SMC HRSC040-AF-20 Thermo-Chiller | Air-Cooled | CO₂ Refrigerant (R744) | 4.2 kW
SMC
$6,480.00
3.2 kW
Cooling @ 50 Hz
4.2 kW
Cooling @ 60 Hz
±0.1°C
Temp Stability
GWP 1
R744 / CO₂
5–40°C
Set Temp Range
≤68 dB
Noise Level (A)
Product Overview
The SMC HRSC040-AF-20 is a compact, air-cooled thermo-chiller from SMC's next-generation HRSC Series — engineered for precise industrial process cooling while meeting the latest global refrigerant regulations. It uses natural CO₂ (R744) refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential of just 1, replacing legacy high-GWP refrigerants such as R-410A (GWP 2,088) and R-134a (GWP 1,430) without any performance compromise.
Built on SMC's proven HRS040 platform, the HRSC040-AF-20 is a drop-in upgrade for existing HRS040 installations — same dimensions, same port sizes, no re-engineering required. It delivers 3.2 kW at 50 Hz and 4.2 kW at 60 Hz of cooling with ±0.1°C temperature stability via PID control, includes a built-in heating function, and features an inverter-driven compressor for approximately 24% lower energy consumption versus fixed-speed predecessors.
The single-fan air-cooled condenser operates at 68 dB(A) or less, making it suitable for lab and light-manufacturing environments. Serial communications (RS-232C/RS-485) enable PLC and SCADA integration, and a range of factory-order options — high-pressure pump, automatic fluid fill, DI water piping, and high-temperature environment spec — cover demanding application requirements.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Refrigerant Circuit | |
| Refrigerant | R744 (CO₂, natural refrigerant) |
| Global Warming Potential (GWP) | 1 — non-F-Gas, exempt from HFC phase-down |
| Compressor Type | Inverter-controlled (~24% energy reduction vs. fixed speed) |
| Condenser Type | Air-cooled, single fan |
| Noise Level | 68 dB(A) or less |
| Thermal Performance | |
| Cooling Capacity (50 Hz) | 3.2 kW |
| Cooling Capacity (60 Hz) | 4.2 kW |
| Full Series Cooling Range | 1.3 / 1.9 / 2.4 / 3.2 / 4.2 / 5.1 / 5.9 kW (60 Hz) |
| Heating Function | Yes — heat recovered from refrigerant circuit (no separate heater required) |
| Set Temperature Range | 5°C to 40°C |
| Temperature Stability | ±0.1°C |
| Temperature Control Method | PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) |
| Capacity Reference Condition | Measured at chiller outlet; circulating fluid at 20°C, rated flow |
| Fluid Circuit | |
| Circulating Fluid | Tap water · DI (deionized) water · 15% glycol aqueous solution |
| Glycol Requirement | 15% ethylene glycol solution required when set temperature ≤ 10°C |
| Pump Type | Magnet pump (seal-less, no shaft seal maintenance) |
| Circulating Fluid Port Size | Rc (standard) · NPT with PT-NPT conversion fitting set · G with PT-G conversion fitting set |
| Low-Flow Note | If flow falls below rated minimum, install Bypass Piping Set HRS-BP004 (sold separately) |
| Electrical | |
| Power Supply | Single-phase 200–230 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Earth Leakage Breaker | Purchase separately (15 mA or 30 mA sensitivity) — or order Option B (built-in) |
| Environmental & Physical | |
| Installation | Indoor use only |
| Ambient Temperature (Operating) | 5°C to 40°C (standard) · up to 45°C with Option G high-temperature spec |
| Ambient Humidity | 30–70% RH, non-condensing |
| Altitude Limit | Below 3,000 m above sea level |
| Minimum Ventilation Clearance | Front: 1 m · Top: 1 m |
| Clean Room Rating | Not rated — internal pump and fan generate particles |
| Communications & Control | |
| Serial Communication | RS-232C / RS-485 |
| Alarm Monitoring | Multiple alarms — temperature, flow, pressure, low fluid level |
| Built-in Safety Features | Low fluid level protection · Power failure auto-restart · Anti-freeze · Timer function |
| Certifications & Compliance | |
| Standards | CE · UKCA · UL · RoHS |
| US EPA AIM Act | Compliant — CO₂ not subject to HFC phase-down schedules |
| EU F-Gas Regulation | Compliant — CO₂ is a natural substance, exempt from F-Gas restrictions |
| California CARB | Compliant — no phase-out timeline for R744 |
| Air Freight Eligibility | Yes — CO₂ is not restricted for air transport unlike HFC refrigerants |
Configuration Options (Order at Time of Purchase)
| Option Code | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| -AF- (standard) | Air-cooled, Rc thread | This model |
| -AN- | Air-cooled, NPT thread | Includes PT-NPT conversion fitting set — specify for US installations |
| -AF-F | Air-cooled, G thread | Includes PT-G conversion fitting set |
| Option B | Earth leakage breaker built-in | Eliminates need to source separate breaker |
| Option G | High-temperature environment specification | Extends max ambient operating temperature beyond standard 40°C |
| Option J | Automatic fluid fill | Auto-tops up circulating fluid reservoir |
| Option M | DI water piping compatible | Required for deionized water circuits (laser optics, semiconductor) |
| Option T | High-pressure pump | For applications requiring elevated circulating fluid pressure |
| Water-cooled variant | HRSC040-WF-20 | Connects to facility water instead of air-cooled condenser |
Applications
Laser Processing Equipment
CO₂, fiber, Nd:YAG, and diode laser cooling — prevents wavelength drift and beam quality degradation from thermal instability
CNC & Machine Tools
Spindle bearing and coolant temperature control — reduces thermal expansion error in tight-tolerance machining
Semiconductor & Electronics
Wafer chuck, wire bonder, and plasma etch temperature stabilization — thermal drift directly impacts yield
Analytical & Lab Instruments
Spectrometers, XRD, SEM, and microscopy systems — stable detector temperatures prevent baseline drift
LCD & Display Manufacturing
Exposure tools, bonding presses, and curing stations — repeatable adhesive cure temperatures, prevents substrate warpage
Mold Temperature Control
Injection molding and die casting — consistent mold temperatures reduce cycle time, flash, and dimensional variation
Medical Device Manufacturing
Process temperature logging via serial comms supports traceability requirements for implants, catheters, and optical assemblies
Low GWP Advantage — Why CO₂ Refrigerant Matters
Refrigerant regulations are tightening across all major markets. Upgrading to the HRSC040-AF-20 now eliminates a forced replacement later as HFC-based equipment reaches end-of-life under regulatory timelines. The HRSC series is dimensionally identical to the legacy HRS040 — switching requires no re-engineering of fluid circuits or electrical connections.
