COILS, COOLERS AND CONDENSERS
systems, including various types of industrial cooling systems. When its engineers saw the growing market demand for a new generation of commercial refrigeration systems, they began developing a completely new line of products. The small self-contained coolers from MTL Cool are easy to install and use as bottle coolers or for displaying deli meats, sandwiches and other refrigerated food products. They typically maintain temperatures between 36°F and 41°F (that is, –1°C to 5°C).
According to Mark Bedard, chief executive of MTL Cool, the manufacturing of the MicroGroove system is not much diff erent than any other system. There are certain nuances with regard to the cabinet design for enclosing a propane- based refrigeration system. For example, metal- bladed fans or electrical components that could generate sparks cannot be used in the system. Since metal-blade fans are rarely used nowadays anyway, that was an easy requirement to meet. MTL Cool approached Super Radiator Coils for the coil design and SRC was able to provide prototype heat exchangers for both the evaporator and the condenser. When the system is charged with refrigerant, it has to be sealed using a fl ameless ultrasonic welding system. Also, the heat exchangers must be thoroughly leak tested. Various other standards must be followed in the cabinet design as outlined in industry standards. While cost of materials was not a driver in the selection of coil materials, it was noted by Mr Bedard that smaller diameter tubes result in a reduced consumption of materials. Also, reliability was improved because smaller- diameter tubes are stronger tubes. MicroGroove has a proven track record for air-conditioning applications, especially for residential AC units. Smaller-diameter, inner- grooved copper tubes have been successful in outdoor condenser units and indoor evaporators as well as window-type air conditioners. Initially, there was a shortage of refrigeration technicians and contractors who could service
propane-based coolers. This issue has now been remedied and qualifi ed technicians can be found in the fi eld in most regions where MTL Cool sells its products. Furthermore, propane can be vented to the air. It does not have to be recycled because it has a very low GWP and low cost. The engineers at MTL Cool
briefl y looked at microchannel aluminum for use as a coil material. However, among other drawbacks, the tendency for lubricant oil to become entrapped in the channels was a major issue. Overall, MTL Cool has more familiarity with copper and its engineers were more comfortable with its track record for reliability. MTL Cool is rapidly expanding to meet the demand for its propane- based MicroGroove cooling systems. A new factory under construction in Chambly, Quebec, outside of Montreal, is slated to go into production in 2017. As the volumes increase, the company may consider bringing the coil manufacturing inside. Mr Bedard said: “For now, we are content with buying our coils from trusted suppliers, including Super Radiator Coils.”
There may be a point where production volumes are high enough to consider investing in coils manufacturing equipment. According to Bedard, the 150 gram limit still allows for the use of propane-based refrigeration systems in a wide range of applications. This amount is suffi cient for most of the refrigeration needs in convenience stores, which is a huge market, and many grocery store applications,
where individual cabinets, each with its own compressor, can be installed. If the propane weight limit is increased to 500 grams, which has a good chance of happening, then a whole array of additional products could be manufactured with MicroGroove technology.
SBS
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www.acr-news.com October 2017 43
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