Emerson to extend low GWP offering
USA: Emerson Climate Technologies is updating its Copeland compressor range in the light of the move to allow the wider use of natural and alternative refrigerants.
In line with the refrigeration industry, Emerson is taking an even closer look at both CO2 (R744) and propane (R290). The company says it is also preparing for the likely introduction of A2L refrigerants as an acceptable US alternative in commercial refrigeration.
Several compressors that use “natural” refrigerants have been released, including semi-hermetic transcritical CO2 compressors, Scroll compressors for subcritical CO2 applications and hermetic R290 compressors in small reach-in systems where the refrigerant charge is less than 150g.
The majority of Copeland compressor platforms have also been validated for use with A1, HFO blends, such as R448A and R449A. This includes both the Copeland Scroll and Copeland Discus semi-hermetic compressor lines. Emerson expects to validate its line of Copeland hermetic compressors for use with these blends later this year.
Emerson has also invested in compressor evaluations using A2L “mildly flammable” refrigerants such as HFO1234yf and HFO1234ze. While the EPA has not yet listed A2Ls as an acceptable substitute, Emerson says it is preparing for their likely introduction into commercial refrigeration applications.
“It’s important to note that from a refrigerant perspective we’re not changing our core technology to achieve compatibility. We are continually improving our designs to optimise new refrigerant alternatives,” said Kurt Knapke, vice president, engineering and electronics, Emerson Climate Technologies.
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