Proterial, Ltd., the Japanese materials manufacturer formerly known as Hitachi Metals, applied THERMAL-XR® graphene coating to an air-cooled chiller at its site in Thailand and measured a 9.77% reduction in energy use, translating to an estimated saving of 208,346 THB per year and a return on investment of under 2 years.
Case at a glance
| Customer | Proterial, Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Location | Thailand |
| Site type | Materials manufacturing plant |
| Equipment | Air-Cooled Chiller |
| Brand | Daikin |
| Capacity | 150 tons |
| Equipment age | 12 years |
| Energy savings | 9.77% |
| Annual cost saving | 208,346 THB/year |
| Return on investment | < 2 years |
Background
Air conditioning and chiller systems are among the largest electricity users on an industrial site. Over time, condenser coils lose heat transfer efficiency, which forces compressors to work harder and increases energy consumption. At Proterial’s site in Thailand, the cooling load is carried by a Daikin air-cooled chiller with a capacity of 150 tons, which has been in service for 12 years.
The solution: THERMAL-XR®
THERMAL-XR® is a graphene-enhanced coating from Graphene Manufacturing Group (GMG), designed to deliver superior heat transfer and protection for heat exchanger coils. The coils were cleaned and the coating was spray-applied to the condenser coils of the air-cooled chiller, with no change to the equipment itself.
Results
Energy use was compared before and after coating:
- Electricity usage: 1,578.90 kWh/day before coating vs 1,424.57 kWh/day after
- Electricity cost: 177,626 THB/month before coating vs 160,264 THB/month after
- Carbon emissions: 257 tons CO2/year before coating vs 232 tons CO2/year after
- Annual saving: 208,346 THB per year
- ROI: < 2 years
These results equal an energy saving of 9.77%.
Takeaway
The Proterial case shows that coating an existing air-cooled chiller can cut electricity costs by more than 200,000 THB a year without replacing equipment, even on a unit that has been running for 12 years.
Want similar results at your site?
Get in touch with GMG to discuss your cooling equipment, or find a THERMAL-XR® applicator near you.
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +61 7 3063 6638
- Find an applicator: graphenemg.com/graphene-products/THERMAL-XR®/find-an-applicator
Measured energy savings presented in this case study are not predictors of future installation results. Estimated savings should be considered as estimates. Standard GMG disclaimer applies. All contents copyright © Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. All rights reserved.