Kick the inefficiency blues with new GEA Grasso BluGenium chillers&nbsp;

GEA Refrigeration Technologies recently introduced its new GEA Grasso BluGenium series of water-cooled ammonia chillers to offer its customers increased energy efficiency through reduced power consumption and consequentially reduced operating costs.

The new and compact GEA Grasso BluGenium water-cooled ammonia chillers are based on the V series piston compressors and are ideal for industrial applications, process cooling and building climate control, among other applications. The chillers are available in five sizes, with cooling capacities ranging from 280 kW for the smallest model, to 1210 kW for the largest model.

In 2015, GEA plans to extend the range with models able to operate with external condensers.

Reduced power consumption and ease of maintenance

The modest power consumption of the GEA Grasso BluGenium chillers can be attributed first and foremost to special design characteristics of the used compressor range (V compressors) such as

Low pressure drop
Effective temperature isolation between suction and discharge sides of the compressor
Large suction chamber

Cost effectiveness guaranteed

The GEA Grasso BluGenium chillers are designed to have long service lives and low life-cycle costs. GEA carefully selected and tested all industrial elements to ensure reliable functioning and a service life of at least 20 years. All-welded heat exchangers and the reduction of welding seams by pre-bent tube sections significantly minimises the risk of leaks. Furthermore, operation of compressors is monitored constantly, and the system’s ability to record wear data allows it to suggest service intervals. Insulation of all part of the suction side of the system effectively ensures protection from corrosion caused by potential surface condensation.

The standard version of the GEA Grasso BluGenium chiller includes a frequency inverter, which enables infinitely variable matching of compressor output to demand, which in turn ensures exceptional part-load efficiency, further contributing to cost-effective operation. The chillers typically spend more than 90% of operation in part-load mode and have a European Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ESEER) rating of >9, making it one of the most efficient chillers on the market.

Aside from compressor function and efficiency, all other main equipment also contributes to the cost effective operation of the GEA Grasso BluGenium chillers. Elements such as shell and plate heat exchangers, evaporators and condensers are specifically designed to be compact, highly efficient, and even multifunctioning. The evaporator, for example, is gas-tight, thanks to its all-welded design, and it also performs the functions of a liquid separator, which ensures a minimal ammonia charge within the whole chiller.

About GEA

GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft is one of the largest suppliers for the food processing industry and a wide range of other process industries. As an international technology group, the company focuses on process technology and components for production processes. GEA Group is one of the market and technology leaders in its business areas.