Richfield, Wis. — Richfield-based auxiliary equipment manufacturer Delta T Systems Inc. has developed a single- and dual-zone temperature control heater and chiller package that combines energy efficient variable speed compressors and fan motors with a heating loop for precise temperature control.
The standard single controller and program is capable of controlling two processes at different temperatures and pumping capacities.
The chillers can be air or water cooled with a capacity of up to 30 tons while the heating unit has a capacity up to 36 kilowatts.
Chiller temperatures range from -10-100 °F (-12°C-38°C) while TCU temperatures heat up to 180°F (82°C) for water.
Temperature control within 0.5°F is achieved by using variable speed compressors, modulating valves, control algorithms and numerous sensors, according to company officials.
The system is suitable for plastics processors that use chillers and temperature control units (TCUs) in tandem, Delta T Systems President Jochen Naujokat said in a phone interview.
Applications include the distillation, converting, laser, food, pharmaceutical and other industries, he added.
"This is a combination of process heating and cooling systems in one package," Naujokat said. "In the same cabinet that the chiller makes cold water, we can add a heater circuit — dual zone or a single zone — so you can at the same time provide heating and cooling to the process."
Having both circuits contained in a common cabinet saves space and money, a Delta Systems news release says.
The variable-speed chillers also can reduce electrical consumption by up to 50 percent compared to fixed-speed units, the release says.
In addition, the combination units have industry-proven controls that log data, predict issues and allow continued operation at a lower speed before a mandatory maintenance shutdown is required, the release says.
As an option, the company also offers process monitoring software called DTS Smart Connect that enables remote chiller management and servicing.
When equipped with an upgraded, ethernet-enabled controller, all Delta T Systems chillers are able to upload specified process parameter data to a cloud-based server. This provides real-time and historical data, access to active alarms and alarm history, adjustment to any parameter setting and program upgrades.
Delta T Systems is rolling out DTS Smart Connect in two phases. The first-phase product offers faster service by company technicians, eliminates third-party contractor plant visits, increases production uptime and lowers maintenance costs, the release says.
The second phase will be released at the end of the year. The monitoring software will have additional functions in the form of chiller health report card, preventative maintenance suggestions, data logging, chiller usage charts and alarm summaries.
A previous version of this story said no other companies offer a combo heater-chiller unit as part of a standard product line. Mokon in Buffalo, N.Y., also offers its Full Range Systems combination heater-chiller package.