Thermal Care Brings Industry 4.0 to Process Cooling
Improved PLC control capabilities and the introduction of a new Industry 4.0 inspired software platform are among the highlights of Thermal Care’s NPE2018 booth (W3163).
The manufacturer of process cooling equipment launched its Connex4.0 platform here at the show, calling it Industry 4.0 software that will allow processors to control and monitor any Thermal Care piece of equipment from any device that has internet access. At the booth, show visitors can see a simulation of how the system grants secure remote access to all connected equipment so processors “have confidence their process is running smoothly, no matter where they are,” a Thermal Care spokesperson says.
The company also announced an expansion of its TSE Central Chiller product line and introduced a new control system for its stainless steel pump tanks with variable frequency drives (VFDs). The controller is fully configurable and expandable, allowing updates as processors build out their water systems. In addition to pump tanks, the new control can manage any cooling tower, free cooling system or adiabatic system out of the box and without special programming.
The company’s booth also features an energy efficient, single circuit TC Central Chiller with a variable speed centrifugal compressor and updated PLC controls—Connex4.0 ready—as well as several portable chillers from the Accuchiller Series, including a 5-ton outdoor duty unit designed for harsh environments with an epoxy coated condenser and extreme duty HMI. In addition, attendees can check out a 10-ton unit with variable speed compressor and a 2-ton compact, portable chiller with a small footprint.
In water temperature controllers, the company is exhibiting a full line highlighting Thermal Care’s basic, standard, and premium controllers. Standard options here include a C-UL508A control panel, 5-hp pump and 18-kW heater. Beyond water, the company is also displaying its Oiltherm RO hot-oil temperature controller and its Vactherm RO positive/negative pressure unit.
As reported before the show, Thermal Care updated its central chiller control systems with a new technology that continuously calculates the lowest allowable refrigerant pressure for any combination of operating conditions in order to maximize energy savings and provide more stable and smooth refrigerant pressure control, especially under varying load and condenser inlet temperatures.
Called Dynamic Lift, the technology also adds direct control of remote condenser fans or condenser water regulating valves for added savings. According to Thermal Care, customers will see an average 25% reduction on part-load total chiller energy use at a 50 F set point.
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