NEW YORK - Condensers and coils drew much attention among the new products in the refrigeration sector of the 2008 Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Expo as did several technological twists with names like “chilled-beam cooling” and “hybrid refrigeration.” Here are some of the latest products by category.



CONDENSERS

A mini air-cooled condenser fromIndus Theco Pvt. Ltd.(www.indusair.com) employs what the company said is a small-footprint condenser coil using “tsunami” fins and rifled tubing. The technology is said to promote low power consumption, ease of installation, and low maintenance. Applications include fractional-horsepower condensing units.

Keeprite Refrigeration(www.keepriterefrigeration.com) featured air-cooled condensers for refrigeration or air conditioning applications in 2-24 nominal ton capacities. They come in horizontal or vertical configurations.

Emerson Climate Technology’s Copeland SystemPro (www.emersonclimate.com) condensing unit comes to a site factory-installed, sealed, and tested with protection devices in place. According to the company, the unit “provides a solution to working in restricted spaces and reduces installation supplies, tube prepping, and brazing.” It is designed for fractional-hp-sized condensing units.

A condenser pad fromSuperiorLite(www.superiorlite.com) has an exterior made from a blend of chemicals which use no concrete or plastic. The manufacturer said the unit will not fracture, will not sink in the mud and is weather resistant.

Sauermann NA Corp.(www.sauermann.us) offered condensate-removal pumps and installation accessories for split air conditioning systems. This includes pumps suitable for a/c units of 2.1-8.5 tons that have the highest suction head available. The company also offers Impeller tank pumps suitable for heavy and contaminated condensates. Sauermann also offers accessories such as PVC ducts to hide line sets and wiring on new and existing installations; floor supports; and a line of heavy-duty wall-mounting brackets.



EVAPORATORS

A preassembled evaporator fromTrenton Refrigeration(www.trentonrefrigeration.com) has applications in the commercial, industrial, and institutional markets, including such areas as refrigerated warehouses and displays.

Evaporative condensate units fromTecumseh(www.tecumseh.com) were promoted for use as a replacement unit for most any application. It comes with a built-in condensate pan.

The electronic refrigeration controller system (RCS) fromParker Hannifin, Sporlan Division (www.parker.com) is a microprocessor-based system designed to control refrigeration evaporators in walk-in coolers and freezers. Refrigerant flow is controlled by an electric expansion valve. By using precision pressure and temperature sensor inputs, the RCS is able to control evaporator temperature “more accurately and consistently than mechanical thermostatic expansion valves,” the company said.



Aleco’s flexible PVC panels are for walk-in coolers and freezers.

COILS

High-efficiency coils from Tecumseh had optional ECM motors. The coils, the company said, have simple wiring points, double drain pans to eliminate pan frosting and freezing, longer return bends to eliminate coil pinch points, and low-profile reverse-flow (blow-through) design to allow the coils to be mounted flush against the walls of the cooler, thus allowing more room for products.

ADSIL Inc.(www.adsil.com) showed its MicroGuard coatings for HVAC coils and fins used for corrosion protection. It protects while keeping the surface cleaner longer and not reducing heat transfer, the company said.

A variable refrigerant volume system fromDaikin AC (Americas) Inc.(www.daikinac.com) is said to be highly energy efficient for medium to large buildings, allowing for duct-free or ducted indoor fan coils. The VRV III system offers condensing units up to 20 tons. At the heart of the system is an inverter-driven variable-speed compressor that enables the output of the outdoor unit to be modulated by the cooling or heating demands of the zones it is serving.



CHILLED BEAM

A chilled-beam cooling system was shown byCarrier(www.carrier.com). The system is designed for use in commercial applications with a high cooling load and/or rooms that require individual temperature control. The system cools using chilled water passing through a ceiling mounted unit. Supply air beams operate with induction, where incoming primary air induces room air through the coil in the beam.

Joe Chirco, product business manager, Commercial Applied Equipment, said, “Each chilled-beam system operates independently and can be combined with Carrier controls to meet the unique needs of the occupied space. The use of warmer water provides for higher efficiencies, and with no moving parts, maintenance costs are reduced and noise is at a whisper level.”



HYBRIDS

A hybrid refrigeration system is described in this way by the manufacturer,Dodge Engineering & Controls Inc.(www.deicontrols.com):

“It provides a solid column of liquid (no flash gas) to the expansion valve. By lowering the condenser temperature, colder liquid is provided to the expansion valve increasing the capacity of the evaporator.

“The expansion valve will maintain full capacity with as little as 30-psi differential,” the company said. “The lower compression ratio provides more refrigerant per stroke with less power used. Lift and long run problems are also eliminated.”



AIR DOORS

Aleco(www.aleco.com) featured the ClearValu ImpacDor. It consists of two clear, flexible PVC panels for walk-in coolers and freezers with a center overlap to create a tight seal. The company said the product is easy to install and maintain, opens with minimum force, and closes automatically. The closing speed is adjustable.

Berner International(www.berner.com) introduced VSA and VSB Series industrial air doors. The technology uses a 16-gauge aluminized steel cabinet and galvanized steel blower wheels for light-to-medium- industrial applications.

“Berner has responded to the market demand by developing an easy-to-install, sturdy, high-performing air door for industrial and warehouse settings while maintaining a competitive price,” said national sales manager Mike Coscarelli.

Publication Date:02/18/2008