. Businesses typically favor cooling circuits with dual or parallel compressor configurations. Such designs exhibit greater reliability by ensuring continuous operation even if a single compressor encounters a malfunction. Additionally, circuits featuring variable refrigerant flow are preferred due to their capacity to optimize cooling output while minimizing energy consumption.

• Compressor:

  A standout feature of Hitachi air-cooled chillers is their incorporation of inverter technology in compressors. By adapting the motor speed to variations in cooling demand, the Inverter maintains a consistent chilled water temperature while simultaneously reducing energy consumption. This results in a decrease in system start-up losses and enhanced overall efficiency. Moreover, chillers equipped with screw compressors are likely to be chosen for applications requiring substantial refrigeration capacity due to their efficiency and reliability.

• Control system:

  The control system of an air-cooled chiller plays a crucial role in regulating compressor operation, adjusting cooling capacity, and monitoring various parameters to ensure optimal performance. Businesses often prioritize chillers that offer advanced control features such as intelligent controls and remote monitoring capabilities. These functionalities enable efficient management of cooling systems and contribute to energy savings.

• Cooling capacity:

  Selecting the appropriate cooling capacity is a critical consideration when choosing an air-cooled chiller for specific applications. It is essential to assess the requirement and opt for a chiller that can deliver the necessary cooling effectively. However, it is important to avoid oversizing the chiller, as doing so can lead to increased energy consumption and inefficient operation.

• Energy efficiency:

  The Energy efficiency of an air-cooled chiller holds great significance for commercial and industrial applications. Businesses typically prioritize energy-efficient models to reduce environmental impact and minimize operating costs. It is common for them to opt for chillers that possess high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio (IEER) ratings.

Hitachi air-cooled chiller Q&A

Q: What is the purpose of an air-cooled chiller?

A: An air-cooled chiller's primary purpose is to cool and remove heat from fluids or water. This process is achieved through the absorption of heat by a refrigerant, which then undergoes phase changes while circulating through the chiller's components.

Q: What is the life expectancy of an air-cooled chiller?

A: Typically, air-cooled chillers can last up to 15-20 years or longer if they are properly maintained and cared for.

Q: What are the benefits of an air-cooled chiller?

A: Air-cooled chillers offer several benefits, including ease of installation, low operating costs, reduced environmental impact, and minimal maintenance requirements.

Q: Do air-cooled chillers consume a lot of electricity?

A: Air-cooled chillers generally use less electricity and have lower power requirements than their water-cooled counterparts, making them a more cost-effective option for many applications.