TOKYO, Nov 25, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – – Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd. (MHI Thermal Systems), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has received an order from Aisan Industry Co., Ltd. (Obu-shi, Aichi Prefecture) for a large-scale Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) system for the company’s new Anjo Plant (tentative name). The project will be the first practical application of an ATES system in the Chubu region. MHI Thermal Systems’ ATES system, including heat pump-type centrifugal chillers, is highly regarded for its energy-saving performance, optimal control technology, and operational performance. The order was placed through Obayashi Corporation, which is responsible for the construction of the plant. This project will be MHI Thermal Systems’ first practical application of an ATES system outside of the Kansai region, and the fifth implementation site in Japan, including demonstration testing and social implementation.
The ETI-Z25.HP (NYSE:) heat pump-type centrifugal chiller to be utilized for this system has a cooling capacity of 234 refrigeration tons (RT)(Note1) (823 kW) per unit, and can provide both hot and cold water supply. The refrigerant used is HFO-1233zd(E), which has a Global Warming Potential (GWP)(Note2) of 1 (one), giving it an extremely low environmental impact. The ATES system will be used for air conditioning at the plant, and is scheduled to start operations in the winter of 2025. Compared to conventional air conditioning systems, the adoption of high-efficiency centrifugal chillers, along with the utilization of control technologies such as automatic switching of optimal operating modes, can be expected to reduce annual CO2emissions by approximately 50%.(Note3) Recognition of these features led to the selection of the system by Ministry of the Environment for the Fiscal 2023 (Supplementary Budget) Subsidy for CO2 Emission Control Measures Project Expenses.(Note4)
An ATES system uses gravel and groundwater stored in aquifers deep underground as an enormous heat storage tank, allowing for the effective use of energy by enabling the circulation of heat across seasons, such as using the cold waste heat from winter heating for summer cooling, and the warm waste heat from summer cooling for winter heating. MHI Thermal Systems’ ATES system received the “Energy Conservation Center, Japan Chairman’s Award” in the “Best Practice Category” at the 2021 Energy Conservation Grand Prize,(Note5) and the “HPTCJ…
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