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Feature
THE TECH EVOLUTION In some sites , there is no argument that a chiller is the only answer . In data centres , for instance , with their enormous need for uninterruptible cooling and 100 % redundancy , Levi Bands , applied sales director at Trane Service First says that chillers are without doubt the best option .
“ Due to the impact of cooling system failures on their revenue , some businesses , such as casinos , data centers and shopping malls , prioritise redundancy and have 100 % backup systems in place . They understand that downtime can result in significant financial losses , so they invest in additional chillers or cooling equipment to ensure uninterrupted operation .”
Starting in the early to mid-2000s , manufacturers and factories have focused on updating their technology to address environmental issues such as global warming , energy usage and limited resources . Trane has made several key technological innovations in recent years , particularly in the area of HVAC equipment , specifically chillers .
Bands explains that one of the significant developments is that chiller manufacturers are placing a significant emphasis on improving the energy efficiency of their products . This included developing new technologies for heat recovery , heat pump technology , polyvalent ( four pipe ) chiller technology , variable-speed compressors , magnetic bearing technology and advanced controls to optimise chiller performance under varying load conditions .
“ Additionally , there was a strong push toward using more environmentally friendly refrigerants with lower global warming potential ( GWP ) for reduced environmental impact .”
At the same time , he notes , the integration of Internet of Things ( IoT ) into chillers has been a growing trend . “ Manufacturers are working on creating smart and connected chillers that could be remotely monitored and controlled . These systems allow for real-time performance analysis , predictive maintenance and the ability to make adjustments for optimal efficiency .”
Manufacturers have taken a growing focus on lifecycle cost and Total Cost of Ownership ( TCO ). “ This has shifted the focus from upfront costs to the overall TCO of chiller systems . Manufacturers have been working on providing tools and information to customers to help them make more informed decisions that consider long-term operational expenses , maintenance costs and energy savings . The capital cost of a chiller can range from about 20 % to 40 % of the total lifecycle cost , depending on the size and complexity of the system . The operational cost – particularly energy consumption – is consequently the major ongoing expense and can account for approximately 60 % to 80 % of the total lifecycle cost over the
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RACA Journal I November 2023 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za