International. Johnson Controls announced the expansion of the capacity range of its award-winning York YZ magnetic bearing centrifugal chiller: to include chillers over 1,000 tons (3,516 kW), now up to 1,350 (4747 kW) tons of cooling.
In early 2018, the York YZ centrifugal chiller, the first fully optimized chiller for maximum performance with a state-of-the-art refrigerant and with low global warming potential (GWP) R-1233zd (E), was launched with a capacity range of 165 to 1,000 tons (580 to 3516 kW).
This team received the 2019 AHR Innovation Award in the Chillers category.
"In 2018, the chiller set a new standard for efficiency, sustainability and energy savings," said Bill Jackson, president of Global Products and head of corporate strategy at Johnson Controls. "Our booth at the AHR EXPO in Chicago was filled every day with customers, journalists and analysts trying to catch a glimpse of the revolutionary technology that is transforming our industry. In 2019, we are reaching much higher. The expansion of chiller capacity demonstrates our continued commitment to providing our customers with new technologies and never dwelling on our past achievements."
The York YZ extended capacity chiller uses an integral variable speed drive and advanced magnetic bearing technology with a single moving assembly suspended in a magnetic field; that does not need lubrication. This technology requires 80% fewer moving parts than traditional transmission lines lubricated with oil or coolant. The result is improved reliability, reduced maintenance and superior efficiency.
The equipment uses an optimized single-stage design to provide energy efficiency. The simplicity of the chiller system, high reliability, lower maintenance and extensive operating map are due to advanced lubrication-free magnetic bearings that can handle any operating condition, and now that technology is available at even greater capacities.
