Following the introduction of a transcritical CO2 (R744) scroll compressor with dynamic vapor injection (DVI) in Europe, U.S. component manufacturer Copeland has announced the launch of the technology in North America.
In October, the compressor made Copeland the winner of the 2026 AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition) Innovation Award in the refrigeration category.
Copeland said the transcritical CO2 scroll compressor offers “favorable total cost of ownership advantages, including easier installation and maintenance, fewer components, a simplified piping system, and a smaller rack in both size and weight.” These features make the compressor suited for distributed CO2 refrigeration systems, both for new installations and remodels, especially in small to medium food-retail settings, the company said.
The DVI process enhances system efficiency and performance by allowing for high-pressure vapor, such as refrigerant gas, to be “digested through the compression cycle,” eliminating the need for parallel compression, said Copeland. The new compressors are available in fixed- and variable-speed configurations.
Copeland is beginning with a 460-voltage scroll compressor, its first in North America, and plans to release additional voltages through the end of 2025 into 2026.
As an example, the ZTI scroll compressor is designed for use in transcritical CO2 medium-temperature refrigeration systems, with a standstill pressure of 110bar (1,595psi) and capacities from 7.7 to 18.6kW (2.2 to 5.3TR).
“With this solution, we’re combining Copeland’s unmatched CO2 domain expertise, innovative supermarket test labs and rigorous manufacturing capabilities to support the next generation of sustainable CO2 refrigeration solutions in both centralized and distributed system types,” said Kurt Knapke, Vice President and General Manager, Cold Chain, for Copeland.
The company has said it is prioritizing the adoption of CO2 refrigeration in North America with a collaborative CO2 lab and openly available studies and educational papers.
European launch
In Europe Emerson Climate Technologies, former owner of Copeland, introduced a CO2 scroll compressor for commercial refrigeration applications In 2021.
Copeland rolled out its full modular CO2 outdoor condensing unit OCU line for commercial applications for the European market, featuring scroll compressors with VPI, in May of 2025. Compared to a conventional CO2 (R744) rack, the OCU saved French retail group Auchan 6% in capital costs in a supermarket retrofit, according to Copeland.
Copeland also offers transcritical and subcritical semi-hermetic compressors; subcritical scroll compressors; controls and monitoring; and variable frequency drives.
