Dunham-Bush Prometheus / DCLC-M Magnetic Bearing Chiller
Advanced Oil-Free Compressor and High-Efficiency Profile
The Dunham-Bush PROmetheus DCLC-M series is a state-of-the-art magnetic-bearing variable speed centrifugal chiller designed to offer supreme efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Engineered to exceed ASHRAE Standard 90.1 requirements, this advanced packaged chiller maintains stable operation under both full load and part load conditions. At the heart of its performance is an intelligent chiller controller and an Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV) that precisely regulates the liquid refrigerant amount injected into the evaporator to optimize heat transfer. This integration allows the DCLC-M to achieve an exceptional full load COP of up to 6.54 (0.538 kW/ton) and an outstanding Integrated Part Load Value (IPLV) of up to 11.8 (0.298 kW/ton). This frictionless engineering yields up to 35% in annual energy savings compared to conventional centrifugal chillers.
Frictionless Magnetic Levitation and Simplified Maintenance
The core innovation of the DCLC-M chiller lies in its axially and radially located magnetic bearings, which generate a protective electromagnetic field that levitates the rotor shaft during rotation. This creates a completely frictionless, non-touching operation that entirely prevents physical contact between the compressor shaft and other metallic surfaces. By discarding traditional oil lubrication systems, the unit eliminates common reliability issues like low oil levels or low oil pressure. Additionally, built-in proximity sensors monitor rotor movements at an astounding rate of 6,000,000 times per minute, auto-adjusting the magnetic field to ensure absolute rotational precision. The total absence of lubricating oil means that routine maintenance is drastically simplified; there is no requirement to replace oil, swap oil filter cores, check pump pressures, or perform periodic overhauling. This oil-free design further prevents the heat exchanger performance degradation typically caused by oil coatings over time.
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Direct-Drive Impeller Integration and Power Failure Protection
By utilizing a direct-drive configuration, the DCLC-M keys its dual-stage impellers directly onto the shaft, establishing it as the only major moving component within the compressor. This removes the requirement for complex gear transmission mechanisms, completely eliminating transmission losses while allowing for a highly compact compressor footprint. The compressor features a synchronous brushless DC motor with built-in inverter speed control and a soft-starter, which guarantees a wide operating range down to a 10% minimum load without any surge currents. For safety during unexpected power interruptions, the chiller incorporates a robust power failure protection system consisting of backup capacitors ($4 \times 8000\mu F$) to keep the rotor safely suspended. As the shaft rotates inertially, the motor shifts into a generator mode to power itself down safely to a complete stop. Furthermore, because there is no oil system to prime, the chiller offers rapid recovery and short restart times from power failures, making it a perfect fit for critical applications like data centers.
Operational Excellence & Long-term Viability
The Dunham-Bush DCLC-M series prioritizes environmental safety by running standard on R134a refrigerant—which features zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)—while offering full compatibility with next-generation low-GWP refrigerants such as HFO R513A and R1234ze. Efficiency is further boosted by advanced falling film evaporator and flooded heat exchanger technologies that optimize refrigerant charge distribution across the tube alignment. Operating noise is reduced to an ultra-low level as low as 73 dB(A) because the magnetic cushion removes mechanical vibration, removing the need for costly acoustic plantroom treatments and helping facilities earn valuable LEED certification points. The chiller comes equipped with a high-level 10-inch color touch screen interface featuring full BMS connectivity options including Modbus and BACnet. To ensure a world-class implementation, The Aircons Ltd. can supply this authentic product and provide international quality engineering solutions in collaboration with Dunham-Bush, offering complete system configuration, seamless factory-level installation, and long-term technical support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Technical Parameters & Engineering Specifications
| Engineering Parameter | Design Value / Operating Metric |
|---|---|
| Product Series | Dunham-Bush PROmetheus DCLC-M Series |
| Compressor Type | Magnetic Bearing Oil-Free Variable Speed Centrifugal Compressor |
| Compression Design | Dual-Stage Compression with Direct-Drive Impeller |
| Cooling Capacity | 264 to 3095 kW (75 to 880 RT) |
| Refrigerant Compatibility | R134a (Standard), HFO R513A, and R1234ze (Low GWP options) |
| Full Load COP | Up to 6.54 (0.538 kW/ton) |
| Integrated Part Load Value (IPLV) | Up to 11.8 (0.298 kW/ton) |
| Minimum Operating Load | Down to 10% minimum load |
| Operating Noise Level | Compressor noise level as low as 73 dB(A) |
| Power Failure Protection | Backup Capacitors ($4 \times 8000\mu F$) with Inertial Generation Braking |
| Evaporator Technology | Flooded or Hybrid Falling Film Evaporator |
| Water Side Working Pressure | 1.0 MPa [150 psi] (Standard); 2.1 MPa [300 psi] (Optional) |
| Water Connections | Victaulic Groove (Standard); Flanged Marine Waterbox (Optional) |
| Control Panel Display | 10-inch color touch screen panel |
| BMS Communication Protocols | Modbus RS485 (Standard); BACnet, LONworks, Profibus (Optional) |
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