Scroll Compressors

When Emerson first pioneered the use of scroll technology in compressors, it changed the industry forever. Since then, Copeland Scroll™ technology remains at the forefront for HVACR applications, impressing contractors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with its superior efficiency, proven reliability and ease of installation.

Efficiency
Approximately 35 percent of the electrical energy consumed each year in the United States is used by HVACR systems. Compressors make up a vast majority of the energy used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. That means compressor selection is key to improving the overall efficiency of HVACR systems. The inherent design of Copeland Scroll compressors makes them a preferred choice for more energy-efficient systems. In fact, Copeland Scroll compressors play a key role in helping the industry throught major transitions like the 1992 move to a 10 SEER standard and the industry's shift in 2006 to a 13 SEER minimum. As the industry prepares for another regulatory change - this time the phaseout of R-22 refrigerants in favor of the more environmentally friendly R-410A - it will benefit from the versatility and efficiency of scroll compressor technology.

Environment
As the industry transitions from R-22 refrigerants to the more environmentally friendly R-410A, a surprising event has occured. Adoption is taking place faster than anticipated. In fact, the market is already 50 percent higher in R-410A than expected. With nearly 10 million Copeland Scroll R-410A compressors installed worldwide, we have the industry's broadest line of environmentally friendly R-410A compressors.

Reliability
Copeland Scroll compressors are known for their reliability. What makes them so reliable? Patented design features including:

70 percent fewer moving parts
Ability to start under any system load, without start components
Compact, light-weight design
No complex internal suction and discharge valves for quieter operation and higher reliability

Innovation
With the broadest product line in the industry, Copeland Scroll compressors range from 1-60 HP and are installed in more than 100 million installations around the world. They have become the compressor of choice to lead the industry through major transitions, including the 13 SEER minimum-efficiency requirement and R-22 phaseout. Copeland Scroll compressors can be used in single or tandem configurations and can also be modulated for increased efficiency and homeowner comfort.

How It Works
Forward Thinking
Design Benefits
Where to Find

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