Into the cooling EVOlution

Eurochiller, now part of the Atlas Copco group of companies, has launched its new GCevo series, said to be an innovative development of its established GC chillers range. “GCevo air- or water-cooled process water chillers now offer cooling capacities ranging from 4 to 122 kW and full compliance with the Tier 2 Eco Design Directive − plus an energy-saving performance that exceeds the SEPR requirement,” states Eurochiller.

Energy efficiency is the major feature of the new range: from 1 January 2021, every chiller sold within Europe has had to meet the new and stringent minimum energy performance standards (MEPS), established according to the type of unit and cooling capacity, under the EcoDesign Directive. “The GCevo-A/C series fully satisfies these requirements, and all models achieve and even exceed the Seasonal Energy Performance Ratio (SEPR) thereby attaining the maximum level of energy savings.”

Constant control

Major features of the GCevo design concern control, monitoring and operational safety characteristics. Specific models in the 12/110 sizes range are equipped with an IQ21 + Icons touch screen IP-54 rated control panel, which provides the algorithms to control the chiller parameters constantly and continuously.

“The user-friendly, interactive interface facilitates remote control of the working parameters for each unit, allowing precise regulation of the working conditions, thus benefiting the quality and performance of the process operation.”

All units are equipped with multiple features to guarantee operational safety. Probes and sensors communicate in real time to control panels for prompt reporting of functional anomalies.

All-in-one installation

Redesigned to reduce overall dimensions, all the GCevo components are integrated and harmonised within a sturdy, galvanised steel, epoxy powder coated frame that allows units to be installed outdoors, with no additional protection. The tank and pump are fabricated in stainless steel to prevent rust formation from process water, while coated aluminium microchannel condensers with corrosion resistance “not only provide assured longevity, but reduce the refrigerant charge by 30%, compared to standard condenser designs,” adds Eurochiller.

Other major features include hermetic scroll compressors (Gas R407c / R134a) with phase sequence control systems to protect compressor operation, in case of power supply variations, and all air-cooled units are fitted with axial fans.

Models within the new GCevo range can be supplied with different hydraulic and fan configurations to match specific requirements and allow the chiller to be used in a wide variety of applications and environments.