German hydrocarbon chiller manufacturer Secon will soon begin testing Czech OEM Mirai Intex’s new propane (R290) turbo compressor and could integrate it into its product lineup next year, according to Vladyslav Tsyplakov, Development Director at Mirai Intex.
“Secon will be the first ones to get the test compressor,” Tsyplakov told NaturalRefrigerants.com at Chillventa 2024, which is being held in Nuremberg, Germany, from October 8–10. “They’ll first test it in their factory and then foresee a roll out into their products.”
Mirai Intex, which manufactures ultra-low temperature refrigeration systems using air (R729) as the refrigerant, announced this past summer that its propane turbo compressor had completed stress testing. The compressor, built for industrial and commercial air- and water-cooled chillers, has an oil-free, centrifugal design and is equipped with gas dynamic bearings.
“We’re using propane to lift the shaft, which allows us to control the part-load operation from 30 to 100%,” he added.
Secon and Mirai Intex have worked closely together over the years and are sharing a booth at Chillventa.
“We’re going to be very selective about the partners we work with, so it’ll be quite difficult to get your hands on one of these.”
Vladyslav Tsyplakov, Development Director at Mirai Intex
Mirai Intex’s propane turbo compressor is available in two models: the MT230 and the MT350. The MT230 has a maximum cooling capacity of 230kW (65TR), and the MT350 has a max cooling capacity of 350kW (100TR).
Both units have the same maximum saturated discharge temperature of 63°C (145.4°F). The MT230 has a maximum saturated suction temperature of 12°C (53.6°F), and the MT350 has a max saturated suction temperature of 30°C (86°F). The minimum saturated suction temperature for the MT230 is −1°C (30.2°F) and 10°C (50°F) for the MT350.
Customer selection criteria
Tsyplakov said he anticipates Mirai Intex’s propane turbo compressor will hit the market next year and noted that its availability will be limited.
“We’re going to be very selective about the partners we work with, so it’ll be quite difficult to get your hands on one of these,” he said. “We are being very selective as our production capabilities will be limited in the next couple of years.”
According to Tsyplakov, partners will have to meet a handful of criteria, including experience working with propane and centrifugal compressors. Volume is also important.
“We also need the capability to confirm numbers, because this is a numbers game for us,” said Tsyplakov.
When it announced its propane turbo compressor this past summer, Mirai Intex called it a “world first.” Tsyplakov called it a “technological achievement” and said the company’s experience with air-cycle refrigeration equipment was key to its development.
“There are technological hurdles that come with making something like this,” said Tsyplakov. “We have a significant technological foundation that gives us the capability to build this, unlike those billion-dollar companies that haven’t done so.”
