“Some compressor manufacturers claim nearly 40 percent of compressor warranty returns are attributed to burned-out start windings from incorrect hard start devices installed by service technicians,” said Riley Archer, national technical manager, RectorSeal® Corp.

Copeland’s Scroll™ UltraTech™ compressor line has been expanded; the next generation offers improved performance and reliability, as well as improved sound performance. The full line of models now includes updates for commercial and residential applications.

With a capacity of 25 tons of refrigeration, the Performer® SH295 scroll compressor for air conditioning has been added to the manufacturer’s large commercial scroll compressor portfolio. Cooling capacities range from 183 to 374 kBtuh/53 to 110 kW at 60 Hz and 150 to 310 kBtuh/44 to 90 kW at 50 Hz.

Some people say that the compressor is the key component, or heart, of an air conditioning system. And like the human heart, the compressor must be kept in tip-top condition to run the system efficiently.

Some of the most common problems and solutions for smooth compressor operation can be found in training materials and on-the-job experience. There is also another method for educating HVAC contractors and service technicians — getting answers straight from the manufacturers.

Manufacturers continue to make advances in compressors, especially when it comes to efficiency and ease of maintenance. This roundup highlights some of the latest offerings to hit the market, as well as those that will be available later this year.

Purdue University will host three concurrent conferences with HVACR emphasis July 16-19. The concurrent conferences are the 21st International Compressor Engineering Conference, the 14th International Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Conference, and the 2nd International High Performance Buildings Conference.

Move over compression ratio, ring valve, and reciprocating compressors. There are two new terms to add to your refrigeration terminology: ‘bi-volt’ and ‘spool.’ The words relate to some of the newest developments in compressor applications.

Here are additional products that were exhibited at the 2012 AHR Expo, including components and software.

The NEWS reports on new products found by our editors at the recent AHR Expo in Chicago. Products are listed in alphabetical order within each category.