Air‑Cooled Magnetic Bearing Chillers
MECH-iC is a compact, oil‑free centrifugal chiller system engineered for warm‑water operation and mission‑critical cooling in hyperscale and colocation data centers.
Purpose‑Built Chiller System for Modern Data Center Solutions
Mitsubishi Electric’s MECH-iC is a mission-critical, air-cooled chiller platform designed for high-density data center applications.
The system combines oil-free magnetic-bearing compressors, high-efficiency heat exchangers, advanced controls, and R.E.D. (Reduced Exergy Depletion) Cooler technology to deliver reliable performance, low maintenance, and predictable operation within a compact footprint.
Available in 350 (1.2 MW) and 500-ton (1.75 MW) nominal capacity models, MECH-iC chillers are optimized for modern data center chilled water systems, supporting:
- 65–75°F leaving water temperatures
- 18–20°F ΔT
- High-ambient temperature up to 125°F.
Featuring non-flammable R-515B (next gen, A1, low-GWP) refrigerant, the MECH-iC helps simplify code compliance by eliminating many of the additional requirements associated with A2L refrigerants while supporting a compact, mission-critical chiller design.
MECH-iC: A New Standard for Reliable, Efficient, & Compact Data Center Cooling
The MECH-iC is engineered to deliver stable performance at elevated chilled-water temperatures while maximizing usable IT power and minimizing maintenance requirements.
- Fast Restart Logic restores full-load operation in <3 minutes
- Controller Backup Options (UltraCap®, battery modules) maintain control operation during power interruption
- Independent heat-tracing freeze protection circuit protects chilled-water piping during shutdown, maintenance, and idle conditions, with status and alarms available via BMS.
- Built-in diagnostics and alarm management support proactive maintenance and response
- Oil-free magnetic bearing compressors eliminate lubrication systems and associated maintenance risks
- Series Flooded Evaporator design increases average evaporating temperature, reducing compressor lift and improving part-load efficiency (≤ 0.5 kW/ton)
- Patented R.E.D. Cooler delivers ~18°F of liquid subcooling, reducing flash gas, increasing refrigerant effect, and improving high ambient performance.
- V-block microchannel coils and Ø36″ EC fans deliver high heat rejection density with lower fan power.
- Oil-free magnetic bearing compression enables precise capacity modulation and exceptional part-load efficiency across the wide operating ranges required for warm water data center cooling.
- Reduced compressor lift and enhaned refrigerant subcooling improve chiller efficiency, preserving more facility power for IT equipment.
- V-block coil geometry and EC fans maximize heat rejection within a compact footprint, reducing fan energy consumption.
- Compact design (up to ~10 ft shorter than conventional chillers) reduces pads, steel, and crane requirements while enabling wider chiller spacing to minimize hot-air recirculation.
- Open protocol integration (BACnet/IP, Modbus, SNMP) into existing BMS/DCIM
- Built-in Multi‑Manager plant control networks up to 8 chillers with automated sequencing, load balancing, and failover for simplified plant operation.
- Integrated unit controls provide precise temperature regulation, intuitive status displays, embedded diagnostics, alarm history, and tiered security.
- Customizable alarm outputs and smart fault prioritization help operators identify and respond to issues faster.
Core Technologies Inside Mitsubishi Electric’s Air-Cooled Chiller
The high performance of MECH-iC chillers is built into every component. Explore the diagram to see how the system is engineered from the inside out.
Comprehensive Control & Full system Optimization
MECH-iC’s intuitive onboard control system allows operators to set parameters that align with IT equipment needs, site goals for water and power use, and individual unit or grouped optimization to efficiently address cooling demands.
With open BMS protocol integration (Modbus, BACnet, MS/TP & IP, SNMP, etc.), our chiller pairs perfectly with other hybrid-air or liquid-cooled equipment in your data center’s cooling system and connects to the central management software of your choosing.
