If you can use a chiller that delivers 35% energy savings, reduced maintenance and a wide operating envelope, see what YORK has come up with

by Brianna Crandall — February 2, 2018 — Global diversified technology provider Johnson Controls recently introduced the YORK YZ Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal Chiller, touted as the first chiller fully optimized for ultimate performance with a next-generation low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant — R-1233zd(E). Chosen for its efficiency, safety, availability, low environmental impact and cost, nonflammable R-1233zd(E) has an ultra-low GWP of 1 and is readily available from refrigerant manufacturers, notes the company.

Johnson Controls used a holistic approach to system design and engineering, optimizing every component around a carefully selected next-generation refrigerant for ultimate performance. The YORK YZ chiller uses an integral, variable-speed drive and advanced magnetic bearing technology that features a single moving assembly suspended in a magnetic field that does not require lubrication.

Light blue chiller

The YORK YZ Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal Chiller is said to be the first chiller optimized for ultimate performance with a new, low-GWP refrigerant.

This technology is designed to require 80 percent fewer moving parts than traditional oil- or refrigerant-lubricated drivelines, notes the company. The result is said to be enhanced reliability, reduced maintenance and improved efficiency. Compared to traditional fixed-speed oil-bearing chillers, the YZ delivers up to 35 percent annual energy savings.

The YZ chiller can deliver significant energy savings and lower operating costs by taking advantage of the off-design conditions where chillers operate 99 percent of the time, says Johnson Controls. The YZ operates with entering condenser water temperature as low as 40°F (4.5°C), providing enhanced performance in every operating condition and the widest operating envelope in the industry, claims the company, and meeting diverse application needs.

The YORK YZ uses an optimized single-stage design to provide high-level, real-world energy efficiency. The chiller can also operate with condenser temperatures below the evaporator temperatures, eliminating the need for a water-side economizer, which simplifies the system, requires less mechanical room space, and saves money on components, piping, controls and maintenance.

The YZ chiller brings together groundbreaking YORK innovations refined over decades of real-world use to create a so-called “revolution” in chiller design and optimization.

The YZ chiller was on display last week at the AHR Expo. It will also be on display at Mostra Convegno Expocomfort in March, and China Refrigeration 2018 (see English description)  in April.

To learn more about the YORK YZ Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal Chiller, visit the YORK Web site.