Thermal management

Technical description

Today's thermal management market is dominated by chemical refrigerants. The environmental consequence of their usage is widely known and is currently leading to a shift to natural refrigerants like R744 (CO₂). In comparison to R290 (Propane) there are efficiency advantages for R744 regarding heat pump application and its non-flammability. But there is a main challenge to overcome: The pressure level of R744 refrigeration circuits is about five times higher in contrast to R290 and also to the common synthetic refrigerant cycles of R134 and R1234yf.

To tackle this challenge, we developed a compressor that uses its low inner leakage and low lubrication demands to ensure great efficiency, durability and load point flexibility. The compressor excels at high mass flows but still enables to provide a low mass flow without start/stop. Additionally, the compressor allows continuously operation at very high-pressure ratios and vapor phase inlet conditions.

Customer benefits / unique selling propositions

• Compact design - optimized for automotive
  

• Usage of natural refrigerant R744 (CO₂)
  

• High cooling power – 12 kW+
  

• Optimal for heat pump application
  

• Robust control without start/stop
  

• Wide range of operation states enables highest performance of thermal management system
  

• Extensive tests according to established specifications
  

• Alternative design principle compared to state-of-the-art scroll compressors