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Customized Cooling Options to Enhance Performance
Configure your MECH-iC chiller with a range of factory-integrated options to support site-specific requirements for power resiliency, monitoring, and plant integration.
- Hydronics & Pump Control: Factory-integrated pump kit with native Variable Primary Flow (VPF) control logic designed to maintain stable flow, reduce pump energy, and simplify deployment
- ATS – Dual Power Supply: Automatic transfer switch between utility and generator ensuring continuous operation during power interruptions
- Controller Backup Options: Battery modules (≈20–30 minutes) or UltraCap® stored energy (≈7–8 minutes) maintain controller power during outages and ride through short disturbances, preventing unnecessary restarts and minimizing reboot time.
- Energy and Cooling Performance Monitoring: Cooling energy (BTU) meter, flow meter, and network analyzer provide visibility into cooling output and electrical consumption for performance optimization and BMS integration.
- Active Harmonic Filters: Improves power factor, reduces electrical distortion to near zero, and enhances reliability and grid compliance.
- Fan Diffusers: Reduces outlet swirl, recirculation losses, and sound levels
- Coil Treatments: Corrosion protection options including E-coating for microchannel coils (MCHX), pre-painted fins, or Blygold coating for copper/aluminum coils.
- Marine Water Box: Allows evaporator cleaning without disconnecting water or refrigerant piping, reduces service time and complexity, improves long-term reliability
Talk with Our Data Center Cooling Specialists
MECH-iC chillers support a wide range of mission-critical data center environments, including:
- AI and high‑density halls operating at warm‑water setpoints and wider ΔT.
- Hyperscale campuses requiring scalable, high-availability chiller plants.
- Colocation facilities balancing rapid deployment with lifecycle efficiency.
- Retrofit projects replacing legacy oil‑based air-cooled chillers to improve efficiency and serviceability.
Our Project Application Engineers will help configure the chiller system to match your operating conditions and performance requirements.
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Chiller System Resources
Access technical documents, design guidance, and FAQs to support the planning and deployment of Mitsubishi Electric air-cooled chiller systems.
Technical Documentation
Key specifications at nominal conditions for Mitsubishi Electric’s AHRI 550/590-certified MECH-iC chiller platform:
| Units | MECH-iC 1232 | MECH-iC 1764 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling Performance | |||
| Gross Cooling Capacity(1)(2) | kW (RT) | 1205 (343) | 1768 (503) |
| Efficiency | |||
| Total Power Input(1) | kW | 305 | 456 |
| COP(1) | kW/kW | 3.95 | 3.88 |
| kW/RT | kW/RT | 0.89 | 0.907 |
| Evaporator Data | |||
| Type | Flooded | ||
| Number of Evaporators | 2 | ||
| Water Flow Rate(1) | GPM | 516 | 757 |
| Evaporator Water Volume | GAL | 57 | 91 |
| Minimum Required System Volume | GAL | 1321 | |
| Connection Size | in | 5 | 6 |
| Condenser Fans | |||
| Fan Type | Axial EC | ||
| Number of Fans | 16 | 20 | |
| Compressor Data | |||
| Compressor Type | Centrifugal | ||
| Number of Compressors | 2 | 4 | |
| Refrigerant Circuits | 2 | ||
| Refrigerant | R515B | ||
| Factory Refrigerant Charge | lbs | 1,499 | 1,896 |
| Sound Data | |||
| Sound Power Level (LwA)(3) | dB(A) | 108 | 107 |
| Sound Pressure Level (LpA)(3) | dB(A) | 75 | 74 |
| Electrical Data | |||
| Power Supply | 460V / 3Ph / 60Hz | ||
| Full Load Amps (FLA)(1) | A | 537 | 1,018 |
| Physical Data | |||
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | ft | 31.2’ x 7.41’ x 8.20’ | 38.22’ x 7.41’ x 8.20’ |
| Operating Weight | lbs | 23,589 | 30,865 |
Notes:
(1)Performance based on 66°F/82°F (18.9°C/27.8°C) entering/leaving water temperature and 108°F (42°C) ambient temperature using 100% water
(2)AHRI 550/590 Certified
(3)Sound data based on ISO 9614
Download MECH-iC Data Sheet
Contact Mitsubishi Electric for project-specific performance information.
