Magnetic-bearing chillers optimised for near-zero GWP R1234ze refrigerant

Trane introduces new air-cooled Sintenis eXcellent GVAF and water-cooled XStream eXcellent GVWF chillers with magnetic-bearing compressors optimised for the near zero global warming potential (GWP) R1234ze refrigerant. 

The new high-speed centrifugal compressor technology allows the units offer larger capacities, wider operating maps matching the toughest European climate conditions, and increased seasonal efficiencies, all within a smaller size.

The R1234ze refrigerant has a GWP value of one to exceed current F-Gas legislation requirements and help customers reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and achieve extreme part load and full load efficiencies.

Erik van Oossanen, portfolio leader at Trane Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said: “The new magnetic-bearing compressor technology optimised for R-1234ze has opened the door for solutions that achieve much higher efficiencies, reliably perform in wider operating maps and do so within a smaller footprint, prioritising low impact on the environment. Thanks to the smaller size, the new Trane chillers are also ideally suited for replacement of older generation chillers, allowing customers to benefit from higher efficiencies with lower overall total cost of ownership.”

The new air-cooled Sintesis eXcellent GVAF models offer capacities from 450kW to 1600kW with seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) up to 6.5, which makes them suitable for hospitals, office buildings and industrial process applications. Additionally, the new Sintesis eXcellent GVAF features models specifically designed for data centre applications with capacity up to 1900kW. Stronger operating map allows the units to deliver reliable cooling at even +48°C ambient temperatures addressing the needs of customers facing extreme heat waves across Europe. GVAF XSS, the smaller version of the Sintesis eXcellent is up to 3375 mm shorter than the standard frame of similar capacity, which makes it perfectly suited for replacement of old generation chillers or where more efficiency is needed within a smaller space.

The new water-cooled XStream eXcellent GVWF chillers benefit from the magnetic-bearing technology optimised for R-1234ze refrigerant, and now offer increased performance and cost-effectiveness. The new GVWF XSE range delivers from 380 up to 2.1 MW of capacity with SEER of up to 10 and enlarged operating map of up to 30°C evaporator leaving water temperature, making it ideal for comfort cooling, data centres and industrial process applications.

The upgraded Trane Sintesis eXcellent GVAF and Trane XStream eXcellent chillers feature the latest Trane Symbio 800 adaptive controller that offers intelligent control over the operational reliability and efficiency of the cooling system.

Trane Symbio 800 controller can keep the unit running despite the most challenging conditions and occurrences, when other units would simply shut down. This is particularly important for data centres, which need to operate day and night, 365 days a year. The new features specifically designed for the Sintesis eXcellent GVAF include:

New, embedded software designed to react quicker and restart the unit faster in case of an unexpected shutdown.

Enhanced connectivity with the capability to support numerous communication protocols including LonTalk, Modbus, BACnet, IP, WiFi etc. allowing to monitor all elements of the plant.

Uninterrupted power supply. The Symbio 800 controller can be connected to a safe power source. This eliminates the need to reboot the controller in case of a power crash, ensuring continuous availability of the controller to immediately manage the compressors once the power is back.

To take advantage of low ambient conditions, the new Trane chillers also include optimised free cooling system for more efficient combination offering minimised energy consumption of the system.

The development of new Sintesis eXcellent GVAF and XStream eXcellent GVWF chillers with R-1234ze aligns with Trane Technologies 2030 sustainability aspirations, and the bold commitment to reduce customers’ carbon emissions by one gigaton – equivalent to the annual emissions of Italy, France and the United Kingdom combined.