BITZER’s ECOLITE 2.0 range of air-cooled condensing units has been named Refrigeration Product of the Year in the ACR News Awards 2023.
ECOLITE 2.0 is designed to meet the needs of cost-conscious end-users looking for a high-efficiency, easy-to-install product made from reliable BITZER components, that minimises energy and servicing costs while reducing their carbon footprint.
The units are optimised for use with the new generation of lower and ultra-low GWP A2L refrigerants (R550A, R513A, R1234yf, R1234ze(E), R404A, R448A, R449A, R407A/C/F, R454C, R134a, R455A), delivering the most efficient operation for all current and long-term future refrigerants, with an operating range from minus 45°C to 0°C without liquid injection.
To boost efficiency further, the systems are available with a heat recovery option, enabling end users to harness heat from the condenser that would otherwise be wasted to air, to produce hot water for process applications, heating or domestic hot water.
Kevin Glass, BITZER UK Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to have received this independent industry recognition for ECOLITE 2.0. Its excellent efficiency, competitive price point and ability to be used with a wide range of lower and ultra-low GWP refrigerants makes it an attractive option for end users keen to reduce running costs and cut their carbon footprint.”
He added: “Add to this the wide operating range, ease of installation and BITZER’s legendary reliability, and we believe it will become a go-to solution for applications such as convenience stores, forecourts, bakeries and food manufacturing.”
ECOLITE is designed from the ground up to deliver energy efficiency through a combination of advanced technology and design features. Compressor capacity is managed by quick reacting CRII–VARISTEP control, developed by BITZER as a lower-cost but highly effective alternative to expensive inverter-based systems.
Other features that contribute to efficiency and performance are:
- A second set-point to control night operation;
- An ECO mode made possible by fine control of fan speed;
- A function that allows condensing temperatures to float, depending on current load and ambient;
- Narrower band of fluctuation for low pressure, allowing higher evaporation temperatures, delivering COP gains of around 2-3per cent per K:
- Reduced compressor starts resulting in lower current draw;
- Better control of the temperature set point.
Another important advantage of ECOLITE 2.0 is that, unlike some condensing units, this BITZER range is based on semi-hermetic compressors, which can be repaired in the event of a problem. This extends the working life of ECOLITE units and gives a major benefit in terms of 360-degree sustainability.
Innovations in Food (& Beverage) Processing & Packaging is a quarterly magazine distributed globally both in Print and Digital formats. www.innovationsfood.com. Twitter: @Innovfoodtech. Instagram: @innovationsinfoodtechnology. Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/terry-prior52
