Smardt’s SSiC integrates the energy-saving potential of Danfoss Turbocor® oil-free, magnetic bearing compressors with solar-driven condenser fans into its air-cooled centrifugal chillers. The new chillers utilize a direct connection of a solar array mounted above the chillers to ac/dc condenser fans through Smardt’s patent-pending Smardt SolarLogix controller. The number of fans run by the sun is based on the size of the solar array. As an example of the energy savings achieved, a 15-panel solar array string mounted above the fans will displace up to 25 percent of the load. As an added design benefit, the fans help to keep the back side of the solar array cool, which improves solar efficiencies. The solar array also creates shade, which, in turn, slightly cools the air going into the chiller’s condenser coils.

SSiC eliminates the cost of utility grid equipment through a direct connection to ac/dc fan motors, and the oil-free Danfoss Turbocor compressors help to reduce maintenance and noise. Plus, with integrated part load value (IPLV) efficiency improvements up to 15 percent, the system has proven to have a payback of less than two years in high-cost electricity markets.

John Galyen, president, Danfoss North America, and Ricardo Schneider, president, Danfoss Turbocor Compressors presented the award on Dec. 5 to Smardt’s Vince Canino, global chief operating officer, and Greg Tutwiler, chief technology officer. Awards were issued in Tallahassee, Florida, prior to the inaugural ceremony of the first Danfoss Application Development Center test chamber.

“Danfoss is pleased to recognize Smardt Chiller Group with the seventh EnVisioneer of the Year award,” said Galyen. “The SSiC is a great example of innovation that goes beyond expectations to raise the bar on energy efficiency. By integrating both renewable solar and energy-efficient, oil-free variable speed technology into its chillers, Smardt has demonstrated its commitment to engineering innovative solutions that are positioned to help the industry meet future energy standards while reducing costs.”

“At Smardt, we see customer-focused innovation as our core competence. SSiC came together as a result of integrating several emerging technologies in one novel step. Outstanding teamwork between Smardt and our collaborators at Danfoss, EBM [ebm-papst], Solar World, and SunModo was the key to bringing this new product to market so quickly,” said Canino. “Smardt’s core values as a global energy pioneer include technical rigor, focus on the customer experience, and creative collaboration with emerging technologies to improve and enhance that customer experience.”

Smardt Chiller Group Founder and CEO, Roger Richmond-Smith, added, “Smardt was created to lead the revolutionary Danfoss Turbocor compression technology into chillers with leading-edge controls, heat exchangers, and systems-integration technologies. As global number one in oil-free centrifugal chillers, continued innovation is the only way we can expand that role. It means our customers enjoy much lower life cycle costs and can take credit for enormous reductions in GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions across the globe.”

The EnVisioneer of the Year competition is judged, and the winner is chosen by an independent third party judging panel.

For more information about the EnVisioneer of the Year award program, visit Danfoss.

Publication date: 12/13/2016

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