Panasonic saves space and costs with 2nd generation of CO2 systems
Hidekazu Tachibana, Condensing Unit Group Manager of Panasonic presented Panasonic’s new CO2 refrigeration systems. On display at the booth was a complete line up of the company’s new pressure adjust control type refrigeration system, which includes the following condensing units (OCU):
- 2 HP OCU
- 10 HP side flow type OCU
- 10 HP top flow type OCU
- 15 HP / 20 HP top flow OCU
Compared to the first generation models, the new 15 and 20 HP models are about 600mm smaller in width, and their weight is reduced by 20%. Thanks to the use of a single fan structure, installation space is diminished by 25% and noise significantly reduced. Panasonic engineers have worked hard on the new design to make it lighter and more compact than an R404a model with the same output. The new systems will be available as from April 2015.
We have expanded our refrigeration system line-up to prepare for full-scale adoption on the market,”
Tachibana.
In addition, Tachibana introduced the new copper piping used for the second generation CO2 systems. Thanks to pressure being controlled at the showcase side at around 6MPa the system works with smaller diameter high-strength copper piping. The new piping design decreases the weight of the tubing systems by 31% and cost by 18%, while also allowing for easier installation and easier tuning of refrigerant volume.
The latest CO2 showcases and a new central control system
Mitsuaki Akuzawa, Sales Promotion Group Manager at Panasonic presented the company’s newly debuted EV series display cases for supermarkets. Panasonic announced it is extending its line up of CO2 showcases, increasing the number of models using CO2 as a refrigerant from 272 to 651 in 2015.
With this addition,” said Akuzawa, “we are now able to better help stores become more environmentally friendly.”
The new showcases feature multiple temperature sensors, including suction and discharge sensors, guaranteeing uniform temperature throughout the cooling compartment. Additionally, the electronic expansion valve has helped to achieve significant energy savings. The cases also feature five types of lighting inside the cooling compartments, which can be selected to best match customers’ needs.
Akuzawa also introduced a new control system for monitoring temperature and power consumption in order to achieve increased energy efficiency throughout the whole store. Featuring a touch panel for enhanced operability, the controller can be used to connect all of a store’s HVAC&R systems including display cases, centralised refrigeration system, air conditioning and lighting units. It enables remote monitoring and control via a cloud service.
Bitzer and SWC debut CO2 TC booster for Japanese convenience stores
Bitzer Japan’s Managing Director Ferdinand Spannan, presented the all-new CO2 booster unit by Shibata Welding Construction (SWC), Co., a long-standing partner of Bitzer Japan. The unit is designed for convenience stores and is able to cater to two different temperature zones, mid and low range, simultaneously from 0°C to negative 50°C. This one system can be used to meet the entire refrigeration demand of a single convenience store. At the core of the unit are four Bitzer compressors, two 7HP and two 0.8 HP compressors. The system has a capacity of 23 HP equivalent. Output on the mid-temperature range is 20 kW and 4 kW on the low temperature range.
SWC Company President Katsunori Shibata, announced plans to launch two more models, a 30HP and a 40HP system, both designed for supermarkets, in the near future, as well as models for logistic centres within the next two years.
Spannan noted the potential market opportunity for natural refrigerants in Japan, stating,
Bitzer, as a compressor maker, has built over 40,000 CO2 compressors so far, and has 15 years of experience. We are here, and the technology is ready, so we are certainly available for collaboration in the Japanese market.”
