A2L Qualification of Copeland™ Compressor Platforms Is Underway

*On June 1, 2023 Emerson’s Climate Technologies business became a new standalone company – Copeland. Though our name has changed, we are building on more than a century of HVACR innovation and industry leadership, and Copeland continues to offer the same products, industry stewardship, and learning opportunities you’ve grown to trust. Information found on this webpage posted before June 1, 2023 may contain our old name or branding, but you can be at ease knowing it was created with the knowledge and expertise of Copeland. 

Copeland is pleased to announce the ongoing development and release of A2L-qualified compressors across Copeland refrigeration scroll, semi-hermetic and hermetic reciprocating compressor platforms and condensing units. After significant investments in research, development and testing, select A2L-qualified compressor models are available for sale today, while others will continue to be released over the coming months.

As the commercial refrigeration industry transitions to technologies that leverage lower-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, A2Ls are among the leading options emerging to meet this challenge. The rollout of our next-generation Copeland compressor platforms is part of Copeland’s commitment to developing products designed to help stakeholders comply with increasing environmental regulations and meet corporate sustainability targets.

The updated Copeland refrigeration compressor platforms are built upon emerging A2L refrigerants which provide GWP ratings below 300 and 150. Composed of multiple chemical components — including those with high hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) content — A2L refrigerants offer the potential for higher charge limits and lower flammability than the A3 R-290 (aka propane). Our A2L-qualified compressors are designed to provide safe, reliable refrigeration in low-, medium- and high-temperature applications, and are optimized for use with A2L refrigerants with high HFO content.

Our full lineup of A2L-qualified Copeland compressors is designed to fill a much-needed niche in a wide range of applications found in food retail, restaurant, convenience store and other commercial refrigeration sectors:

• Stand-alone units
• Distributed architectures
• Outdoor condensing units
• Mini racks used in smaller-format food retail outlets

Although select models are available for sale today, samples of all compressors being qualified for A2Ls (and their performance data) are available now to help our original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers begin their equipment design cycles. We plan on releasing full-production, A2L-qualified models across all Copeland compressor platforms by 2024.

System control, leak detection and A2L-qualified components

The lower flammability potential of A2L refrigerants introduces system risk mitigation and safety management considerations. To ensure the safe use of A2L refrigerants across a wide range of commercial refrigeration equipment, Copeland is developing integrated, A2L-qualified components.

Recently, we announced the launch of our new Copeland variable frequency drives, EVM and EVH Series, which are qualified for use in systems with flammable A2L and A3 refrigerants — meeting the flammable refrigerant safety standards set forth in UL 60335-2-89 for commercial refrigeration and UL 60335-2-40 for air conditioning. In certain remote systems with larger A2L refrigerant charges, leak detection and sensing equipment also must be installed. Copeland is currently enhancing our leak detection devices and sensors, case controls and E3 supervisory control system with features designed to meet A2L leak sensing and mitigation requirements. Samples of these drives, controls and leak detection devices are available on request.

The new A2L-qualified Copeland refrigeration compressor platforms — combined with our advanced system controls, leak detection devices and EVM/EVH Series variable frequency drives — reflect Copeland’s commitment to helping the industry usher in a safe, reliable era of lower-GWP A2L refrigeration. Whether you’re a retail owner/operator, OEM, design consultant or service technician, we can help you make a successful transition to lower-GWP refrigerants, including emerging A2Ls.