Emerson has launched fractional horsepower low-temperature Copeland Scroll compressors that utilize liquid-injection technology to cool discharge temperatures and reduce compressor stress while also meeting upcoming federal regulatory requirements.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be phasing out the use of R-404A in new remote condensing units for walk-in coolers and freezers (WICF) in 2018.
Additionally, the Department of Energy (DOE) has proposed the enforcement of its new WICF efficiency mandate in 2020, as measured by the annual walk-in efficiency (AWEF) standard.
The new Copeland Scroll ZF*KA compressor line simultaneously addresses the need for compatibility with new refrigerants, tougher energy standards and highly reliable, smaller-capacity systems.
Emerson's foodservice director of marketing, Allen Wicher, said in addition to achieving compliance with DOE and EPA requirements in low temperatures, the new ZF*KA fractional horsepower compressors are rated for use with new refrigerant alternatives R-448A/449A and existing lower-GWP HFCs such as R-407A.
“Compared to its hermetic reciprocating counterparts, Copeland Scroll is also simpler for the OEM to incorporate into new designs without additional engineering, development and additional component costs,” he said.
The ZF*KA compressors are designed for walk-in freezers relying on outdoor condensing units that will require compressors that can mitigate the higher discharge temperatures produced when using new refrigerant alternatives in low-temperature applications.
The liquid injection technology allows the compressor to cool the discharge temperature while also delivering high efficiencies and reliable performance.