ZERO R1234ze Air-Cooled Chiller

ZERO is developed for industrial and commercial applications requiring stable process-water temperature, high energy efficiency and low environmental impact. It can cool processes, machinery, moulds and oil in plastics, food, pharmaceutical, chemical, automotive, metalworking, textile and electronics. It can also serve central air-conditioning in data centres, hospitals, manufacturing plants and large commercial buildings. Its 10–1,800 kW range supports applications from one process machine to large central cooling plants.

Capacity selection considers process inlet and outlet water temperatures, flow, production heat, ambient design temperature, annual hours and load variation. Because air-cooled capacity is directly affected by ambient temperature, selection uses local summer design conditions. Compressor count, refrigerant circuits and condenser capacity are set for the actual operating profile.

R1234ze is a next-generation HFO refrigerant with an exceptionally low GWP compared with conventional HFC refrigerants. It therefore reduces the system’s direct greenhouse-gas impact and supports businesses’ long-term sustainability goals. The thermodynamic properties of R1234ze are combined with the ZERO Series’ dedicated compressor, heat exchanger and control system, delivering high COP performance and low energy consumption alongside low environmental impact.

Inverter fans continuously adjust speed according to condenser pressure and ambient temperature, producing only the airflow required rather than always running at full speed. Lower speed in cool and partial-load conditions reduces electricity and noise; controlled speed increases in hot weather maintain condenser pressure and unit performance.

R1234ze is a next-generation HFO with exceptionally low global-warming potential under EU F-Gas Regulation 2024/573. Its 100-year GWP is 1.37, far below conventional HFCs, aligning ZERO with the EU transition away from high-GWP refrigerants. Compliance also covers charge, containment, labelling, leak checks, recovery and authorised service work. Because R1234ze is an A2L mildly flammable refrigerant, the circuit, ventilation, gas detection, electrical equipment and safety scenarios are designed around its technical properties, combining low environmental impact, high efficiency and long-term European refrigerant objectives.

The ZERO Series’ high COP and strong part-load performance can deliver significant compressor-energy savings compared with conventional chiller systems. Actual savings depend on the efficiency of the existing unit, annual operating hours, load profile, condenser-water temperature and electricity unit price. Depending on real operating conditions, annual energy savings are generally evaluated in the 15–25% range. The definitive saving is determined through an annual energy simulation using the plant’s load profile and operating data.