Factories to manufacture items such as semiconductors contain various water-cooling equipment. However, such factories are increasingly required to be equipped with more efficient systems to supply cooling water at a constant temperature close to that inside factories in order to enhance precision and productivity. Hitachi Metals, Ltd., a leading high-grade metal maker in Japan, has therefore been engaged in improving its Chilled Tower Series (brand name for a hybrid air-cooled cooling tower and chiller). In December, 2006, it started sales of new models that are more energy efficient, more compact and lower in price. A wider range of systems has also become available and users can select the most suitable type according to their needs.

The company estimates that, when compared with conventional chiller systems, the latest models of the Chilled Tower Series can reduce electricity use by about 50 percent (if water is supplied at 20 degrees Celsius) and that the increase in initial cost can be recovered within two or three years due to the lower running costs.

The Chilled Tower Series can effectively utilize cooling energy from atmospheric air (free cooling) by combining the cooling tower and chiller systems. When the outside temperature is low, chiller operation is not required, because tower operation alone can supply water that is sufficiently cooled. This helps to save energy. Optimal operation of the cooling tower and/or the chiller is effectively ensured by the automatic control system.

When compared with previous Chilled Tower Series, the latest models have the following features: 1. Installation space requirements have been reduced by 40 percent, making it possible to fix the systems in such places so far considered unfit; 2. Suitable systems can be selected from a wider range of specifications, with condenser output ranging from 15 kilowatts (20RT) to 60 kilowatts (80RT); 3. Operation noise has been reduced by 4-5 dB; and 4. Prices are lower (18 percent lower than previous models.)

http://www.hitachi-metals.co.jp/e/index.html

Posted: 2007/03/11 11:01:58 PM
Japanese version

TAG Energy , Manufacturing industry