NewsTecumseh backs Spool compressor development
USA: Compressor manufacturer Tecumseh is to help develop a new style of compressor for use in commercial refrigeration, which is said to be smaller, lighter and cheaper to manufacture than current technology.
The company has entered into a joint development and licensing agreement with Gerogia-based Torad Engineering to begin utilising Torad's patented spool compressor.
According to a company statement, the combination of Torad's patented spool design and Tecumseh's vast refrigeration research and development capability has the goal of bringing smaller, more efficient, more reliable "next generation" compressor technology to the commercial refrigeration marketplace.
Torad's Spool compressor appears to be similar to a rotary vane compressor. However, while being compact with a high displacement density like a rotary compressor, it is said to reduce the friction between the vane tip and end planes. In addition, the Spool compressor is said to be of a positive displacement design,with no internal compression ratio, two compression cycles per rotation, and positive sealing design attributes. Features include tolerance of liquid flood back, one moving assembly and no axial loads assisting in bearing longevity.
"At Tecumseh, we know that our motor technology is the key driver of future change. This partnership with Torad and utilisation of the spool machine technology enables us to take Tecumseh compressors to the next technological level," said Jim Connor, Tecumseh president and CEO. "We think this is a game-changer, much the way scroll technology was when it was introduced 30 years ago."
"Torad's spool technology will transform the refrigerant compressor market enabling forward looking companies like Tecumseh to dramatically reduce manufacturing costs, improve margins and grow market share," said Joe Orosz, president of Torad Compressor.
With only four key components, the Spool compressor is said to offer significant manufacturing cost advantages to oems.
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TORAD Spool Compressor
By Greg Kemp
Hey we are glad to see you covering our development with Tecumseh. But you do have an error... last line there are 4 key components, not 40.
Thanks
By Neil Everitt
Apologies Greg, I was watching your video on your website and thought you said FORTY components when in fact you said FOUR KEY components. Your accent or my ears? Pardon?
Now corrected.
PS. I'm no compressor designer but have you considered having more than four key components? It doesn't seem many.
Very Good
By Greg Kemp
Wow, I am impressed... most editors don't do any research, just saying. I think we will keep the major component count low makes manufacturing a bit simpler.
Cheers
Question for Greg
By AC
What are the energy efficiency gains from this technology?
Energy Gains
By Greg Kemp
Hey AC, we are still early in the development cycle. We will be releasing early prototype performance data next week at the International Compressor Conference at PURDUE for A/C applications. It is early on in the optimization process but you will find this data on our Web site.
Greg
Total Cost of Ownership
By Edo Wissink
It is a logic way to improve key component in a refrigerant cycle. Goal must be to reduce the total cost of ownership in stead of cost price driven market for small applications. I'm working on the torsion drive concept, as presented in the GL2012 conference in Delft.
Question
By Frost
Great step for Tecumseh ,congratulation.my question is this compressor run with R290?
Question - Frost
By Greg Kemp
Thanks Frost,
The compressor is still in development, so it is not "available" commercially yet. The compressor will perform fine with R290, there would be some geometric optimization and of course an optimized lubricant.
TORAD Spool Compressor
By Greg Kemp
Hey we are glad to see you covering our development with Tecumseh. But you do have an error... last line there are 4 key components, not 40.
Thanks
By Neil Everitt
Apologies Greg, I was watching your video on your website and thought you said FORTY components when in fact you said FOUR KEY components. Your accent or my ears? Pardon?
Now corrected.
PS. I'm no compressor designer but have you considered having more than four key components? It doesn't seem many.
Very Good
By Greg Kemp
Wow, I am impressed... most editors don't do any research, just saying. I think we will keep the major component count low makes manufacturing a bit simpler.
Cheers
Question for Greg
By AC
What are the energy efficiency gains from this technology?
Energy Gains
By Greg Kemp
Hey AC, we are still early in the development cycle. We will be releasing early prototype performance data next week at the International Compressor Conference at PURDUE for A/C applications. It is early on in the optimization process but you will find this data on our Web site.
Greg
Total Cost of Ownership
By Edo Wissink
It is a logic way to improve key component in a refrigerant cycle. Goal must be to reduce the total cost of ownership in stead of cost price driven market for small applications. I'm working on the torsion drive concept, as presented in the GL2012 conference in Delft.
Question
By Frost
Great step for Tecumseh ,congratulation.my question is this compressor run with R290?
Question - Frost
By Greg Kemp
Thanks Frost,
The compressor is still in development, so it is not "available" commercially yet. The compressor will perform fine with R290, there would be some geometric optimization and of course an optimized lubricant.
