Rittal has significantly improved its cooling technology for machines and enclosures with its new “Blue e” chillers in the 11 to 25 kW output class range. Using 40 percent less refrigerant, the devices are making an important contribution to sustainable environmental protection. At the same time, users are benefiting from precise temperature control, simplified operation and installation, as well as from new safety functions. Pre-configured option packages that are quickly available from stock can meet almost any need: for precision control systems, with higher pressure requirements or for robust outdoor applications in cold zones.
The recooling of liquids by means of chillers is one of the basic requirements for smooth operation in many industrial manufacturing processes. For example, enclosures and especially machine tools must have an exact temperature control feature for the precise machining of metal. Besides that, solutions are called for that are easy to operate and install and which offer maximum safety. Users are also no longer willing and ready to accept long delivery times. Customised technical solutions must be quickly available off the shelf and as standard. And finally, customers increasing focus on sustainability and environmental friendliness.
Sustainable and environmentally friendly cooling
With the development of its new Blue e chiller, Rittal can offer a mature solution package that meets all these needs. As well as the Blue e+ chillers with 1.5 to 6 kW, the chillers are now available in the robust industrial standard (IP 44, electrical) in four output classes ranging from 11 to 25 kW and in the two enclosure sizes of 660 x 1265 x 1315 mm and 760 x 1265 x 1515 mm (Wx Hx D) – in addition to Blue e+ chillers from 1,5 to 6 kW. Thanks to the use of micro-channel technology and the resulting very high fin efficiency of the heat exchangers (extruded aluminium profile with small channels and with a diameter of around 1 mm), the devices require 40 percent less refrigerant than before. Since the heat exchangers are 100 percent made of aluminium, galvanic corrosion cannot occur.
Regulating according to need
The fan and compressor are regulated centrally via a digital controller. This way, the temperature of the cooling medium can be precisely regulated: By default, the hysteresis is ± 2 K; however, a precision control (hot gas bypass) of ± 0.25 K is also possible as an option. This prevents temperature fluctuations that cause inaccuracies on the machined workpiece, and also ensures consistent quality.
Easy to use
The multilingual and industrial-grade touch display on the front of the chiller and the intelligent communication interfaces make both operation and analysis easy. Consequently, the parameterisation of the devices, as well as the read-out of the data and system messages are performed clearly and quickly and shown in plain text. Error messages are prioritised and displayed in three escalation levels (note, error and maintenance).
Rapid assembly
Blue e Chillers are wired ready for connection and can be quickly put into operation via plug-and-play. Lifting eyebolts make transport easy, as does the base/plinth, which is suitable for transport by forklift truck. Uniform water connections, an adjustable overflow valve (bypass valve) and ideal accessibility to all the components make it easier for fitters and service staff to work on the units.
Safety has been thought through
Integrated overflow valves ensure a constant circulation of cooling water when the consumer is closed and the pump is running. This protects the coolant pump from overload. The valve is pre-set for the pump being used and for 50-Hz operation but it can also be set for 60-Hz operation. A filling level monitoring system ensures maximum reliability and improved availability. Besides this, optional flow monitors emit an alarm if the flow rate is too low and they can detect hydraulic errors such as contamination and blockages in the system at an early stage.
Option package quickly available
As an extra service, Rittal also offers pre-configured option packages that are available quickly from stock and which offer a suitable solution for almost any demand. For example, performance enhanced pumps (4 and 6 bar) are available for multi-circuit systems. If necessary, a precision control system (hot gas bypass) can be used to improve control accuracy from ± 2 K to ± 0.25 K. In addition, the Blue e chillers can be prepared for cold zones of down to -20°C, as well as for laser applications, and they can also be fitted with a water-cooled condenser or with heating, and customised with special paint.
The recooling of liquids by means of chillers is one of the basic requirements for smooth operation in many industrial manufacturing processes. For example, enclosures and especially machine tools must have an exact temperature control feature for the precise machining of metal. Besides that, solutions are called for that are easy to operate and install and which offer maximum safety. Users are also no longer willing and ready to accept long delivery times. Customised technical solutions must be quickly available off the shelf and as standard. And finally, customers increasing focus on sustainability and environmental friendliness.
Sustainable and environmentally friendly cooling
With the development of its new Blue e chiller, Rittal can offer a mature solution package that meets all these needs. As well as the Blue e+ chillers with 1.5 to 6 kW, the chillers are now available in the robust industrial standard (IP 44, electrical) in four output classes ranging from 11 to 25 kW and in the two enclosure sizes of 660 x 1265 x 1315 mm and 760 x 1265 x 1515 mm (Wx Hx D) – in addition to Blue e+ chillers from 1,5 to 6 kW. Thanks to the use of micro-channel technology and the resulting very high fin efficiency of the heat exchangers (extruded aluminium profile with small channels and with a diameter of around 1 mm), the devices require 40 percent less refrigerant than before. Since the heat exchangers are 100 percent made of aluminium, galvanic corrosion cannot occur.
Regulating according to need
The fan and compressor are regulated centrally via a digital controller. This way, the temperature of the cooling medium can be precisely regulated: By default, the hysteresis is ± 2 K; however, a precision control (hot gas bypass) of ± 0.25 K is also possible as an option. This prevents temperature fluctuations that cause inaccuracies on the machined workpiece, and also ensures consistent quality.
Easy to use
The multilingual and industrial-grade touch display on the front of the chiller and the intelligent communication interfaces make both operation and analysis easy. Consequently, the parameterisation of the devices, as well as the read-out of the data and system messages are performed clearly and quickly and shown in plain text. Error messages are prioritised and displayed in three escalation levels (note, error and maintenance).
Rapid assembly
Blue e Chillers are wired ready for connection and can be quickly put into operation via plug-and-play. Lifting eyebolts make transport easy, as does the base/plinth, which is suitable for transport by forklift truck. Uniform water connections, an adjustable overflow valve (bypass valve) and ideal accessibility to all the components make it easier for fitters and service staff to work on the units.
Safety has been thought through
Integrated overflow valves ensure a constant circulation of cooling water when the consumer is closed and the pump is running. This protects the coolant pump from overload. The valve is pre-set for the pump being used and for 50-Hz operation but it can also be set for 60-Hz operation. A filling level monitoring system ensures maximum reliability and improved availability. Besides this, optional flow monitors emit an alarm if the flow rate is too low and they can detect hydraulic errors such as contamination and blockages in the system at an early stage.
Option package quickly available
As an extra service, Rittal also offers pre-configured option packages that are available quickly from stock and which offer a suitable solution for almost any demand. For example, performance enhanced pumps (4 and 6 bar) are available for multi-circuit systems. If necessary, a precision control system (hot gas bypass) can be used to improve control accuracy from ± 2 K to ± 0.25 K. In addition, the Blue e chillers can be prepared for cold zones of down to -20°C, as well as for laser applications, and they can also be fitted with a water-cooled condenser or with heating, and customised with special paint.
