Project News
Munters invests in the expansion of the Tobo factory
The climate control company Munters is investing SEK 250M in an expansion and modernization of its facility in Tobo, Sweden. The investment supports the ongoing optimization of manufacturing within the AirTech business area, while also supporting Munters long-term growth and sustainability ambitions: achieving annual growth of over 14 % while reducing emissions from both its operations and the energy consumption of its products. Munters Tobo facility currently primarily manufactures dehumidifying rotors and related materials, which customers use to create optimal climates in industries such as battery and food production. With the expansion, the company is now adding production of the humidification medium GLASdek, a component that was previously only manufactured at Munters facility in Mexico. The investment, set to be fully completed by 2026, includes automated production lines and a new 9,000 m 2 expansion at the existing Tobo facility, nearly doubling its size. The climate footprint is minimized thanks to an ongoing investment in geothermal energy and reduced transportation needs. The Tobo factory currently employs close to 300 people.
Hussman Releases 20HP transcritical CO 2 condensing unit
Hussmann, a Panasonic subsidiary, has released a 20HP transcritical
CO 2
( R744) outdoor condensing unit( OCU) in Australia. The larger unit, launched by Panasonic in Europe one year ago, extends the company’ s CO 2 lineup in Australia, which includes 2HP, 4HP, and 10HP OCUs. The line supports food retail and process cooling applications, including chilled and frozen display cases, blast chillers, freezers, and walk-in cold rooms. The demand for natural refrigerant equipment continues to rise in the country due to recent policies by the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water( DCCEEW) aimed at banning high GWP refrigerants, including the widely used R404A with a 100-year GWP of 4,728. Starting in July, the DCCEEW will ban the sale of new equipment with a GWP greater than 2,500, followed by servicing restrictions in 2027 and 2029. OCU details: According to Hussmann, Panasonic’ s CO2 OCUs allow connection to an“ unlimited number of evaporators and display cases,” with outlet temperatures from −45 to −5 ° C( −49 to 23 ° F). The units, designed with inverterdriven technology, provide“ energy-efficient” operation in ambient temperatures from −20 to 45 ° C( −4 to 113 ° F). An extended pipe run on the 20HP unit offers installment flexibility. According to Hussmann, the initial cost and the lack of training remain barriers to the rapid uptake of CO 2 technology in Australia. The company’ s McAlpine team has installed roughly 100 Panasonic
CO 2
OCUs in New Zealand. In partnership with Panasonic, Hussmann reports the installation of over 25,000 CO 2
OCUs globally.
Kelvion partners in ESCO project
Kelvion, the global leader in heat exchange technology, is proud to partner in the ESCO research project, which aims to optimise sCO 2 cycle technology for industrial applications. As part of this initiative, Kelvion will develop cuttingedge 3D-printed heat exchanger prototypes using advanced materials specifically designed for sCO 2 systems, reaffirming its commitment to driving sustainable energy innovations. Unlike conventional steam turbines, turbomachines using supercritical CO 2 are more compact and require highly efficient heat recovery through innovative heat exchangers. The unique properties of sCO 2 necessitate precise aerodynamic optimisation, advanced sealing, and bearing technologies, as well as materials capable of withstanding extreme pressures and temperatures.
Through 3D topological optimisation and the use of next-generation materials, Kelvion is developing high-performance heat exchangers tailored to these demanding conditions. The adoption of 3D printing not only enables greater design flexibility but also promises significantly reduced production times compared with traditional manufacturing methods. Once proven, these advancements will pave the way for broad commercialisation and industry adoption. While water-steam cycles are well-established and widely used in power generation, the energy transition is driving increased interest in alternative technologies such as sCO 2
.
Historically, demand for sCO 2 systems has been limited, especially in Europe. However, the growing need for higher efficiency and reduced environmental impact is shifting this dynamic.
Supercritical CO 2 power cycles offer several advantages: Higher efficiency compared with conventional systems; Smaller, more compact components, which simplify system design and reduce costs; and Minimal water usage. These benefits position sCO 2 technology as a transformative solution for sectors such as waste heat recovery, geothermal energy, solar thermal applications, and thermal energy storage systems.
Toyo Engineering awarded an EPC contract
Toyo Engineering Corp.( Tokyo) has been awarded an engineering, procurement, and construction( EPC) contract by Nippon Shokubai Ltd.( Osaka, Japan) for a new lithium-ion battery electrolyte production plant in Fukuoka, Japan. The project is scheduled for completion in 2027 and will have a production capacity of 3,000 tons / year. The electrolyte produced at this facility will contribute to improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles( EVs). Specifically, it will enable shorter charging times, longer operating life, and improved output in low-temperature environments. Given the crucial role of lithium-ion batteries in the widespread adoption of EVs – which significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions – this project will support the realization of a more sustainable society. Toyo’ s long-standing relationship with Nippon Shokubai began in 2003 with the construction of a superabsorbent polymer( SAP) production facility in China. Since then, Toyo has successfully delivered multiple projects across Asia, Europe, and the United States, and is currently executing a SAP plant expansion project in Indonesia.
56 Heat Exchanger World April 2025 www. heat-exchanger-world. com