Copeland and Daikin are expanding their existing joint venture to introduce inverter swing rotary compressors to the European residential heat pump market, with matching power and electronic controls.
“The compressors will initially be designed for propane [R290] with the possibility to expand to other refrigerants in the future,” Copeland told NaturalRefrigerants.com. “As a natural refrigerant, R290 makes the compressors consistent with the EU f–gas regulations and supports the transition to environmentally–friendly HVAC solutions.”
Copeland expects its newest joint venture with Daikin to start operations in 2026, with product availability in the European Economic Area and its neighboring territories, including Switzerland and the U.K. The initial production of the compressor will occur in an existing facility, Copeland told NaturalRefrigerants.com.
The target: As Europe transitions from fossil fuels, the demand for residential heat pumps continues to grow.
- With the joint venture, the two companies aim to “accelerate time to market” for European–focused residential heat pump OEMs.
- “In addition to industry–leading compression technology, we will be combining our advanced power electronics, controls and dedicated customer support to help OEMs and drive the energy transition at scale,” said Copeland CEO Ross Shuster.
Innovation history: Although Daikin manufactures residential R290 heat pumps, including the Altherma 4 HS-S+ series, it does not yet manufacture one using swing rotary compressor technology.
- The company’s Altherma line uses a scroll compressor, according to various Daikin product brochures. However, its R32 Fit residential heat pump relies on the swing compressor.
- Neodymium magnets in Daikin’s swing compressor reduce electrical losses and increase efficiency by providing a constant rotor magnetic field.
- “The main parts are integrated into one component to minimize wear and tear and help eliminate refrigerant leaks from high side to low side,” Daikin said.
Strengthening ties: The two companies started their partnership in November 2024 to bring Daikin’s inverter swing rotary compressor technology to the U.S. residential market.
- Copeland stated that Daikin’s technology complements its portfolio, delivering benefits such as reduced energy use and enhanced reliability.
- “Our established sales network, proximity to customers and high-quality service, along with Daikin’s technology, will help our customers to design and deliver efficient HVAC systems,” Shuster said.
Quotable: “This partnership positions Daikin to play a central role in the engineering and production of inverter swing rotary compressors,” said Jiro Tomita, Executive Associate Officer at Daikin. “This initiative underscores our strong commitment to advancing sustainability and contributing to society through innovation.”
“The compressors will initially be designed for propane [R290].”
Copeland