FAQs About Our Air-Cooled Chillers
Since data centers rarely operate at full load, part-load performance is critical to understanding true operating costs.
By averaging the part-load efficiencies for the 500 RT model in the example below, the MECH-iC demonstrates a Non-Standard Part Load Value (NPLV) of 0.46 kW/ton – a very strong performance for an air-cooled platform.
| Load (%) | Ambient (°F) | AHRI Weighting | 500 RT Efficiency (kW/ton) |
| 100% | 108°F | 0.01 | 0.907 |
| 75% | 86°F | 0.42 | 0.559 |
| 50% | 68°F | 0.45 | 0.407 |
| 25% | 55°F | 0.12 | 0.426 |
Note: Values are illustrative and intended for reference only. Mitsubishi Electric can perform project-specific energy analyses based on the customer’s application and operating conditions.
At Mitsubishi Electric Hydronics & IT Cooling Systems S.p.A (MEHITS) headquartered in Bassano del Grappa, Italy, each cooling product is tested in their 4.8MW facility (-4°F to 131°F; -20°C to +55°C), validating:
- Full-load and part-load performance
- Hot ambient and cold ambient operation
- Fast restart and recovery after power loss
- Controls, alarms, sequencing, and BMS logic
These efforts reduce startup and commissioning risk; confirm performance at your design conditions; verify reliability before the unit reaches site; and provide documented proof via official Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report.
For FATs, customers can attend on-site in Italy, watch live remotely or review recorded results and data package.
Learn more about how MEHITS’ focuses on testing to uphold quality.
Mitsubishi Electric offers multi-chiller group control to natively network up to 8 chillers for dynamic master/auto-failover, capacity prioritization, smart load balancing, sequenced compressor starts, and standby rotation.
This functionality drives plant-level reliability and efficiency, balancing run hours, limiting inrush, and coordinating capacity when it counts.
Both the 300 and 500-ton air-cooled chillers use R-515B, an A1-classified, low-GWP refrigerant. R-515B is non-flammable, delivering two major advantages:
- It simplifies code compliance compared to A2Ls refrigerants, which involve mild flammability considerations.
- It enables a more compact chiller design because its high volumetric cooling capacity supports smaller compressors and heat exchangers.
Because R-515B carries an A1 safety classification, there are no special charge-limit restrictions or mandatory leak-detection requirements as there are with flammable refrigerants.
This avoids the added ventilation design, sensor installations, labeling, or charge-size limitations that many A2L-based systems require.
Mitsubishi Electric’s chillers feature Danfoss Turbocor’s magnetic bearing compressors. Learn more about Turbocor magnetic levitation technology.
Clearance requirements depend on the chiller’s final placement, airflow direction, and the site’s service‑access needs. MECH-iC’s compact footprint allows for wider unit spacing compared to competitive units, which prevents hot air recirculation and capacity loss and allows safe and efficient service access.
MECH-iC’s installation manual and submittal drawings outline minimum clearances, weight information, and rigging guidance. We recommend contacting us to discuss your site and layout requirements.
Mitsubishi Electric is your life-long mission critical partner, supporting you through all phases of the equipment’s lifecycle. Here are the four ways we work with our valued customers:
- Engage: early technical alignment and focused design reviews to reduce project risk upfront
- Document: clear, accurate drawings and submittals delivered on schedule to support fast approvals and procurement
- Deliver: project management, factory testing, startup, and commissioning for predictable deployment.
- Support: training, technical support, and maintenance backed by Mitsubishi Electric’s national service organization
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