Johnson Controls Launches High-Efficiency YORK YK-CP Centrifugal Chiller Optimized for Low-GWP Refrigerants

Johnson Controls, a global leader in smart, sustainable building solutions, has unveiled the YORK YK-CP Centrifugal Chiller, a high-capacity cooling system designed to meet the energy efficiency and decarbonization needs of large commercial buildings. Offering capacities of 2,000 to 3,000 tons, the YK-CP is specifically optimized for the ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant R-1234ze(E) without requiring an increased footprint or compromising performance.

Efficiency and Environmental Benefits

The YK-CP chiller delivers operational efficiencies up to 30% greater than conventional chillers, achieving real-world efficiencies as low as 0.15 kW/ton (23.4 COP). This translates to significant energy savings, with the potential to cut annual CO2 emissions by over 500 metric tons - equivalent to removing over 100 passenger vehicles from the road per chiller.

The unit incorporates advanced features such as a high-efficiency economizer and proprietary falling film evaporator design, which not only improve efficiency but also reduce refrigerant charge by up to 40% compared to traditional designs.

Key Features and Capabilities

1. Flexible and Modular Design
   The YK-CP is tailored to meet a variety of facility cooling needs with modular components, including customizable heat exchangers, gears, and open-drive motors. This ensures facilities can select a unit that matches their exact capacity requirements, avoiding unnecessary oversizing.

2. Compact Footprint
   The chiller’s 22% smaller footprint compared to other low-pressure refrigerant systems simplifies transportation and installation, further reducing associated carbon emissions.

3. Wide Operating Range
   Capable of operating with entering condenser water temperatures (ECWT) as low as 45°F (7.2°C), the YK-CP significantly reduces instantaneous energy consumption - up to 50% compared to chillers with a minimum ECWT of 75°F (24°C).

4. Enhanced Noise Reduction
   Equipped with OptiSound Control and optional variable-speed drive (VSD) technology, the YK-CP minimizes noise by reducing gas-flow disruptions during operation.

5. Secure and Streamlined Operations
   The OptiView Control Panel with updated software simplifies system management, offering intuitive insights and tools to maximize efficiency while reducing operational errors. Additionally, the ISASecure-certified YORK Chiller Access Manager safeguards against unauthorized access to critical equipment controls, ensuring reliability and minimizing downtime risks.

6. Easy Integration and Fast Commissioning
   Designed for seamless integration with existing building automation systems, the YK-CP offers reduced commissioning times, saving costs and facilitating quicker start-up.

Sustainability Leadership

The YK-CP chiller exemplifies Johnson Controls’ dedication to supporting the decarbonization of the built environment. By leveraging low-GWP refrigerants and cutting-edge efficiency technologies, this chiller offers a long-term solution for reducing carbon footprints in large commercial facilities.

Applications and Market Impact

Ideal for large-scale facilities with varying cooling requirements, the YK-CP is poised to meet the growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient solutions. It builds on the legacy of the YORK YK series, which has been installed in tens of thousands of facilities across more than 100 countries.

Greg Shirk, Associate Product Manager for Global Centrifugal Chillers at Johnson Controls, emphasized: “The YK-CP model allows building owners to reduce costs and carbon impact with a robust and reliable solution. It’s another step forward in our commitment to delivering high-performance, sustainable systems that are fully optimized for real-world conditions.”

With its compact size, flexible configuration, and exceptional efficiency, the YORK YK-CP Centrifugal Chiller sets a new benchmark for sustainable cooling in large commercial buildings.