Germany-based hydrocarbon chiller and heat pump manufacturer Skadec has built and tested two 1.5MW (426.5TR) air-cooled propane (R290) chillers designed for large-scale HVAC or industrial processing applications.
The manufacturer developed its largest yet propane chiller at a customer’s request, Niklas Pielenz, International Sales Manager at Skadec, told NaturalRefrigerants.com. To meet higher cooling capacity requirements, the design of the 1.5MW unit allows the connection of several chillers, with the tested units providing a total cooling capacity of 3MW (853TR). It provides outlet cooling temperatures of 6/12°C (42.8/53.6°F) and incorporates an integrated hydraulic module evaporator and heat recovery.
“We can provide large cooling capacity solutions using highly efficient R290 chillers,” Pielenz said, adding that the testing took place at the company’s facility in “high ambient” temperatures with “great success.”
A complete package: In addition to cooling, the unit uses full condensation heat recovery, which provides a heating capacity of 1.9MW (540.3TR) at 35/45°C (95/113°F), according to Pielenz. The chiller contains two circuits, each charged with 140kg of propane.
- In the current project, the recovered heat will be used for process applications and as a source for a booster heat pump, Pielenz explained.
- “We are always moving forward and broadening our cooling and heating solutions,” said Pielenz. “This is just the beginning of massive projects.”
Smaller end: The manufacturer debuted a modular, compact reversible R290 water-cooled heat pump for commercial and industrial applications at the ISH 2025 trade show held March 17–21 in Frankfurt.
- With a propane charge of less than 2.5kg, the unit provides a heating capacity of up to 87kW (24.7TR) with an outlet temperature of up to 75°C (167°F), Dennis Kratschmayer, Skadec’s Managing Director, told NaturalRefrigerants.com.
- Skadec plans to conduct several months of testing before releasing the new water-cooled unit to the European market.
Quotable: “This cutting-edge system showcases our engineering strength and commitment to sustainable, high-efficiency cooling,” Skadec said on LinkedIn. “This is more than just about size – it reflects our dedication to innovation, precision and progress.”
“This is more than just about size – it reflects our dedication to innovation, precision and progress.”
Skadec
