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 travelling between the two scrolls. On  the outer portion of the scrolls, the pockets draw in gas, which they then force to the centre 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.

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 and compressor superior robustness and reliability.

Greater Efficiency
More efficient over their entire operating range

Unmatched Reliability

• 70% fewer moving parts then other compression technologies
• 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