Frictionless Compressor
BULLETIN
Frictionless Chiller
Efficient, quiet and oil-free
Frictionless chiller technology sets new standard for efficiency and quiet operation
E
nergy efficiency is a key driver in HVAC technology development. Refrigerant compressors can require very large prime movers, so improvements to both compressor technology and prime mover technology are major goals for
HVAC research and development. Frictionless chillers, the newest generation of chiller technology, achieve both goals. Designed with oil-free magnetic bearing technology and highspeed impellers, McQuay® frictionless chillers can operate as low as 0.375 kW/ton IPLV, the most efficient performance in its tonnage range in the industry. Full load performance as low as 0.62 kW/ton IPLV is about 32 percent more efficient than screw compressor chillers. These IPLV, when applied in a
high efficiency HVAC system, can help save significant operating costs and earn points for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Energy and Atmosphere, Credit 1.
Magnetic bearings eliminate noise and oil
The Danfoss Turbocor compressor behind frictionless chiller technology uses magnetic bearings—a technology already employed in advanced engineering applications such as the aerospace industry. At about one-fifth the weight of a conventional compressor, and with impeller speeds of 30,000 rpm on a three or four inch diameter impeller (compared to 3,600 rpm on a 40-inch diameter impeller), the magnetic bearing technology can significantly reduce HVAC operating costs. Traditional centrifugal compressors use roller bearings and hydrodynamic bearings; both types of bearings consume power, and both require oil and a lubrication system. Recently, ceramic roller bearings have been introduced to
The frictionless compressor shaft, the compressor’s only moving component, rotates on a levitated magnetic cushion. One axial and two radial magnetic bearings hold the shaft in position.
www.mcquay.com
©2005 McQuay International
Frictionless Chiller
Efficient, quiet and oil-free
Frictionless chiller technology sets new standard for efficiency and quiet operation
E
nergy efficiency is a key driver in HVAC technology development. Refrigerant compressors can require very large prime movers, so improvements to both compressor technology and prime mover technology are major goals for
HVAC research and development. Frictionless chillers, the newest generation of chiller technology, achieve both goals. Designed with oil-free magnetic bearing technology and highspeed impellers, McQuay® frictionless chillers can operate as low as 0.375 kW/ton IPLV, the most efficient performance in its tonnage range in the industry. Full load performance as low as 0.62 kW/ton IPLV is about 32 percent more efficient than screw compressor chillers. These IPLV, when applied in a
high efficiency HVAC system, can help save significant operating costs and earn points for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Energy and Atmosphere, Credit 1.
Magnetic bearings eliminate noise and oil
The Danfoss Turbocor compressor behind frictionless chiller technology uses magnetic bearings—a technology already employed in advanced engineering applications such as the aerospace industry. At about one-fifth the weight of a conventional compressor, and with impeller speeds of 30,000 rpm on a three or four inch diameter impeller (compared to 3,600 rpm on a 40-inch diameter impeller), the magnetic bearing technology can significantly reduce HVAC operating costs. Traditional centrifugal compressors use roller bearings and hydrodynamic bearings; both types of bearings consume power, and both require oil and a lubrication system. Recently, ceramic roller bearings have been introduced to
The frictionless compressor shaft, the compressor’s only moving component, rotates on a levitated magnetic cushion. One axial and two radial magnetic bearings hold the shaft in position.
www.mcquay.com
©2005 McQuay International