Chigo Split Evaporator Benefits from Smaller-Diameter Round Copper Tubes, Says International Copper Association

New York, NY (November 15, 2011) — The International Copper Association today announced that the air conditioner manufacturing giant Chigo has reduced the tube weight in one of its air conditioning systems by 30 percent.

This weight reduction was achieved simply by switching to smaller diameter copper tubes in the evaporator and condenser coils of the system. The tube diameter was reduced from 9.52 mm to 5 mm in the condenser and from 7 mm to 5 mm in the evaporator.

The air-conditioner is a split system with a cooling capacity of 2500 W and a COP of 3.2, or EER of 10.9.  [Note: The energy efficiency ratio (EER) in units of Btu/hr per W is obtained from the coefficient of performance (COP) in units of W/W by multiplying by 3.1413 since 1 W = 3.413 Btu/hr.]

“OEMs are saving on materials simply by switching to a smaller diameter copper tubes both in the condensers and in the evaporators,” says Nigel Cotton, Global OEM Team Leader for ICA. “MicroGroove uses techniques that are familiar to manufacturers. The process does not require investment in complex brazing furnaces, and yet it results in superior products.”

The evaporator coil for this produce will be on display at the MicroGroove exhibit at the AHR Expo 2012, Booth 2729.

For more information on MicroGroove, visit www.microgroove.net.

About ICA

The International Copper Association, Ltd. (ICA) is the leading organization for promoting the use of copper worldwide. ICA’s mission is to promote the use of copper by communicating the unique attributes that make this sustainable element an essential contributor to the formation of life, to advances in science and technology, and to a higher standard of living worldwide. Visit www.copperinfo.com for more information about ICA.