LAUDA UC 14 Ultracool High-Efficiency Circulating Chiller
| Brand | LAUDA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | UC 14 |
| Type | Split-System Circulating Chiller |
| Cooling Method | Water-Cooled |
| Temperature Range | –10 to 35 °C |
| Temperature Stability | ±0.5 °C |
| Refrigeration Capacity | 15.8 kW (at 10 °C outlet water temperature) |
| Circulating Pump Pressure | 5.6 bar |
| Circulating Pump Flow Rate | 133 L/min |
| Reservoir Volume | 35 L |
| Duty Cycle | Continuous Operation |
Overview
The LAUDA UC 14 Ultracool is a high-efficiency, split-system circulating chiller engineered for precision thermal management in demanding laboratory and industrial process applications. Based on LAUDA’s proprietary energy-optimized refrigeration architecture, it employs variable-speed compressors, electronically controlled expansion valves, and adaptive fan speed regulation—enabling dynamic load matching and minimizing parasitic losses across operating conditions. Its thermodynamic design conforms to EU Ecodesign Directive (EU No. 2016/2281) requirements for liquid chillers, achieving Seasonal Energy Performance Ratio (SEPR) values significantly exceeding the regulatory minimum. The unit delivers stable, continuous cooling with precise temperature control over a wide operational range (–10 to 35 °C), making it suitable for integration with high-heat-flux equipment such as laser systems, UV-curing stations, CNC machining centers, and hydrogen generation modules.
Key Features
- Energy-efficient refrigeration system delivering up to 50% lower power consumption compared to conventional fixed-speed chillers under equivalent thermal loads and ambient conditions
- Split-system configuration enabling flexible installation—condenser unit mounted outdoors or in mechanical rooms, evaporator unit located near point-of-use
- Water-cooled condensation circuit compatible with facility cooling towers or dry coolers, reducing dependency on ambient air temperature
- Integrated high-head circulation pump (5.6 bar max pressure, 133 L/min flow) with stainless steel wetted parts and corrosion-resistant housing
- 35-liter insulated reservoir with level monitoring, anti-foam baffle, and integrated filtration to maintain coolant integrity during extended operation
- IP54-rated enclosure for both indoor and outdoor deployment, supporting robust operation in non-hazardous industrial environments
- Standard Ethernet interface with Modbus TCP and BACnet/IP support for seamless integration into building management systems (BMS) and Industry 4.0 infrastructure
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The UC 14 is designed for closed-loop circulation of water-glycol mixtures (up to 35% v/v) or other LAUDA-approved heat transfer fluids. It complies with IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (emission) for electromagnetic compatibility. Electrical safety meets EN 61000-1-2 and UL 61010-1. As a CE-marked device manufactured in Germany, it satisfies the essential requirements of the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. For regulated environments, optional audit-trail-enabled firmware supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data logging when paired with LAUDA Cloud services.
Software & Data Management
The UC 14 features an embedded web server accessible via standard browsers for local configuration and real-time monitoring. Remote supervision is enabled through LAUDA Cloud—a secure, ISO/IEC 27001-certified platform that collects, stores, and visualizes operational parameters including inlet/outlet temperatures, compressor run time, energy consumption (kWh), and alarm history. Historical trend analysis supports predictive maintenance planning and energy performance benchmarking. Optional LAUDA LabSoft software provides API-based integration with LIMS, SCADA, and MES platforms, facilitating automated report generation and GLP/GMP-aligned documentation workflows.
Applications
- Laser-based manufacturing: stabilization of CO₂, fiber, and ultrafast lasers used in cutting, welding, marking, and additive manufacturing
- Digital and UV printing: thermal regulation of printheads and curing lamps to ensure ink viscosity consistency and substrate dimensional stability
- Electrochemical systems: temperature control of electrolyzers and hydrogen generators requiring strict thermal uniformity
- Precision machining: coolant temperature stabilization for high-speed CNC spindles and grinding systems to minimize thermal drift
- Materials testing instrumentation: thermal conditioning for tensile testers, rheometers, and DSC units requiring low-noise, vibration-isolated cooling
- Pharmaceutical and biotech pilot-scale reactors where GMP-compliant thermal control is required for process validation
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable glycol concentration for use with the UC 14?
LAUDA recommends a maximum of 35% (v/v) propylene glycol or ethylene glycol in aqueous solution. Higher concentrations may impair heat transfer efficiency and increase pumping power requirements.
Can the UC 14 operate continuously at –10 °C setpoint under full load?
Yes—the unit is rated for continuous operation across its full temperature range; however, sustained operation below 5 °C requires use of antifreeze-compatible fluid and verification of facility water supply temperature compliance per LAUDA Technical Bulletin TB-UC14-02.
Is remote firmware update supported via LAUDA Cloud?
Firmware updates are performed offline using LAUDA-provided signed binaries; cloud connectivity enables configuration synchronization and diagnostic telemetry but does not permit over-the-air firmware modification for security and regulatory reasons.
Does the UC 14 meet ASTM E2912 or ISO 13485 requirements?
While the UC 14 itself is not certified to ISO 13485, its design and documentation package—including traceable calibration records, FAT/SAT protocols, and material declarations—supports qualification in ISO 13485-regulated environments when deployed as part of a validated system.
