Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Corporation (MHI-AC&R) has developed N-Bleath, a compact brine chiller capable of handling ultra-low temperatures and uses nitrogen (N2), a natural refrigerant.
MHI-AC&R which is part of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Gro
up said sales of the product are scheduled to begin in April 2027.
Nitrogen is a natural refrigerant with a global warming potential (GWP) of zero, contributing to the protection of the ozone layer and curbing global warming.
Further, as a completely PFAS-free refrigerant, nitrogen contributes to reducing environmental impacts and health risks.
Additionally, the unit is equipped with a newly developed compact electric turbo from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger, Ltd. (MHIET). This enables product miniaturisation and high efficiency.
N-Bleath utilises the air refrigerant cycle technology adopted by MHI-AC&R over many years of research and development, allowing it to handle a wide range of ultra-low temperatures, from -40℃ to -100℃, with proprietary technology (patent pending) providing exceptional load following capability.
As such, expected use cases cover various fields and applications, including process cooling in the medical, pharmaceutical, chemical, and semiconductor sectors, as well as environmental testing in the aerospace and automotive sectors.
The unit has a compact and modular design, offering space savings and improved backup capabilities.
This lessens the installation constraints inherent with conventional large units and reduces the risk of equipment downtime.
Further, because nitrogen is used as a refrigerant, the unit has a low environmental impact and is safe for people. Because the unit is not subject to regulations such as Japan's High Pressure Gas Safety Act, maintenance and operation are straightforward.
MHIET's compact electric turbo combines a high-performance impeller and an ultra-high speed motor —developed using aerodynamic performance and high-speed rotation technologies cultivated through MHIET's turbocharger development.
This delivers a compact, lightweight form factor and outstanding energy efficiency. By adopting oil free bearings, the unit eliminates the need for periodic lubricating oil changes, significantly reducing maintenance requirements.
Moreover, because of the advanced thermal insulation, the turbo is capable of cooling into ultra-low temperature ranges below -100℃.
Leveraging the energy-saving capabilities, cooling performance, and environmental benefits of this compact electric turbo, MHIET will continue to explore its potential applications across a diverse product lineup and drive the creation of new value in the cold heat and energy sectors.
Going forward, MHI Group will promote the widespread adoption of cooling systems utilising PFAS-free natural refrigerants with ODP and GWP factors of zero, and by supplying compact electric turbos with high energy-saving performance, contribute to reducing environmental impacts in the ultra-low temperature market.