Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd. (MHI Thermal Systems) has received the 52nd (2024) Technology Award from the Japan Society of Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (JSRAE) for its JHT-Y and JHT-YI series of large-capacity centrifugal chillers. The award recognizes the use of the low-GWP refrigerant HFO-1234yf and was presented during a ceremony held in Tokyo on May 15.
The constant-speed JHT-Y and inverter-equipped JHT-YI models, launched in June 2022, offer capacities from 300 to 5,400 refrigeration tons (RT). The refrigerant HFO-1234yf, which has a global warming potential (GWP) below 1 and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP), is also used in automotive air conditioners and vending machines. The chillers are intended for applications including air conditioning, process cooling, and heating in large-scale facilities such as data centers.
The models feature a newly designed compressor. The constant-speed unit achieves a rated COP of 6.4, while the inverter model achieves an IPLV of 8.8 and a maximum part-load COP of 24.9. The compact compressor design and optimized structure facilitate replacement of existing equipment and reduce installation space. According to MHI Thermal Systems, replacing older systems using high-GWP HFC refrigerants with the JHT-YI can reduce annual energy use and CO2 emissions by approximately 65%.
This marks the third time MHI Group has received the JSRAE award for centrifugal chillers, following awards for the NART series in 2002 and the GART/GART-I series in 2015. It is also the second recognition for the JHT-Y/JHT-YI series, which received Japan’s “Minister of the Environment Award for Climate Action 2024.”
Japan’s Revised Fluorocarbons Recovery and Destruction Law exempts equipment using HFO-1234yf, as it is not categorized as a Freon refrigerant. From 2025, further restrictions will apply to equipment using high-GWP refrigerants, increasing demand for low-GWP alternatives.
