The new compressors offer the smallest displacements in refrigeration scroll, providing the market with an alternative to reciprocating compressors for applications in medium and low temperatures. The new Scroll ZB*KA (medium temperature) was designed for walk-in coolers, reach-in coolers, and soft-serve and frozen carbonated beverage machines, while the new Scroll ZF*KA (low temperature) was mainly designed for walk-in and reach-in freezers.

HVAC contractors already have extensive experience in dealing with scroll compressors in the field, given the breadth of applications scroll covers today, noted Jason Prenger, director of refrigeration engineering, Emerson. By entering into the smaller applications traditionally dominated by reciprocating technology, contractors can leverage their existing knowledge on scroll and use Emerson’s training and support network to service the equipment more easily, he said.

One of those contractors is Gary Montana, corporate service manager, Day & Nite Refrigeration, New Hyde Park, New York, who has been using the new fractional scroll compressors since their introduction last fall.

“They are especially valuable to us in medium-temperature applications, as their reliability far exceeds that of a reciprocating compressor,” he said. “The scroll tolerates liquid slugging better than reciprocating compressors, which gives the service technician an opportunity to correct an issue before a compressor failure may occur.”

The scroll is also quieter and more efficient than reciprocating compressors, said Montana.

“In New York, we service many corporate dining facilities, as well as pantries and break rooms on the various floors of office buildings, and the quieter scroll is a definite advantage,” he said.

Robert Rivera II, vice president and chief operating officer, Americold Inc., agreed, noting that in addition to being quiet and energy efficient, they are reliable.

“We love them, because they’re the most dependable compressors on the market,” he said. “And typically they have more longevity than any other compressor out there.”

Emerson plans to continue the development of the next generation of refrigeration technology with its state-of-the-art compressors, with current plans including more eco-friendly refrigerants, as well an extension to new market applications.

SILVER

The QV-Series Condensing Units™ from Heat Transfer Products Group (HTPG) won silver in this category. These vertical airflow condensing units set the new standard for efficiency, reliability, and serviceability to meet the needs of the food processing, industrial cooling, and warehousing industries, said Raleigh Thompson, marketing manager.

“The QV-Series sets itself apart from other condensing units by offering a flexible platform and featuring a design that focuses on all the interaction points with the equipment,” said Thompson.

Models incorporate features from HTPG’s Quantum Air™ condensers such as the floating coil design for energy savings, swept-wing fan blades for optimal airflow, LED-lighted control panel, and hinged venturi panels for easy access. Additional advancements include an integral subcooling circuit for energy efficiency, floored compressor cabinet with removable compressor tray, service convenience outlet, hinged and removable access panels, and paint-protected galvanized steel housing.

All models of the QV-Series come standard with features aimed to improve the installation experience. Those features include a 110-v convenience outlet, service gauge hooks, separate high- and low-voltage control panels, and color-coded high- and low-pressure hoses. All of these product enhancements are specifically designed to help with the installation and servicing process and enable the installing technician to eliminate some of the more trivial parts of their jobs (running extension cord for the vacuum, hanging gauges in inconvenient places, holding flashlights, etc.).

BRONZE

Taking bronze is Danfoss’ Optyma™ Slim condensing unit, which is designed specifically for walk-in coolers and freezers in North America. These condensing units are constructed for a long, problem-free life, said Dean Groff, regional marketing manager, and are built using only the highest-quality Danfoss components.

These components include a durable microchannel heat exchanger; reliable, long-lasting scroll compressor; easy-to-service KPU dual-pressure switch; sight glass; and ELIMINATOR® filter drier with solid core technology. The unit is also equipped with a fan speed controller that minimizes wear on the fan motor, dramatically reducing the likelihood of failure. Heavy-gauge sheet metal frames with epoxy paint finish make the units sturdy and resistant to rust and corrosion.

The Optyma Slim condensing unit is easy to install and service, featuring a standard footprint and connection points to simplify field replacement of another unit. The units also feature multiple isolation valves, fully adjustable high- and low-pressure switches, and flare connections for filter driers and sight glasses, along with an easy-to-access electrical panel with the defrost timer installed.

These condensing units are available for R-134A, R-404A, R-452A, R-449A, and R-449A in sizes ranging from 1.5 to 10 hp in medium-temperature and 1.5 to 8 hp in low-temperature applications. The line will be expanded to include extreme low ambient units and low-GWP refrigerants as they become available.

Publication date: 7/23/2018

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