ZCX Cross-Flow Evaporative Condenser – Efficient, Compact & Low-Scale

ZCX Cross-Flow Evaporative Condenser

Product OverviewRemove product image

The ZCX employs a crossflow geometry: ambient air enters horizontally through side louvers and passes across coil/fill areas before discharging upward via axial fans. A gravity-fed hot-water basin simplifies distribution, reducing pump head and improving service access. ZCX is favored for quiet operation and straightforward maintenance while still delivering the evaporative efficiency benefits that lower condensing temperature.

Working Principle

Refrigerant condenses in the coil as gravity-fed water wets the coil surface. Horizontal airflow traverses the wetted coil and any auxiliary fill, transferring heat through a combination of sensible and latent mechanisms. The cooled water collects in the basin for recirculation. Drift eliminators minimize water carryover, and the open basin architecture allows quick inspection and cleaning.

Crossflow Advantages

• Lower Pump Head: Gravity distribution avoids high spray pressure.
• Quiet Operation: Reduced fan static and lower air path resistance.
• Easy Access: Basins and coils are service-friendly, reducing downtime.
• Stable Wetting: Orifice trays provide uniform coverage across coil plan area.

Applications

• Urban food and beverage facilities with strict noise envelopes.
• Pharmaceutical and electronics plants prioritizing maintenance access.
• Cold rooms, distribution centers, and light industrial refrigeration.

Sizing & Selection

Select for design wet-bulb and target condensing temperature. For extremely low approach targets, consider combined-flow (ZHX) or larger ZCX frames with low-speed fans. Material selection matches water chemistry and airborne contaminants; stainless coils are advised where chlorides or sanitation chemicals are present. Acoustic requirements drive blade selection, fan diameter, and VFD strategy.

Energy & Water Efficiency

ZCX’s low-pressure-drop air path reduces fan energy. Water savings come from controlled blowdown, high-efficiency eliminators, and filtration. Seasonal strategies—night reset of condensing pressure and VFD fan turndown—yield strong part-load efficiency in temperate climates.

Materials & Sanitation

Coils in HDG or stainless; casing in galvanized or painted steel, with SS options for hygiene-critical zones. Smooth basin geometries and sloped floors reduce biofilm risk and speed cleaning. Access doors enable nozzle and eliminator inspection without full shutdown.

Controls & Options

• Fan VFD tied to condensing pressure control with wet-bulb tracking.
• Conductivity-based blowdown and make-up valves.
• Basin heaters/freezing protection for winter duty.
• Acoustic baffles and low-tip-speed blade kits for quiet zones.

Installation & Maintenance

Provide side intake clearances; avoid recirculation by observing discharge height and prevailing winds. Commissioning includes verifying even tray flow and nozzle patterns. Maintenance: quarterly basin clean-out, nozzle descaling, eliminator inspection, and periodic coil integrity checks.

Development Trends

ZCX evolution focuses on ultra-low-noise fan systems, corrosion-resistant basins, and modular sections for rapid on-site assembly. Analytics-driven maintenance and remote monitoring are increasingly standard, improving uptime and reducing total cost of ownership.