| Feature | HRS040-AF-20 (Legacy) | HRSC040-AF-20 (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerant | R-410A or R-134a (HFC) | R744 / CO₂ (natural) |
| GWP | 1,430–2,088 | 1 |
| F-Gas / EPA AIM Regulated | Yes — subject to phase-down | No — exempt |
| Air Freight Eligible | Restricted | Yes |
| Cooling Capacity (60 Hz) | 4.2 kW | 4.2 kW |
| Temperature Stability | ±0.1°C | ±0.1°C |
| Inverter Compressor | No (fixed speed) | Yes (~24% energy saving) |
| Drop-In Replacement | — | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Accessories & Related Parts
| Item | Part Number / Notes |
|---|---|
| Bypass Piping Set (for 040 model) | HRS-BP004 — required when flow rate falls below rated minimum |
| Foundation Anchor Bolt Set | IDF-AB500 (SUS M10×50mm) — for floor mounting |
| Earth Leakage Breaker | Purchase separately — 15 mA or 30 mA sensitivity (or specify Option B at time of order) |
| CAD / 3D Model | Available from SMC — login at smcusa.com or request via cad@smcusa.com |
| Series Catalog (PDF) | ES40-83-HRSC — available on smcusa.com product page |
Installation & Operation Notes
- Indoor use only — do not expose to rain, snow, or direct sunlight
- Maintain minimum 1 m clearance at front and top for condenser ventilation; insufficient clearance reduces capacity and may trigger thermal shutdown
- If ducting the condenser outlet, allow at least one duct-diameter of free space and add a duct fan to overcome resistance — do not duct directly
- Use 15% ethylene glycol when set temperature is 10°C or lower to prevent freeze damage
- Magnet pump is seal-less — no shaft seal maintenance required
- Purge air from the fluid circuit during initial commissioning — monitor fluid level and top up until stable
- Purchase an earth leakage breaker (15 mA or 30 mA) separately, or order Option B at time of purchase
- For floor mounting, use SMC Foundation Bolt Set IDF-AB500 (M10×50mm SUS) — source anchor hardware appropriate for your floor material
- Refrigerant circuit operates at high pressure — servicing must be performed by qualified refrigeration technicians only
- Not rated for clean room environments — internal pump and fan generate particles
Note: Specifications are provided for reference based on official SMC published data. Cooling capacity is measured at the chiller outlet with circulating fluid at 20°C and rated flow rate. Always consult the official SMC HRSC Series catalog (ES40-83-HRSC) and installation manual before specifying or installing this product. SMC Corporation is the registered trademark owner of all SMC product names referenced herein.
- Brand:
- SMC
- Series:
- HRSC
- Part Number:
- HRSC040-AF-20
- Product Type:
- Thermo-Chiller
- Cooling Method:
- Air-Cooled
- Refrigerant:
- R744 (CO?)
- GWP:
- 1
- Cooling Capacity (50Hz):
- 3.2 kW
- Cooling Capacity (60Hz):
- 4.2 kW
- Temperature Stability:
- ±0.1°C
- Set Temperature Range:
- 540°C
- Power Supply:
- Single-Phase 200230 VAC
- Frequency:
- 50/60 Hz
- Control Method:
- PID
- Circulating Fluid:
- Tap Water
- Circulating Fluid:
- DI Water
- Circulating Fluid:
- 15% Glycol Solution
- Port Size:
- Rc 3/8
- Noise Level:
- ?68 dB(A)
- Heating Function:
- Yes
- Serial Communication:
- RS-232C/RS-485
- Ambient Temperature Range:
- 540°C
- Installation:
- Indoor
- CE:
- Yes
- UKCA:
- Yes
- UL:
- Yes
- RoHS:
- Yes
- EPA AIM Act Compliant:
- Yes
- EU F-Gas Compliant:
- Yes
- Air Freight Eligible:
- Yes
- Drop-In Replacement For:
- HRS040-AF-20
- Inverter Compressor:
- Yes
- Pump Type:
- Magnet Pump
- Low Fluid Level Protection:
- Yes
- Power Failure Auto-Restart:
- Yes
- Anti-Freeze Protection:
- Yes
