In addition to promoting energy and cost efficiency and convenient control of air conditioning with its capacity control components, BITZER, the refrigeration and air conditioning specialist, also optimises its products for natural refrigerants such as R290 (propane) and R744 (CO₂), all for the sake of environmental compatibility.

Energy-efficient operation of rail vehicles reduces operating costs, which also applies to its components. BITZER, the global specialist for refrigeration and air conditioning, has always developed and optimised its products with a focus on energy efficiency. Universal ECOLINE reciprocating compressors not only offer high cooling capacity with minimal energy requirements, but are also suitable for use with a variety of refrigerants, including HFC and HFO refrigerants and natural refrigerants such as R290 and R744. 

Capacity control for increased energy savings

VARISTEP mechanical capacity control enables fine capacity adjustment for reciprocating compressors to effortlessly accommodate changing operating conditions. The extensive control range of around 25 to 100 per cent allows for outstanding full and part load efficiency and thus improves the efficiency of the entire air conditioning system. As a result, the annual operating costs associated with railway cooling and air conditioning systems are much lower than with conventional systems featuring hot gas bypass control.

The following diagrams reveal significant seasonal energy savings, calculated on the basis of a typical air conditioning system in operation on a suburban train in Central Europe. The diagram compares two identical refrigerating circuits operated with R290 (propane) – one with VARISTEP and the other with hot gas bypass. Different cooling loads and operating hours were observed over a period of twelve months. Where part load operation is frequent, energy savings can be as high as 40 per cent for compressor operation alone.

For challenging
applications

Rail vehicles and thus their air conditioning components need to be robust, reliable and energy-efficient. The drive gear of the proven ECOLINE series was therefore adapted to ensure reliable function even in the most demanding operating conditions. Another benefit of reciprocating compressors is their outstanding serviceability. Unlike other compressor technologies, the ECOLINE can be repaired and overhauled. The extensive BITZER Green Point service network, which is responsible for both corrective and preventive maintenance, is also in charge of repairs and overhauls.

ECOLINE with VARISTEP