Airedale adapts TurboChill chiller to replace R22 at National Gallery
To replace inefficient R22 chillers at the National Gallery in London, Airedale has designed an efficient bespoke solution based on the Turbocor R134a oil-free compressor with magnetic bearings. Four TurboChill chillers have already been installed, and two more will become operational in 2011. A bespoke sequencing scheme designed by Airedale Controls specialists will integrate the six chillers into a single, highly efficient operating system.
Steve Vandyke, head of technical services with the National Gallery, said, ‘The existing R22 chillers had to be discontinued by 2010. They were very costly and not performing. Airedale designed a bespoke TurboChill unit to the existing footprint in the restricted space of the plant area and supplying chilled water to a primary circuit. The standard 7 m length has been reduced to 6 m.
‘The first chillers installed have saved us approximately £16 000 over the last year compared with the R22 chiller. The compressor is maintenance-free, and since there is no oil in the refrigeration circuit, the chiller itself requires far less maintenance.’
The full-load EER is 2.82 compared with 1.5 for the R22 chillers. A 25% ESEER rating of 5.87 is being achieved
Mechanical consultant for the project was Troup, Bywaters & Anders. Systems equipment was installed and commissioned by Capri Mechanical Services.
