Memmert IPP1060eco Peltier-cooled incubator, SingleDISPLAY, 1060 litres, 0–70 °C

Thermoelectric solid-state thermodynamics (Peltier effect)

The incubation of large-volume biological matrices or insect cultures at near ambient temperature requires a continuous alternation between heating and cooling cycles. The Memmert IPP1060eco does not use a conventional compression refrigeration unit (refrigerant-free) for this thermodynamic transfer, but rather Advanced Peltier Technology. The process is based on thermoelectric semiconductor junctions. Through the controlled application of direct current, thermal energy (heat) is ‘pumped’ (cooling) from the 1060-litre interior to the external environment at the atomic level. By simply reversing the electrical polarity electronically, exactly the same Peltier elements function as heating units. This reversibly controllable electron flow completely eliminates the thermodynamic dead band of conventional compressors around the control setpoint, thereby physically preventing temperature fluctuations and thermal overshoot.

Fluid mechanics and zero vibration

In large incubation volumes of over 1,000 litres, the prevention of gravitational thermal stratification is essential. The IPP1060eco’s integrated Peltier elements are directly coupled to processor-controlled internal fans (forced convection). These generate defined fluid dynamics vectors that allow the air layers to circulate homogeneously throughout the entire stainless-steel chamber. However, the key fluid-dynamic innovation of Peltier technology is its absolute mechanical quietness: as the system operates without an oscillating reciprocating piston compressor, no macromechanical or acoustic vibrations are induced within the housing. This makes the IPP1060eco an absolute metrological necessity for the cultivation of highly sensitive biological assays (such as protein crystallisations or nematodes), whose molecular or cellular lattice structure would be irreversibly destroyed by microvibrations.

Metrological cybernetics and SetpointWAIT architecture

The thermal vectors are controlled via the ControlCOCKPIT within the SingleDISPLAY architecture. An integrated PT-100 sensor (DIN Class A, 4-wire technology) measures the isochoric temperature in the air flow and modulates the electrical power of the Peltier blocks via an adaptive PID algorithm. The “SetpointWAIT” function is implemented for bioprocesses that must strictly comply with GLP. This cybernetic command blocks the start of the defined process timer until the exact metrological target temperature has not only been detected by the sensor but has also reached thermodynamic equilibrium throughout the entire 1060-litre volume. Via the rear Ethernet interface, the complete temperature logs are transferred directly to existing Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Technical details

Thermodynamics & Peltier technology

• Operating temperature range: 0 °C to +70 °C (at least 20 K below ambient temperature)
• Heating and cooling technology: Advanced Peltier Technology (solid-state thermodynamics)
• Refrigerant: Completely compressor-free (no F-gases, ODP=0, GWP=0)
• Energy efficiency: Up to 90% lower energy consumption compared to compressor-based systems

Metrology & Control Technology

• Temperature sensor: 1 x Pt100 (DIN Class A) using high-precision 4-wire technology
• Control: ControlCOCKPIT SingleDISPLAY (PID microprocessor)
• Setting and display resolution: 0.1 °C
• Timer: Digital countdown (1 min to 99 days)
• SetpointWAIT function: Precise process start only after thermal equilibrium has been reached
• Calibration: Freely selectable (3 temperature values)

Kinematics & fluid mechanics

• Convection: Forced air circulation via Peltier fans
• Vibration emissions: Physically eliminated (zero-vibration architecture)
• Fresh air supply: Fully enclosed system (aerosol containment)

Chamber infrastructure & dimensions

• Total internal chamber volume: 1060 litres
• External system dimensions (W x H x D): 1224 x 1720 x 1005 mm (plus 56 mm door handle)
• Internal system dimensions (W x H x D): 1040 x 1200 x 850 mm (minus 32 mm for Peltier fan)
• Interior material: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel (material no. 1.4301 / ASTM 304)
• Casing material: Textured stainless steel, scratch-resistant, fully galvanised rear panel
• Max. total load capacity: 200 kg
• Load capacity per shelf: 20 kg (maximum of 14 wire shelves can be fitted)
• Inner glass door: Full-surface, for metrological inspection without temperature drop

Safety & environmental conditions

• Overtemperature protection: Electronic overtemperature monitor and mechanical temperature limiter (TB Class 1)
• Self-diagnostic system: Integrated fault detection for temperature control
• Permissible ambient temperature range: 16 – 40 °C
• Permissible relative humidity: max. 70% (non-condensing)

Electrical & Connectivity

• Voltage / Frequency: 230 V / 50/60 Hz (115 V option available)
• Power consumption: max. approx. 1200 W
• Data interface: Ethernet LAN (compatible with AtmoCONTROL software)

Contents of delivery

• 1 x Memmert Peltier-cooled incubator IPP1060eco
• 2 x stainless steel wire shelves (electropolished)
• 1 x factory calibration certificate (+10 °C, +25 °C, +40 °C)
• 1 x power cable for cooling units

(Important note: Castor trolleys for the logistical manoeuvrability of this 250 kg system are not included in the scope of delivery!)

Custom requirements & accessories

The IPP1060eco has a massive 1060-litre capacity and weighs approx. 250 kg when empty. For static installation or logistical repositioning within the laboratory, the purchase of a sturdy base frame (with or without heavy-duty swivel castors) is strongly recommended. As the system is supplied as standard with only two wire mesh shelves, the purchase of additional stainless steel wire mesh shelves is essential to fully utilise the system’s capacity in high-throughput operations (the system accommodates up to 14 inserts). Please contact our procurement service for metrological mapping of the interior (IQ/OQ validation) and logistical accessory planning.