USA: Emerson Climate Technologies is expanding its existing Copeland compressor and condensing unit  ranges t o meet new energy reduction standards.

By 2017, the US Department of Energy (DOE) is demanding a 30 to 40% improvement in both reach-in and walk-in energy efficiency. To meet these requirements, Emerson is expanding its Copeland Scroll line to include smaller displacements and capacities for walk-in fridges and freezers.

Other developments currently underway to meet the DOE energy reduction standards include generational improvements. For medium-temperature, walk-in applications, Emerson has extended the Copeland Scroll ZB*KA platform by reducing the range to ¾ hp, which may also be suitable for large reach-in units.

For low-temperature, liquid injected scrolls, the horsepower has been reduced to a range of ¾ to 1½hp to accommodate walk-in use. Additional efforts include a reduction in existing fractional hp compressors to less than ½hp used in reach-ins and the development of new condensing units for the next generation of fractional hp compressors.

Emerson says it is also currently developing higher-efficiency reciprocating compressors and condensing units for reach-in and other styles of self-contained applications. These condensing units will be harnessing new and more efficient fractional horsepower compressors. The condensing units include many design improvements to create two times the energy efficiency while maintaining the same small or potentially even smaller footprint.

While the walk-in standard, condensing unit, unit cooler, panels and door performances are able to be self-tested and self-qualified, on the reach-in applications the system efficiency is evaluated as a whole, including insulation, walls, doors, compressor and fans.  

Emerson invites OEMs who are currently evaluating and making system changes to qualify with the DOE or EPA mandates to seek guidance on compressor technologies and is offering a complete system evaluation through its Design Services Network.