Brazilian OEM Embraco has announced that it will now offer scroll compressors from 1.2 to 35HP, including those using propane (R290), for residential and commercial HVAC and commercial refrigeration applications.
The move into HVAC was facilitated by Nidec Global Appliance’s acquisition of Xecom, a Chinese compressor manufacturer. Nidec Global Appliance is the parent company of Embraco. In addition to moving into the HVAC space, Embraco said the acquisition enables it to “broaden its presence in the refrigeration segment.” Along with propane, the company said the new scroll compressors will also support R410A, R404A, “low-GWP options” and A2L refrigerants.
“This acquisition positions us as a more robust player in scroll technology, empowered to deliver high-performance solutions for refrigeration, heating and air-conditioning while enhancing our technological capabilities,” said Alberto Casnati, President of Nidec Global Appliance, in a statement. “The expanded scroll portfolio is tailored to meet the diverse needs of OEMs and the aftermarket in both residential and commercial segments and comply with strict international regulations.”
Breaking down the range: Michael Lyu, Head Office Scroll China at Nidec Global Appliance, shared insight into the power range of the new scroll compressor lineup.
- Low-temperature refrigeration applications will be served by compressors with 1.2 to 35HP.
- Medium-temperature refrigeration and air-conditioning will be served by compressors with 1.2 to 30HP.
- Heat pumps will be served by compressors with 2 to 30HP.
Cooling and heating: Tom Bourquin, VP/GM of HVAC at Nidec Global Appliance, also appeared in the video and detailed the heating and cooling system types the scroll compressors support.
- For air-conditioning: ducted, cassette, VRF for floor and ceiling, VRF rooftop units, packaged systems and chillers.
- For heating: air-to-air and air-to-water heat pumps, “all-in-one kit heating,” hot water heat pumps for residential, commercial and district applications, and high-temperature heat pumps for dryers used in agricultural and industrial applications.
Expanded options in commercial refrigeration: Andre Rosa, Nidec Global Appliance’s R&D Senior Director, said in the video that Embraco’s scroll compressor lineup for commercial refrigeration was expanding in horsepower and availability. Before the Xecom acquisition, Embraco’s scroll lineup was “focused mainly on the European market and reaching up to 13HP,” he said.
- Rosa noted that Embraco can now supply scroll compressors for chillers, milk cooling tanks, remote system ice makers, large cold rooms and blast freezers.
- “In addition, with the new scroll range, we can develop even more options of Embraco original condensing units and monoblocs with large capacity [that are] tailored to our customers’ needs,” Rosa added.
Quotable: “This is a milestone for Nidec Global Appliance and Embraco, as it now becomes a brand for all climates,” said Casnati.
