How It Works

How Scroll Compressors Work
The Copeland Scroll compressor has one scroll, or spiral, orbiting in a path defined by a matching fixed scroll. The fixed scroll is attached to the compressor body.
The orbiting scroll is coupled to the crankshaft and orbits, rather than rotates. The orbiting motion creates a series of gas pockets traveling between the two scrolls. On the outer portion of the scrolls, the pockets draw in gas, and then move into the center of the scroll, where the gas is discharged. As the gas moves into the increasingly smaller inner pockets, the temperature and pressure increase to the desired discharge pressure.
Forward Thinking

Emerson continues to invest in the evolution and improvement of its Copeland Scroll compressor technology to meet environmental goals and indoor comfort and efficiency needs. Copeland Scroll compressors were key to the recent 13 SEER transition and Copeland Scroll technology lead the industry in the recent R-22 phaseout. For example, Copeland Scroll compressors are designed for use with the chlorine-free, environmentally friendly R-410A refrigerant to replace the use of R-22. Emerson was the first to introduce a two-stage scroll compressor for residential air conditioners.
This innovative technology enables home air conditioning systems to operate at an energy saving two-thirds capacity approximately 80% of the time, running at full capacity only on the hottest days. Air conditioners equipped with the Copeland Scroll UltraTech® compressor can maintain precise temperature levels and lower relative humidity while saving homeowners up to 60% on energy costs, when compared with 13 SEER systems.
Design Benefits

Better Liquid Handling
Axial and radial compliance allow the scroll members to separate in the presence of liquid refrigerant, thus, providing protection against liquid damage
Greater Efficiency
More efficient over their entire operating range
Improved Sound
Operate at lower sound and vibration levels than traditional compressors
Unmatched Reliability
- 70% fewer moving parts
- Ability to start under any system load, without start components
- Easy to service and maintain due to their compact size and lightweight, simple design
- Engineered for optimum performance with today’s chlorine-free refrigerants
- No complex internal suction and discharge valves for quieter operation and higher reliability
Where to Find
With over 80 million installations and 10 manufacturing facilities worldwide, Copeland Scroll compressors are setting the standard for performance and energy efficiency. Click below to find out where Copeland Scroll compressors are used:
Residential Applications
Commercial Applications