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Spool compressor adopts R1234ze

USA: The company developing innovative spool compressors have produced two new models using the low GWP HFO refrigerant R1234ze.

The spool compressor resembles a rotary vane compressor, but is said to be smaller, lighter and cheaper to manufacture than current technology. It has four main components: rotor, main housing, vane, and bearing housing.

Describing the new models, CEO Greg Kemp said: “TORAD’s spool compressor utilising Honeywell’s Solstice ze provides an excellent path to making ultra-low global warming air-conditioning an affordable reality.”

The new models will be unveiled at next month’s AHR Expo in Atlanta Georgia.

Patent holder Torad Engineering of Cumming, Georgia, conducts research, development and licensing of the technology which promises cost and efficiency advantages over traditional compressor designs. The compressor prototype has been designed specifically for the next-generation of ultra-low GWP, medium pressure refrigerants.

Related stories:

Spool compressor efficiencies hit 80% – 11 July 2016
USA: Latest test results on a prototype 141kW spool compressor are said to have recorded overall isentropic efficiencies approaching 80%. Read more…

Spool compressor passes low GWP test – 14 June 2016
USA: Tests on a 40-ton spool compressor with low GWP refrigerants are said to have demonstrated improved efficiency and performance compared to current compressor designs. Read more…

$2m centre for spool compressor – 20 January 2015
USA: The company behind a new refrigeration and air conditioning compressor design has opened a $2m commercial development centre to support the technology. Read more…

Spool compressor hits peak note – 15 July 2014
USA: The company behind a new refrigeration and air conditioning compressor design claims that its latest prototype has achieved market level energy efficiency. Read more…

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