ZAMIL Air-Conditioners (ZAC) of Saudi Arabia has partnered with Al Namal Group to introduce an ultra-efficient chiller in Bahrain.

The new Turbomiser centrifugal chiller  is believed to be the first of its kind in the Middle East to feature oil-free compressor technology. It also employs frictionless magnetic bearings instead of the commonly used alternative compressor bearings, and features a built-in variable frequency drive (VFD).

The innovative chiller is designed and produced by Geoclima, a business unit of ZAC and a major Italian manufacturer of air-conditioning systems.

“Al Namal Group and Zamil Air-Conditioners are proud to launch the Turbomiser chiller in Bahrain, marking a milestone in energy-efficient and environment friendly solutions,” says a spokesman for Al Namal Group. “The Turbomiser is the most efficient chiller of its type and is able to reduce energy costs by up to 50 per cent compared with traditional units that use screw or reciprocating compressors.”

The advanced chiller is remarkably low on noise, uses an extremely low starting current (less than 5 amps), and is designed to provide a cooling solution that delivers a truly sustainable performance, he says, adding that Al Namal has always been at the forefront in offering solutions that “promote the growth and development of the nation’s infrastructure”.

In addition to ultra-efficient performance, the Turbomiser improves comfort and productivity in buildings. And, with its frictionless magnetic bearings, service and maintenance costs are significantly reduced.

The Turbomiser chiller is based on a combination of technologies designed to reduce energy consumption, minimise or avoid leaks, reduce refrigerant charges, and ensure reliable and quiet operation, he says. Moreover, as the chillers are designed to be installed indoors rather than outdoors, they are not exposed to the elements, leading to a reduction in maintenance costs.

The Turbomiser has received the top innovation award at the Chartered Institute of Building Services’ (CIBSE) Low Carbon Performance Awards (2010) and well as the Air-Conditioning Product/Innovation of the Year Award at the 2013 RAC Cooling Industry Awards.

Al Namal is delivering the first Turbomiser units in Bahrain for a luxury hotel project attached to a shopping mall.

At the launch, Al Namal was also given a Premier Achiever award by ZAC. The award was presented by Bahrain’s Electricity and Water Authority CEO Sheikh Nawaf bin Ebrahim bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to Dr Varghese Kurian, chairman and managing director Al Namal and VKL group.