Kongsberg Automotive
Designing solutions for these markets that are practical, reliable and cost-effective demands a plant that runs three manufacturing shifts, seven days a week. There is a high demand for electric use in this facility.
The Kongsberg Suffield plant, opened its 91,000 square foot facility in 1979 employing 147 full-time employees. An electric chiller initially cooled the facility costing upwards of $125,000 a year to operate. When considering a new higher-efficient electric chiller the estimated operating costs would still be in the range of $61,000 a year to operate.
Comfort cooling for plant employees and staff is a priority when Summer’s heat and humidity descend upon New England. B.T. Lindsay Company proposed a gas engine chiller by Tecochill, as an alternate to provide cooling. A 200-ton gas system would save KA $30,000 a year in operating costs over the electric chiller and earn a $300 per ton rebate as an energy incentive from the State of Connecticut.
The 200-ton STx model, Tecochill gas engine chiller offered Kongsberg Automotive the lowest life cycle cost, and with a dedicated phone line to the chiller, Tecogen’s factory service support is always available.
Engine-driven chillers have unquestionable advantage over electric chillers that have fixed-speed electric motors. By controlling part-load more efficiently, engine speed is modulated to a minimum while the compressor is kept fully loaded lessening the effect of losses associated with compressor turndown. On the STx, hot gas bypass is used for further load reduction at the minimum engine speed.
For more information on Tecochill gas engine-driven chillers and the savings they provide give us a call 860-528-0081
