INTRODUCTION
In the vast world of refrigeration, technicians and engineers have been striving to provide optimum energy efficiency in the refrigerant cycle. Recently this has improved substantially with the introduction of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems.
However, when one spends time researching Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC-R), it quickly becomes apparent that no matter how complex a system's design, it essentially boils down to regulating the cooling and superheating of the refrigerant.
The production of liquid refrigerant, in addition to its quality and temperature, directly and critically impacts the efficiency and capacity of any refrigeration system.
Using recognized and well-established practices of refrigerant thermodynamics, a process has been developed that provides better quality sub-cooled liquid to the evaporation process.
The equipment that supplies this best quality sub-cooled liquid to Air Conditioning and Refrigeration systems is SubXero®, equipment manufactured by USINAZUL exclusively for Brazil.
COOLING COMPATIBILITY
SubXero® technology presents a simplistic design that, when applied to the refrigeration cycle, acts on the well-known thermodynamic process to subcool the refrigerant in a simple and effective way. Therefore, SubXero® can operate with any type of refrigerant.
It should be noted, however, that certain refrigerants, such as Ammonia, will require custom SubXero® manufacturing, although all results achieved by its implementation will remain the same.
RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)
The ROI for the end customer is on average 24 months, and may vary more or less, as the actual value depends on the cost of electricity avoided due to the rates paid. In areas with high electricity costs, the payback time may decrease considerably. Additionally, the costs of avoided maintenance are not computed, as the HVAC system that has a SubXero® reduces the compressor operating hours and, therefore, will increase the interval between maintenance.
WHO CAN INSTALL?
SubXero® should always be installed by a trained and qualified HVAC-R technician. Installation of SubXero® is relatively simple for trained personnel and does not require any specific tools other than those already used in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry.
USINAZUL performs installations, training and commissioning of the facilities. SubXero® is provided with a full factory warranty for repair and/or replacement of parts.
**The refrigeration system in which the SubXero® will be installed must have a valid maintenance contract for the entire period of operation.
INSTALLATION CAPACITY
SubXero® can be installed in virtually any size refrigeration system, from small residential systems to larger commercial and industrial systems.
The prefabricated modular units have a capacity of 5 TR, 7.5 TR and 10 TR (Refrigeration Tons), but operate for circuits ranging from 2 TR to 12 TR.
For circuits above the nominal capacity of 10 TR, equipment will be manufactured to order, the manufacturing time will depend on the volume.
The compressor pressurizes and heats the refrigerant fluid, which, after the evaporation process, flows to the condenser.
The condenser removes heat from the refrigerant, returning it from a gaseous state to a liquid, which typically flows directly to the system's expansion valve and evaporator.
The high-pressure liquid refrigerant is directed to the system's condenser, but not before passing through the SubXero®
The automated controller built into SubXero® monitors the operating and temperature parameters of the refrigeration system to determine when the compressor should operate, taking into account the functionality added by SubXero®.
Once the SubXero® is installed, this causes a small portion of the liquid supplied by the condenser to flow through the SubXero® heat sink, further cooling the refrigerant that will go to the system's expansion valve and evaporator, increasing the energy efficiency of the system as a whole.
This exclusive patented process increases the sub-cooling power of the refrigerant liquid and results in efficiency gains and reduced operating costs.
A negligible volume of refrigerant, which is now in the gaseous phase and heated, generated from the cooling process that occurs in the SubXero®, is directed back into the circuit, at the suction and inlet of the condenser.
