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.