Heat Exchanger World Magazine May / June 2024 | Page 54

Product News

Rio Tinto selects Alfa Laval OceanGlide fluidic air lubrication
MHI Thermal Systems adds new KXZ3 series
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems , Ltd . ( MHI Thermal Systems ), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries ( MHI ) Group , has started mass production of the “ KXZ3 Series ” of building-use multi-split airconditioners for its worldwide markets . The newly added lineup , which adopts the R32 refrigerant , is available in three models : 22.4 ,
28.0 , and 33.5kW . By combining individual units , a maximum of 100.05 kW can be achieved to accommodate a wide range of overseas needs . The new series will be launched in the European market this summer , to be followed by successive launches in Australia , New Zealand , and Turkey . The KXZ3 Series helps mitigate environmental impacts through the adoption of the R32 refrigerant having a Global Warming Potential ( GWP ) of 675 , which is roughly one-third the level of the R410A refrigerant ( GWP 2,090 ) used in earlier models . The new series also increases energy savings through a nearly 18 % improvement in the seasonal energy efficiency ratio ( SEER ), an indicator of an airconditioner ’ s energy efficiency . Efficiency enhancement owes to the adoption of a new type of compressor suited to the R32 refrigerant plus a new air flow path design , including a newly configured impeller and bellmouth .
Alfa Laval will provide Rio Tinto with the OceanGlide fluidic air lubrication system . This innovative system enhances a ship ’ s propulsion efficiency and energy savings while sailing . Rio Tinto has selected the Alfa Laval OceanGlide fluidic air lubrication system for one of its bulk carriers , as part of its focus to boost vessel energy efficiency and decarbonize shipping . Recognizing the merits of OceanGlide in the market , the company has chosen to retrofit a Rio Tinto-owned vessel with the system to assess this energy-efficient technology for its fleet . OceanGlide is proven to reduce specific drag from 50 – 75 %, which means significant propulsion power savings . This leads to lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2
emissions . The combination of these benefits positions it as a futureproof solution for improving vessel performance . The solution combines air lubrication with fluidic technology to create an even air layer with high efficiency and little compressor power . Through this innovative approach , OceanGlide creates a more streamlined air layer on the vessel ’ s flat bottom by dividing the surface into segments , with each segment featuring its own fluidic band . The independent steering of each band allows a more controlled airflow to reduce friction between the hull and water . This distribution of bands into sections creates a more dynamic air layer , maximizing coverage and eliminating passive cavities along the vessel ’ s underside .
RTX ’ s Pratt & Whitney Canada marks 500th PT6 E-Series engine milestone
Pratt & Whitney Canada has announced that the 500th PT6 E-Series engine has rolled off the production line at the company ’ s PT6 Engine center of excellence located in Lethbridge , Alberta . Powering the Daher TBM 960 and the Pilatus PC-12 NGX , the PT6 E-Series family has flown more than 200,000 hours since entry into service in 2019 . Pratt & Whitney is an RTX business . The PT6E-67XP powers the Pilatus PC-12 NGX and the PT6E-66XT powers Daher ’ s TBM 960 . The PT6 E-Series is the first engine family in the general aviation turboprop segment with a dual-channel integrated electronic propeller and engine control system . The digital capabilities of the PT6 E-Series enable single-power lever engine control , leading to a more intuitive pilot experience and reduced pilot workload . The control system helps to optimize power and efficiency in all phases of flight by constantly reviewing all engine parameters – as well as many aircraft parameters – and making the necessary adjustments to the fuel flow and propeller blade angle at all altitudes and temperatures . The PT6 E-Series also delivers fuel consumption improvement and performance gains across the entire flight mission profile . The PT6 family of engines has been the go-to powerplant for general aviation and helicopters for more than six decades . Today ’ s PT6 engine
is up to four times more powerful , has a 50 % improved power-to-weight ratio , and up to 20 % better specific fuel consumption compared to the original engine .
T2M introduces P-HEX technology
T2M Global , LLC announces the successful demonstration of its groundbreaking Plastic Heat Exchanger ( P-HEX ) technology to create value from currently wasted low-level heat in diverse markets including buildings , manufacturing , transportation , and power sectors . With an eye on the monumental USD 200bn annual loss due to ineffective heat recovery , P-HEX offers more
than just a solution ; it ’ s a gateway to a dynamic USD 50bn market opportunity for U . S . industries . By enhancing our nation ’ s competitive edge on the global platform , T2M Global invites investors to seize this pivotal moment in shaping the future of energy efficiency and economic growth . Traditional metallic heat exchangers have proven costly for recovering
low-level heat , leading to the squandering of approximately 25 quads of energy annually in the United States alone . This inefficiency undermines U . S . manufacturing competitiveness . It also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change and environmental degradation , and in poorly ventilated buildings leads to sick building syndrome and pathogen
spread , such as Covid-19 . P-HEX offers a cost competitive solution for low-level waste heat recovery due to the lower cost of materials , high speed manufacturing processes , and its modular design for easier installation and capacity addition as required . Its lightweight and compact footprint make it highly suitable for retrofit applications in constrained spaces .
54 Heat Exchanger World June 2024 www . heat-exchanger-world . com