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With the new six-cylinder Ecoline+ reciprocating compressors for transcritical CO2 applications, Bitzer is setting a new benchmark in the use of CO2 as a future-compliant refrigerant.

The Bitzer Ecoline+ series boasts three key developments including a new motor technology to achieve new levels of energy efficiency.

Along with the mechanical capacity control, which is also new for transcritical CO2 applications, system efficiency has increased considerably in full and part-load operation.

The new operating concept with the IQ modules was developed to take full advantage of the potential of the new technologies in terms of energy efficiency and straightforward integration into refrigeration systems, while ensuring simple service.

Speaking at Chillventa 2016, Bitzer CTO, Rainer Große-Kracht, said the goal is to make CO2 technology simpler and easier to use. “The ability to provide refrigeration solutions that are reliable over the long term will require expanding access to CO2 technology,” he said.

Specifically, further development begin with a line-start permanent-magnet motor (LSPM), which can be operated directly in networks with 50 or 60 Hertz. Incorporating permanent magnets has made it possible to significantly increase motor efficiency in full and part-load operation.

In addition to accommodating operation with frequency inverters, the new Ecoline compressors can also be equipped with new mechanical capacity control for the first time, enabling compressor operation with a refrigerating capacity between 10 and 100 per cent.

The capacity control, which can comprise one controller in two-cylinder compressors and up to three controllers in six-cylinder compressors, is adjusted just as it is with the well-known capacity control of HFC refrigeration compressors.

“CO2 is one of the refrigerants of the future – we at Bitzer believe that wholeheartedly. That’s because this refrigerant boasts a global warming potential (GWP) of 1, making it virtually climate-neutral,” Große-Kracht said.