Mitsubishi Electric: MECH-iF – the future of high efficiency air cooled chillers

Mitsubishi Electric has launched an air-cooled chiller with a new proprietary single screw compressor to offer greater energy efficiency and high reliability for a longer operating life.

The MECH-iF range offers capacities from 345kW to 921kW and is available with R1234ze (G04) or R513A (G05) refrigerant and brand-new proprietary screw variable speed compressors.

MECH-iF is a milestone in the company’s air-cooled screw chiller portfolio, paving the way for the development and integration of proprietary core technologies. This high efficiency air cooled chiller is the first screw compressor chiller to use the new MS variable speed screw compressor with an external inverter, both developed exclusively by Mitsubishi Electric.

Matthew Philo, UK Product Manager for MECH-iF, comments: “Mitsubishi Electric has over 35 years’ experience in developing single screw compressors. We’ve used that knowledge to create a single screw design that can be at the heart of the MECH-iF, to deliver best-in-class efficiencies, ideal for the comfort and process market.”

The MS Compressor is designed with Symmetrical Compression Load for reduced and balanced loads to ensure bearing lifetime of over 150,000 hours (17.5 years). All bearings are in low-pressure regions which means they can be lubricated without the need of an oil pump, thus ensuring a better durability of the compressor’s operation.

Variable Vi

Variable Vi technology allows the automatic internal volume ratio adaption by means of the integrated slide valve, ensuring the best efficiency in any working condition, and making the MS single screw compressor the ideal solution for any application.

In addition, a patented oil return circuit ensures the complete lubrication of the bearings, the perfect coupling between the casing and the screw, and total sealing between moving and static parts.

Alongside the highly efficient MS Compressor, each MECH-iF comes with the in-house developed R.E.D. Cooler, a patented technological solution that further improves the efficiency of the unit and reduces the exergy loss of the expansion phase. EC fans with high efficiency housing are provided per standard, to perfectly achieve varying air flow requirements and reduce the energy consumption, improving the efficiency of the unit.

With the combination of these efficient variable technologies, both the G04 and G05 ranges have provide unprecedented seasonal efficiencies, with SEER values up to 5,9 and SEPR HT up to 6,8. These performance values makes MECH-iF a flagship product that is very competitive in the top-performing air source chiller market.

Critical element

With noise emissions being a critical element in applying air-cooled chillers, MECH-iF models are fitted with a compressors’ enclosure as standard.  In addition to this, they are available in 3 tiers of sound configuration: standard, with noise reducer kit or as low noise versions, to match install requirements.

Matthew Philo adds: “The MECH-iF range can operate across a wide range of conditions: with ambient temperatures as low as to -20°C and up to 50°C, whilst evaporator leaving water temperatures can span from 20°C for IT Cooling, down to -10°C for process applications.

“The chillers are designed with easy installation in mind; we can offer the MECH-iF with key options such as integrated hydronic pumps, heat exchanger treatments or electrical and thermal meters fitted at the factory.”

The operating envelope of MECH-iF-G04 makes it suitable for all applications (Comfort, Process, and IT Cooling), while MECH-iF-G05 is perfectly suitable and gives its best in Comfort and Process applications.

An extensive array of accessories can also be provided for a tailor-made set-up, making the range also suitable for mission critical and harsh condition installations.

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Mitsubishi Electric Living Systems,
Travellers Lane,
Hatfield,
Hertfordshire,
AL10 8XB
United Kingdom

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