Laird Thermal Systems, a global manufacturer of thermal management solutions for the industrial, medical and telecommunications industries, has launched a plug-and-play propane (R290) chiller suitable for air freight applications.
The EFC2400 operates with either water or water/glycol coolants and offers a nominal cooling capacity of up to 2.35kW (0.67TR) at a fluid set point of 20°C (68°F) with a propane charge of less than 100g (3.5oz). The set storage temperature options range from −20 to 70°C (−4 to 158F°).
“The EFC product marks a milestone as our first standard product utilizing natural refrigerants,” Laird Thermal Systems said.
In addition to liquid cooling systems, Laird Thermal Systems manufactures temperature controllers, thermoelectric coolers and thermoelectric cooler assemblies. The company has more than 500 employees and operates manufacturing facilities and design centers in China, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Germany and the United States.
Specifications: According to the company, the EFC2400 offers application-specific configurations and maintains a fluid set point within 0.1°C (0.2°F) of the desired temperature.
- The unit’s variable-speed compressor helps maintain a high COP during partial load operation and reduces system noise.
- A semi-closed hydraulic system on the unit prevents evaporative loss and biological growth in the fluid.
- The EFC2400 has “simplified” maintenance procedures and an alarm monitoring system, making it “ideal for cooling sensitive electronics.”
- The unit comes in a plug-and-play, rolling container with dimensions of 497.5 x 529 x 742mm (19.6 x 20.8 x 29.2in).
Market applications: Applications for the EFC Chiller include transportation of analytical instrumentation, laser systems and semiconductors.
- According to Laird Thermal Systems, the unit can operate anywhere with a universal input of 200–240V at 50/60Hz.
What it means for NatRefs: With its applicability to air freight, the unit continues to round out sustainable natural refrigerant options for shipping, with such choices already available for ground and marine transportation. With global f-gas regulations in various states of development, the unit provides a future-proof solution for air transport of temperature-sensitive items.
- In April 2023, German transport refrigeration specialists ECOOLTEC began the European roll out of its propylene (R1270) electric refrigeration unit for trucks.
- On the propane front, Austria-based pbx offers the ecos M24 refrigeration unit for electric light commercial vehicles.
- Global Carrier Transicold offers its NaturalLINE refrigerated container using CO2 (R744) refrigerant for marine transport.
- “As the EU moves to ban fluorinated refrigerants by 2027 under the F-gas Regulation, our product [EFC2400] aligns with this environmentally conscious shift,” Laird Thermal Systems said. “The unit is compliant with the foreseeable future of global refrigerant regulations.”
Quotable: “Compared to traditional hydrofluorocarbon chiller systems, the EFC Chiller delivers similar performance specifications with a near-zero global warming potential at a very economical price,” said Greg Ducharme, Product Director at Laird Thermal Systems.
“The EFC product marks a milestone as our first standard product utilizing natural refrigerants.”
Laird Thermal Systems
