Refrigeration systems manufacturer Hillphoenix has announced the launch of its Next Generation Flex Mini, a CO2 (R744) transcritical refrigeration system that provides a “versatile, future-proof refrigeration solution” for smaller-format food retail stores.
Hillphoenix initially began offering the Flex Mini, which is built by Danish refrigeration systems manufacturer Advansor, in 2021. Advansor and Hillphoenix have the same parent company, Dover Food Retail.
The Next Generation Flex Mini supports two compressor brand configurations and uses low-pressure ejector technology to lower energy consumption. It is designed to maximize operational uptime while minimizing the total cost of ownership, Hillphoenix said.
“The Next Generation Flex Mini represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide accessible, high-efficiency natural refrigerant solutions,” said Senthilkumar Shanmugam, Hillphoenix’s Senior Product Manager, in a press release. “It combines high-performance cooling with a design that is easier to service and more efficient to operate.”
The original Flex Mini had a cooling capacity of 12,000 to 350,000BTUH (3.5 to 102.6kW/11 to 29.2TR) and could serve between 1 and 35 cases per rack. It used a reciprocating compressor and had a charge of 50–200lbs(22.6–90.7kg) of CO2, and could be installed indoors or outdoors. In 2022, the Flex Mini was installed at an American convenience store as part of a pilot project, which marked Hillphoenix’s first CO2 installation at a convenience store.
Recent product releases
The smaller rack follows in the footsteps of a much larger one, the AdvansorUltra, launched by Hillphoenix in 2025. The company’s first industrial rack platform for a transcritical CO2 system offers a max capacity of 450TR (1,583kW) per rack, and temperatures typically range from −25 to 20°F (−32 to −7°C), and as low as −54°F (−48°C) for applications like spiral freezing.
In addition, the company has seen increased demand for ChargeSecure, its charge preservation system for CO2 racks, released in 2024. The company told NaturalRefrigerants.com in June 2025 that 85% of its CO2 racks were being optioned with ChargeSecure. The technology was developed to reduce downtime during power outages and service interventions by maintaining the CO2 charge, allowing the system to restart immediately.
Smaller CO2 systems gain traction
A growing number of companies are bringing smaller CO2 refrigeration systems – specifically condensing units – to the North American market. Danish refrigeration systems and components manufacturer Danfoss brought its Optyma iCO2 condensing unit to AHR 2026, held February 2–4 in Las Vegas. The unit is designed for low- or medium-temperature transcritical refrigeration and air-conditioning applications. The capacity range is 1.5 to 4.6kW (0.4 to 1.3TR) for medium-temperature applications and up to 10kW (2.8TR) for low-temperature applications.
The Optyma iCO2 condensing unit also made an appearance at AHR 2025. According to Danfoss, by the end of 2025, the unit should have been installed in up to 50 stores.
In December 2024, U.S. OEM Hussmann announced it was releasing a 4HP CO2 condensing unit. The unit is manufactured by Panasonic, Hussmann’s parent company, and is designed for commercial and industrial applications. It can supply saturated suction temperatures (SST) from −40° to 23°F (−40 to -5°C), and operates at ambient temperatures up to 113°F (45°C). Its capacity ranges from 8,431BTUH (2.47kW/0.7TR) at −40°F SST and 113°F ambient to 26,519BTUH (7.77kW/2.2TR) at 23°F SST and 80°F (27°C) ambient.
Heatcraft Refrigeration Products, a commercial refrigeration manufacturer owned by Lennox International, is also bringing a new CO2 condensing unit to the market, albeit one designed for commercial processes and cold storage. The 15HP vertical unit was shown at AHR 2026 and is expected to be available toward the end of the year.
More smaller CO2 refrigeration systems are likely on the way to North America after U.S.-based components manufacturer Copeland announced the release of its transcritical CO2 scroll compressor. The compressor, officially released in December 2025, is designed for use in medium-temperature refrigeration systems with capacities of 15,000 to 130,000BTUs (1.25 and 10.8TR/4.4 and 38kW).
“Every manufacturer can make smaller CO2 racks now, and it opens the door for CO2 condensing units in the capacity ranges that these compressors provide,” Andre Patenaude, Director, Solution Strategy for Copeland, told NaturalRefrigerants.com.
