Copeland Launches Transcritical CO2 Scroll Compressor
ST. LOUIS — Copeland announced the launch of its transcritical CO2 scroll compressor with dynamic vapor injection (DVI) technology in North America. The Copeland transcritical CO2 scroll compressor is for distributed CO2 refrigeration systems, both for new installations and remodels.
Increased regulatory requirements and emissions reduction goals, plus the transition to lower-global warming potential (GWP) and natural refrigerants, are driving changes in refrigeration equipment and system architectures within the food retail industry. These shifts are leading to the adoption of new CO2 refrigeration technologies that can scale to meet a wider variety of application sizes and requirements. Recent industry data shows that North America is experiencing accelerated growth of transcritical CO2 systems. According to ATMOsphere’s latest report, CO2 market penetration in supermarkets reached 5.8 percent, compared to 4.1 percent in the previous year. As of December 2024, there were approximately 4,100 food retail stores in North America using transcritical CO2 systems, up 40 percent from 2023.
The Copeland transcritical CO2 scroll compressor is the latest addition to a comprehensive CO2 compression portfolio, which includes transcritical and subcritical semi-hermetics, subcritical scrolls, advanced controls and monitoring, variable frequency drives and system components to support a fully integrated CO2 booster system. The new compressors are available in fixed- and variable-speed configurations; all featuring DVI technology.
The dynamic vapor injection process enhances system efficiency and performance, allowing for high-pressure vapor, such as refrigerant gas, to be digested through the compression cycle. DVI eliminates the need for parallel compression to digest flash tank vapor, resulting in improved efficiencies, design simplicity and applied cost reduction. The DVI concept delivers efficient, reliable CO2 booster refrigeration in any climate, overcoming design challenges inherent in larger CO2 systems.
By reducing system complexity, Copeland transcritical CO2 scroll compression technology offers favorable total cost of ownership advantages, including easier installation and maintenance, fewer components, a simplified piping system, and a smaller rack in both size and weight. The Copeland transcritical CO2 scroll compressor can improve system reliability and reduces system downtime, which collectively lowers system maintenance costs.
“With this solution, we’re combining Copeland's unmatched CO2 domain expertise, innovative supermarket test labs and rigorous manufacturing capabilities to support the next generation of sustainable CO2 refrigeration solutions in both centralized and distributed system types,” said Kurt Knapke, vice president and general manager, cold chain, for Copeland.
Copeland is working globally to develop and launch this solution, beginning with a 460-voltage scroll compressor, its first in North America. The company plans to release additional voltages through the end of 2025 into 2026.
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