CHEMIC R290 Air-Cooled Chiller

R290 is a natural refrigerant selected for its very low GWP, zero ozone-depletion potential and strong thermodynamic properties. Compared with conventional high-GWP HFCs, it significantly reduces the system’s direct environmental impact. When its favourable heat-transfer properties are combined with a suitable compressor, microchannel condenser and advanced capacity control, R290 contributes to high COP values and low energy consumption.

Correct capacity selection considers process inlet and outlet water temperatures, flow rate, production heat, ambient design temperature, daily operating hours and load variation together. Oversizing can cause inefficient low-load operation, while undersizing can prevent the target water temperature from being reached. Compressor and circuit configuration are therefore selected for the plant’s actual load profile.

The CHEMIC Series is a 40–160 kW air-cooled chiller family using natural R290 refrigerant. It is developed for industrial process cooling, machine cooling and central chilled-water applications. It can be used in plastics, food, pharmaceutical, chemical, automotive, metalworking and electronics production requiring stable process-water temperature. Capacity and hydraulic configuration are selected according to water temperature, flow rate and operating hours.

EC fans continuously adjust their speed according to condenser pressure and ambient temperature, producing only the airflow required instead of operating at full speed in every condition. Reducing speed at low ambient temperature and partial load lowers electricity use and noise. Precise EC fan control also supports stable condenser pressure.

The CHEMIC Series can be configured for standard chilled-water and low-temperature process applications according to project temperatures. For fluid below 0°C, glycol concentration, compressor operating limits, heat-exchanger selection and freeze protection are assessed together. Selection must consider not only capacity but also target outlet temperature and the water-glycol mixture.

Condenser surface area, EC fan selection and control parameters are defined for the local climate. Selection uses the summer design temperature to preserve capacity in hot conditions. At low ambient temperature, EC fans reduce speed to control condenser pressure. Low-ambient operation and freeze-protection measures are included for year-round cooling applications.

R290 (propane), used in the CHEMIC Series, is a natural refrigerant containing no fluorine. It is therefore unaffected by the HFC quota reductions under the EU F-Gas Regulation 2024/573, which progressively limits the use and placing on the market of fluorinated greenhouse gases. Under EU rules, R290 has a 100-year GWP of 0.02 and no ozone-depletion potential. With these characteristics, the CHEMIC Series supports the European market’s low-GWP objectives and long-term transition to natural refrigerants. Because R290 is a flammable refrigerant in safety class A3, regulatory compliance is not limited to the gas’s GWP value. Refrigerant charge, circuit design, the position of electrical components, ventilation, gas detection, safety distances and emergency-shutdown scenarios must also be engineered in accordance with the relevant European standards. The CHEMIC Series is designed for safe, long-term use with these requirements taken into account.