A sustainable cooling solution for the laser systems was installed as part of the construction of Askay II in Attendorn.
The system consists of the following components: a nitrogen tank, an aluminum evaporator, the EcoVap evaporator and the “eChiller” chillers from Efficient Energy as well as a V-free cooling system.
How exactly does the cooling system work now?
Liquid nitrogen is stored in the nitrogen tank. This is necessary for the use of the laser systems. Before it can be added to the laser systems, it is brought into a gaseous state. This process takes place through heat exchange with the ambient temperature in the aluminum evaporator.
A so-called EcoVap evaporator with nitrogen can be run through a control system. The EcoVap evaporator cools the water flowing back from the laser systems using the counterflow of liquid nitrogen before the water is then fed into the eChiller. The cooling energy that is otherwise simply given off to the environment is used appropriately. The cold nitrogen is heated by the water that is around 25 degrees Celsius and the water is pre-cooled by the much colder nitrogen. - A win-win situation.
The sustainable and resource-efficient background:
Through this process, GEDIA can save around 9 kilowatts energy, which is exactly the amount needed for cooling a laser system. This means that one laser system can be cooled “for free” by this solution. Existing energies are converted and used. The water is then cooled to 20 degrees Celsius in the V-free cooler at outside air temperatures of up to 18 degrees Celsius. To do this, the outside air is sucked in and used as a coolant.
If the outside air temperature is above 18 degrees Celsius, the pre-cooled water is cooled even further by the eChiller. This generates cold energy through heated water, which serves as a coolant. The water, which has been heated to 20 degrees Celsius, is then returned to the laser systems. Since the eChillers use water as a coolant, there is no need for the otherwise necessary chemical coolants.
Thanks to this energy-efficient cooling solution, GEDIA can save resources and protect the environment.