Due to energy cost trends and environmental considerations, the HVAC industry, along with chiller manufacturers, faces several challenges. While minimum efficiency levels are increasing, a greater emphasis is put on part-load performance. There is also a focus on sustainability, while at the same time, the pressure to be competitive has increased.

The BITZER answer to these demands in the scroll compressor segment is the new ORBIT 8 Series, which has just gone into series production.

The new series includes 6 displacement steps with cooling capacities from 39 to 103 kW at 50 Hz / 15 to 40 tons at 60 Hz and has been specifically designed for R410A.

Since the HVAC industry's efficiency requirements are changing, ORBIT 8 has been designed to assist chiller manufacturers in obtaining even higher efficiency levels than those required by current standards. This is ensured with the development of two scroll compressor versions with the same capacity − one series optimized for air-cooled applications and heat pumps, the other for water-cooled chiller operation. The ORBIT Boreal − for water-cooled systems − is the first of its kind in the industry. The new version reaches ESEER data up to 15% higher than with conventional scroll design. This has been achieved by an optimal compression ratio for lower condensing temperatures, such as those found in water-cooled applications. Adapted motors are used, resulting in lower applied cost and better efficiency during part-load operation. Just like the air-cooled version, ORBIT 8 Boreal offers 6 capacity steps. For both versions, assembly kits for even and uneven tandems and trios are available.

A second major advantage is the sound level, which is 3 dBA lower than that of competitive products. Furthermore, the shell diameter and weight have been reduced.

Another advantageous characteristic is the very low oil circulation rate of less than 1%, which leads to improved heat transfer and oil circulation characteristics and thus provides higher system efficiency and reliability. Footprint and connection points match the industry standard.

The new series is developed and produced in BITZER’s new scroll compressor design and manufacturing center in Syracuse, NY, which was officially opened in October 2009.

• BITZER launches Optimized Screw and Scroll Compressors
• Introduces Variable Speed Recips
• Goes Green with CO2 Compressors.

BITZER Kühlmaschinenbau GmbH used the occasion of the AHR EXPO in Orlando, Florida on January 24 – 26th to introduce the U.S. HVAC industry to its new series of Optimized Screw and Scroll Compressors. BITZER’s compact CSW Screw Compressor for R134a and R407C chillers outperforms all competitor Screw models and even rivals the performance of alternate centrifugal technologies in water cooled chillers at a much more economical price. The CSW series is available in capacities from 40 to 255 nominal tons and offers infinite or 4-step capacity control.

Likewise, BITZER’s new ORBIT 8 Boreal Scroll Compressor, manufactured at its new Syracuse, NY plant, is also optimized for low-condensing temp applications to achieve even greater efficiencies. For water-cooled chillers, our Boreal Scroll Compressor outperforms the competition by more than 5% at full-load and 15% at part-load. This R410A series is available in capacities ranging from 15 to 40 nominal tons and can be applied in tandem and trio applications.

Continuing its theme of offering the industry’s most energy efficient compressors, BITZER also featured its Frequency Inverter (FI) OCTAGON VARISPEED Compressor. BITZER’s Frequency Inverter is actually flanged on the compressor’s motor cover, enabling the unit to be cooled by the compressor’s suction gas. Therefore, no fan or regular maintenance work is required. Whether a single circuit or parallel rack system, our OCTAGON VARISPEED precisely matches capacity to load, achieving outstanding energy efficiencies.

BITZER also introduced its new BITZER ECOLINE Semi-Hermetic Compressor Series which is optimized for R134a, medium temp applications. The application limits have been expanded toward lower condensing temperatures so that the annual COP can increase up to 20%.

As an industry leader in “Green” solutions, BITZER displayed an OCTAGON CO2 compressor, one of 17 models ranging from 13,000 to 400,000 Btu/h cooling capacity (–25°F/ +20°F). These are intended for sub-critical CO2 cascade applications like those found in Supermarkets.

