The Greennovation Hub grows with a new climate chamber

At cosmotec, we are excited to share the latest developments at our Greenovation Hub, a strategic asset that embodies our company vision focused on sustainability and innovation.

Last year, we showcased the potential of the innovation centre, a technologically advanced space amongst European manufacturers, where we prototype and validate the quality of every new product from all angles. Performance, efficiency, operating limits, sound emission levels, IP rating: we check all the technical data of the products in our test chambers. In parallel, we review and optimise design choices, such as sensor placement and control software configuration, to ensure ideal operation under all conditions. The laboratory also verifies electrical and mechanical compliance with European and North American regulations and is UL certified for product marking.

The climate chambers already present in the Greenovation Hub are dedicated to testing process chillers, electrical cabinet air conditioners, and high-density units for server cabinets. A new chamber has now been added to these, specifically designed for testing WRA and WLA Precision industrial chillers and air conditioners for shelter cooling.

Previously, these products were tested in the sole remaining chamber in the old test area, which is no longer suitable for new models adopting low environmental impact refrigerants, in line with European Regulation F-Gas EU 2024/573. These refrigerants belong predominantly to the A2L flammability class and therefore present specific safety requirements. To be able to manage them, test chambers must be equipped with adequate emergency systems and comply with ATEX and ISO/IEC regulations.

Key features of the new Test Area 1 A2L chamber

The new installation is a two-room calorimetric chamber, designed to accurately simulate Indoor and Outdoor conditions, with particular attention to safety and management of flammable A2L refrigerants.
Camera C1 – Indoor: dedicated to the simulation of indoor environments.
Camera C2 – Outdoor: designed for simulating outdoor environments, including low-temperature conditions.

Operating ranges

• Indoor Camera (C1): temperature controlled from +5 °C to +60 °C, with humidity control from +15 °C.
• Outdoor Camera (C2): temperature controlled from -40 °C to +60 °C, without humidity control.

Cut units on test

Possibility of testing units from 2 to 50 kW, depending on the type of machine and test configuration.

Safety and flammable refrigerants

Designed for testing with flammable A2L refrigerants (R32, R1234yf, R454C) and A3 (R290), with a certified gas detection system, forced ventilation and dedicated extraction.
Configuration in compliance with ATEX requirements (Zone 2) for safe handling of tests.

Systems engineering and measurement

Dedicated hydraulic circuits for testing chillers, water-to-water units and air-to-water units.
Independent air treatments for each room, to ensure stability and homogeneity of test conditions.
Complete measurement system for the accounting of power, thermo-hygrometric conditions, and produced condensate.

Power supply

Independent powering of the 2 chambers with C1 up to 32 A and C2 up to 63 A. Variable voltage from 0 to 500 VAC and frequency change from 50 to 60 Hz.

The introduction of the new Test Area 1 A2L climate chamber represents a further step forward in the laboratory's ability to test next-generation technologies and refrigerants. The old chamber has been transferred to the management of our Academy, expanding the facility dedicated to internal training activities.

Our usual working method is to pay attention to the quality of measurements and the reproducibility of test conditions, so that we can provide our clients with innovative solutions, certain results, and continuity of service, even in the most challenging conditions.

Gianantonio Valbusa
Laboratory Coordinator, Technical Department, STULZ S.p.a.