Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd. (MHI Thermal Systems) has received the 52nd Technology Award (2024) from the Japan Society of Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (JSRAE) for its JHT-Y/JHT-YI series of large-capacity centrifugal chillers using the low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant HFO-1234yf. The award ceremony took place in Tokyo on May 15.
The JHT-Y (constant-speed) and JHT-YI (inverter-equipped) chillers, launched in June 2022, are designed for capacities ranging from 300 to 5,400 refrigeration tons (RT), targeting rapidly growing markets such as large-scale data centers. These chillers achieve high efficiency with a maximum rated COP of 6.4 (JHT-Y) and an IPLV of 8.8 (JHT-YI). Their compact compressor design and optimized layout facilitate easy replacement of older equipment, reducing annual energy use and CO2 emissions by approximately 65%.
HFO-1234yf is an environmentally friendly refrigerant with a GWP below 1 and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). It complies with Japan’s revised fluorocarbon regulations, which increasingly restrict high-GWP refrigerants like HFC-134a. The new chillers thus meet future regulatory requirements and growing market demand for low-GWP systems.
This marks the third JSRAE Technology Award for MHI’s centrifugal chillers, following previous wins in 2002 and 2015. The JHT-Y/JHT-YI series also won the 2024 Minister of the Environment Award for Climate Action.
MHI Thermal Systems plans to continue advancing environmentally friendly refrigeration technology, covering a wide capacity range with products like the JHT-Y/JHT-YI and the smaller ETI-Z series, contributing to global environmental protection efforts.
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