BITZER’s booth also featured the F400 aluminum, open drive compressor for bus air-conditioning and the ELH Horizontal Scroll Compressor for railcar air-conditioning.

BITZER Kühlmaschinenbau GmbH celebrated its 75th anniversary with customers, suppliers, journalists, and employees. Since its foundation, the Sindelfingen based company has developed into a worldwide leading manufacturer of compressors, condensers and pressure vessels for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. The Management Board took a positive stock of the past decades and had an optimistic view for the future despite the current economic crisis.

BITZER Kühlmaschinenbau GmbH was founded as "Apparatebau für Kältetechnik" ("Apparatus Engineering for Refrigeration Technology") by Martin BITZER in 1934, and proudly looks back on 75 years of company history. Besides employees and journalists, also customers and suppliers from all over the world have been invited to the ceremony taking place on 4th of December. More than 300 guests celebrated the memorable jubilee together with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Schaufler, Senator h. c. Large screens in the „SCHAUWERK Sindelfingen", the former production site of BITZER reciprocating and screw compressors, guided the participants through history: They displayed BITZER manufacturing plants as well as products from the past and the present and brought the past and the future of the company to life. "SCHAUWERK Sindelfingen" is the name of the new museum, where art lover Peter Schaufler will open his collection of contemporary art pieces to the public in June 2010.

Peter Schaufler took over BITZER in 1979 – since then the company has grown continuously and achieved mostly two-digit growth rates. Since October 2008, however, even at BITZER the effects of the economic crisis are noticeable. "The economic and financial crisis has certainly affected our business as well", said Peter Schaufler. "But despite the decline in order income from October to December 2008, the last year was the second best in company history." Since July 2009, the order situation has stabilized – CEO Peter Schaufler anticipates a sales decline of only twenty percent for the running business year versus the previous year. He counts on a recovery next year: "Based on the results of 2009, we expect a growth rate of around ten percent in 2010. Due to cost cutting measures that have already put into effect, BITZER will not have any enforced redundancies in 2010".

The optimism has several reasons: Meanwhile the positive signals from the refrigeration and air conditioning industry are increasing.

And BITZER is back on track for growth again. "Amongst other things, this is due to our strong innovations as well as our ability to recognize and meet the requirements of the market," explained Peter Schaufler. An example, he said, is the development and production of extremely energy efficient screw compressors as well as the usage of natural and environmental friendly refrigerants. "In the future we will keep offering our customers individual solutions and strengthen our market leadership," said Peter Schaufler.

BITZER Scroll, Inc. a subsidiary of BITZER SE of Sindelfingen, Germany, celebrated the Grand Opening of its new scroll compressor design and manufacturing center in Syracuse, NY on October 13th. This plant, BITZER’s second in the U.S., will focus on manufacturing commercial R410A Scroll Compressors.

The ribbon cutting was presided over by Mr. Peter Schaufler, Senator h. c., under whose leadership and vision has developed BITZER into a global leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced compressors and other technologies for the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industries.

Richard Kobor, Chief Technology Officer and President of BITZER Scroll, Inc. led the delegation of chief officers and executives from Germany in meeting with key customers, supplier partners and government officials. Mr. Kobor said of the event, "Our competence in research and development led us to select this site due to the wealth of product design and advanced manufacturing talent in the area."

Mike McKee, General Manager of BITZER Scroll said of the event, "We’re excited to show off our state-of-the-art production facilities and the advanced Scroll Compressors that we are building for both domestic and international customers."

Already a global leader in screw and semi-hermetic reciprocating compressors, BITZER is committed to expanding its presence in the commercial A/C, process chiller and heat pump markets worldwide. By adding commercial Scroll Compressors to its product portfolio of Screw Compressors, BITZER can now offer A/C OEMs and contractors a range of products from 20 to 320 HP. The new BITZER Scrolls offer the same benefits that one has come to expect from BITZER…quiet, efficient and reliable performance backed by world class customer support.