Tecumseh Products Co. (www.tecumseh.com) introduced its AE2, a next-generation compressor, Monday at the AHR Expo. Developed for the global commercial refrigeration market, the compressor was designed to meet stringent energy requirements both now and in the future.

Its predecessor, the popular AE compressor, has been in the marketplace for more than 50 years. The AE2 will support traditional HFC refrigerants (R-134a and -404A), and has been designed for hydrocarbon refrigerants as well, such as R-290 (propane) and R-600a (isobutene). These are expected to be authorized for use in commercial and residential U.S. applications in the near future, due to approval of the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The AE2 is said to 25 percent more efficient than its predecessor, with an efficiency approaching 10.7 EER. Its smaller envelope size is said to provide capacities that have been traditionally served by larger compressors, while meeting the needs of customers with limited space.

It is one of more than 150 products designed and developed to fulfill Tecumseh’s Green Products Initiative. Initial applications will include beverage coolers, ice machines, and more.