LAUDA UC 24 Ultracool High-Efficiency Circulating Chiller

Overview

The LAUDA UC 24 Ultracool High-Efficiency Circulating Chiller is an industrial-grade, split-system temperature control platform engineered for continuous, precision cooling of high-heat-load laboratory and production equipment. Based on LAUDA’s proprietary thermodynamic architecture, the UC 24 employs a closed-loop refrigeration cycle utilizing R-513A — a low-GWP (Global Warming Potential), A1-class refrigerant compliant with EU F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014. Its core thermal regulation principle relies on dynamic compression modulation: a variable-speed inverter-driven scroll compressor, electronically controlled expansion valve (EEV), and adaptive fan speed control jointly optimize refrigerant mass flow and evaporator superheat under real-time load conditions. This enables stable thermal output across wide ambient fluctuations (5–40 °C) while maintaining ISO 13373-1-compliant vibration isolation for sensitive downstream instrumentation. Designed specifically for integration into automated manufacturing cells and regulated laboratory environments, the UC 24 delivers consistent coolant delivery at setpoint temperatures from −10 °C to +35 °C, with stability maintained within ±0.5 °C over extended operation.

Key Features

• Energy-optimized refrigeration system achieving up to 50% lower annual electricity consumption versus legacy fixed-speed chillers — validated per EN 14511 and EU Ecodesign Lot 21 test protocols
• Inverter-driven scroll compressor with soft-start and torque-controlled ramping, minimizing mechanical stress and grid harmonics
• Integrated high-efficiency centrifugal circulation pump (IP54-rated) delivering 200 L/min at 5.8 bar maximum head pressure, with stainless-steel wetted parts and ceramic shaft seal
• 35-liter insulated reservoir with level sensor, integrated deaeration chamber, and optional conductivity/pH monitoring ports
• Industrial Ethernet (PROFINET & Modbus TCP) and USB-C service interface for deterministic communication with PLCs and SCADA systems
• Remote diagnostics and firmware updates via LAUDA Cloud — supports TLS 1.2 encrypted data transmission and role-based user access control
• Compliance-ready audit trail functionality: full event logging (start/stop cycles, alarms, parameter changes) with timestamped, tamper-evident records meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The UC 24 is compatible with water-glycol mixtures (up to 40% v/v), deionized water, and other non-corrosive heat-transfer fluids specified per ASTM D1384 and ISO 21098. Its fluid circuit meets ASME B31.9 design criteria for low-pressure piping systems. All electrical components conform to IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (emission) standards. The chiller carries CE marking under the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU), EMC Directive (2014/30/EU), and Ecodesign Directive (EU) 2016/2281. Optional GMP-compliant validation packages include IQ/OQ documentation templates aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 and EU Annex 15 guidelines.

Software & Data Management

The embedded LAUDA SmartControl™ firmware (v4.2+) provides local HMI operation via a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with multi-language support (EN/DE/FR/ES/CH). All operational parameters — including real-time power draw (kW), COP calculation, compressor runtime hours, and predictive maintenance alerts — are exportable as CSV or PDF reports. When connected to LAUDA Cloud, users gain access to time-series analytics dashboards, comparative energy benchmarking across fleet units, and automated notification triggers for out-of-spec events. Data retention complies with GDPR Article 32 and supports GLP/GMP electronic record integrity requirements through cryptographic hash verification and immutable log archiving.

Applications

The UC 24 serves as a primary cooling source for high-power laser systems (CO₂, fiber, excimer), UV-curing stations, CNC machining centers, hydrogen electrolyzers, digital inkjet printing platforms, and automated optical inspection (AOI) equipment. In research laboratories, it maintains thermal stability for X-ray diffractometers, plasma etch tools, and high-field NMR precooling circuits. Its IP54 enclosure rating permits outdoor installation in semi-conditioned industrial zones, while its low acoustic signature (<68 dB(A) at 1 m) supports placement in proximity to noise-sensitive analytical suites.

FAQ

What is the minimum allowable coolant temperature when operating at full refrigeration capacity?
The UC 24 achieves rated 24.3 kW output at 10 °C outlet temperature; minimum stable operation begins at −10 °C, though capacity decreases linearly below 5 °C due to refrigerant saturation limits.
Does the UC 24 support integration with Building Management Systems (BMS)?
Yes — native BACnet MS/TP and Modbus RTU gateways are available as factory-installed options; PROFINET integration requires optional fieldbus module.
Is remote firmware update capability included by default?
Firmware updates via LAUDA Cloud are enabled by default; however, enterprise customers may configure air-gapped update workflows using signed USB firmware bundles.
Can the chiller operate continuously under ambient temperatures exceeding 35 °C?
Rated performance is guaranteed up to 40 °C ambient; above this, derating applies per ISO 5141-1 Annex C, with automatic thermal rollback initiated at 45 °C.
What documentation is provided for regulatory validation in pharmaceutical manufacturing?
Standard delivery includes Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report, electrical safety certification, refrigerant charge log, and traceable calibration certificates for all embedded sensors — all formatted for direct inclusion in URS/IQ/OQ protocols.