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.

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Mitsubishi Electric chiller.

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. 

Technical Documents
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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.

HMI for Mitsubishi Electric Chiller.
  • Automatic capacity and small-step temperature adjustments
  • Built in protection logic for safe operation under all conditions
  • Real-time visibility of temperature, pressure, and system status
  • Alarm and event logs, system diagnostics, and performance trending

 

Two HMI screens of data from Mitsubishi Electric's Chiller.
Drawing of chiller units showing group control functionality.
  • Embedded group control logic for seamless connection between chillers (up to 8)
  • Automatic or manual staging and sequencing with dynamic master selection
  • Smart load distribution balances loads and runtime across all units
  • Staggered compressor startups prevent current peaks
  • Supports N+1 and N+2 redundancy with no single point of failure

 

HMI screens of compressor data from Mtisubishi Electric's chiller.

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.

 

  • Hydronic Pump Options: Factory-integrated pump kit with native Variable Primary Flow (VPF) control logic designed to maintain stable flow, reduce pump energy, and simplify deployment
    • External Pump Control
    • Integrated Pump Kit – Low Head
    • Integrated Pump Kit – High Head
  • Dual Power Supply with Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS): Automatic transfer switch between utility and generator ensuring continuous operation during power interruptions
  • Control Power Backup Options: Maintain controller power during outages and ride through short disturbances, preventing unnecessary restarts and minimizing reboot time
    • Internal battery backup (≈20–30 minutes)
    • UltraCap® stored energy (≈7–8 minutes)
  • Energy Monitoring Options: Gain visibility into cooling output and electrical consumption for performance optimization and BMS integration
    • Electrical Energy Meter with Modbus RS-485 Output
    • Electrical Energy Meter integrated with Unit Controller
    • Cooling Energy Meter (BTU)
    • Cooling Energy Flow Meter
  • Active Harmonic Filters: Improves power factor, reduces electrical distortion to near zero, and enhances reliability and grid compliance
  • Condensing Coil Construction & Protection: Corrosion protection options including –
    • E-coated Microchannel Coil (MCHX)
    • Copper Tube/Aluminum Fin Coil
    • Copper Tube/Pre-Painted Aluminum Fin Coil
    • Blygold Corrosion Protection Coating
  • Condenser Fan Options: Fan Discharge Diffusers (field-installed) reduce outlet swirl, recirculation losses, and sound levels
  • Evaporator Options: Marine Water Box allows evaporator cleaning without disconnecting water or refrigerant piping, reduces service time and complexity, improves long-term reliability

Chiller accessories.
Right side view of Mitsubishi Electric chiller.

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.

By submitting this contact form, you agree that a representative(s) of Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc. (MEPPI) may contact you using the information you provided. In accordance with our Privacy Policy, we will never share or sell your personal data.

Rendering of data center highlighting chiller, MEWALL, and CDUs.

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

 

Page 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:

 

  1. It simplifies code compliance compared to A2Ls refrigerants, which involve mild flammability considerations.
  2. 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’s recommended routine maintenance and spare parts schedule are detailed in the installation manual. Different maintenance items require different services intervals, ranging from every 3-4 months to once a year.

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:

 

  1. Engage: early technical alignment and focused design reviews to reduce project risk upfront
  2. Document: clear, accurate drawings and submittals delivered on schedule to support fast approvals and procurement
  3. Deliver: project management, factory testing, startup, and commissioning for predictable deployment.
  4. Support: training, technical support, and maintenance backed by Mitsubishi Electric’s national service organization

Contact us today!

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