South Korean Researchers Develop R717 Adsorption Heat Pump Designed for 40°C Heat Sources
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials in Daejeon, South Korea, have developed an ammonia (R717) heat pump that can use waste heat at 40°C (104°F) as its heat source. Adsorption heat pumps typically require a higher temperature heat source, starting at around 70°C (158°F). The heat pump features an “improved adsorption bed” as well as a compressor with no mechanical components. The prototype heat pump has a capacity of 10kW (2.8TR) and is currently undergoing testing.
Bluu unit Acquires Data Center Solutions Provider Prior 1
Bluu unit, an alliance of natural refrigerant HVAC&R contractors, has announced the acquisition of Prior 1, a German company specializing in the planning, building and operation of data centers. Prior 1 was founded in 2008, and in 2023 the company committed to only using natural refrigerants in new build projects and refurbishments, according to bluu unit.
“We share bluu unit’s conviction that sustainability and cost-effectiveness are not mutually exclusive,” said Prior 1 in a statement. “Our aim is to develop solutions that are technologically sound, conserve resources and offer our customers long-term added value.”
German Bakery Wholesale Supplier Chooses ECOOLTEC TM182 TRU
BÄKO Süd-West, a bakery wholesale supplier, has taken delivery of what it said are the first electric trucks in Germany equipped with ECOOLTEC’s TM182 transport refrigeration unit (TRU). The TM182 is powered by electricity and uses propylene (R1270) and CO2 (R744) refrigerants. BÄKO Süd-West has taken delivery of two Mercedes-Benz eActros 400s equipped with TM182s, with the company estimating the TRUs alone will lead to a savings of €4,000 ($4,617) a year compared to traditional TRUs that use diesel and synthetic refrigerants.
Rhoss Announces New Commercial Propane Heat Pumps and Chillers
Rhoss has announced the launch of the THAITP 140, a new model in its propane (R290) MidiPACK-PI line. The air-to-water THAITP 140 is a reversible heat pump offering 18.7–32.6kW (5.3–9.2TR) of cooling capacity and 20.8–40.9kW (5.9–11.6TR) of heating capacity. Rhoss also announced the launch of the TCAITP 171 chiller and the THAITP 171 heat pump, which both use propane refrigerant and offer 34.6–70.5kW (9.8–20TR) of cooling capacity and 38.2–71.2kW (10.8–20.2TR) of heating capacity.
Sanhua Releases SEK Kit
Sanuhua has announced the release of its new SEK Kit, which it says “offers a complete and simple solution for refrigeration systems” that enables the “quick and accurate superheat control. The kit consists of an SEC series controller, EEV (electronic expansion valve) coil, pressure transducer cable with Packard connector and temperature sensor. Sanhua said that when combined with its LPF-T series electronic expansion valve, the SEK Kit “helps optimize system performance while maintaining high reliability.”
