Japanese manufacturer debuts new industrial CO₂ system

In a sign of the increasing demand for industrial CO₂ solutions, Japanese manufacturer Shibata Welding Construction Co. launched a new transcritical CO₂ system, designed for industrial applications, at HVAC&R Japan 2018.

The event, currently being held just outside Tokyo at the Makuhari Messe convention center (27 Feb-2 Mar), is organised by the Japan Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Industry Association (JRAIA).

"Production for this system has already started this year at our factory," Katsunori Shibata, president of Shibata Welding Construction, told R744.com at the show. 

"This year we are planning to manufacture 30-40 units which will go to our customers," Shibata added.

"In the near future, in a couple years, we will manufacture 100 units per year".

The system, dubbed 'Naturale series', is available in low and medium operating temperature ranges: -15°C to -50°C and +10°C to -25°C.

In terms of cooling capacity, the system ranges from 22 kW to 55 kW.

The system is also available in either air-cooled or water-cooled configurations and feature heat reclaim as an option.

The first system will be supplied at the end of March to a local contractor for "research and development purposes," said Shibata, who is also CEO of CAREL Japan. 

Shibata also revealed that customers who are interested in purchasing the unit have already contacted the local contractor.

The company expects to take advantage of the Japanese government's subsidies for natural refrigerant systems, which apply to cold storage and logistics facilities, that are once again available this year.

"The [Japanese] market is ready for these solutions now and the government will begin providing subsidies again in April 2018, so now in February and March, it is a good time to debut the system," said Shibata.

Overseas component suppliers Carel, Bitzer, ESK Schultze, Alfa Laval, and Güntner, among others contributed to the manufacturing of the 'Naturale series'.