GEA presents new generation of CO2 mobile compressors for air conditioning and heating

With the GEA StarCO₂mpressor, GEA is presenting a new milestone for mobile CO₂ applications at this year’s Busworld in Brussels from October 18-23. At the heart of the CO₂ compressor, you will find its innovative "star" drive gear design, based on a radial reciprocating technology specifically designed for transcritical use with the natural refrigerant CO₂ (R744).

"This opens up new possibilities for use in the electric bus and rail air conditioning. For example, “a space-saving roof installation of the compressor, which offers the industry's lowest overall height and the lowest weight”, according to Ulrich Frey, Product Manager Mobile Applications. Another highlight: The energy-saving heat generation even at low outdoor temperatures up to -20 °C below, without power-consuming electrical or environmentally harmful fuel-powered auxiliary heaters, increasing the range of electric busses by up to 40 percent. With the StarCO₂mpressor, GEA is expanding its portfolio of natural refrigerant compressors with ecologically and economically efficient technology for the electromobility market of the future.

Lowest height and lowest weight in its performance class

Based on the star-shaped cylinder arrangement, the GEA StarCO₂mpressor offers a compact system design with numerous technical and design innovations. Ulrich Frey explains "The uniquely low overall height of just 220 mm and the light weight of just 83 kg, which is at least 25 percent lower than other commercial compressor of this performance class, offer perfect conditions for space-saving roof installation in electric buses and railways”.

Consistent safe operation - even with large angles of inclination

The welded steel housing and the special oil management with a high-performance oil pump ensure high robustness and minimized leakage potential. With its very wide speed range, the compressor easily meets the power requirements of heat pumps from 12.5 Hz to 75 Hz (750 rpm to 4500 rpm). Further advantages of the mobile CO₂ compressor are its reliably high degree of smoothness due to multiple bearings and a safe operation even at high angles of inclination. "Its practical suitability has been proven in advance by the innovative GEA technology of the StarCO₂mpressor in extensive field tests with renowned manufacturers," says Frey.

Nominated for the busworld Innovation Label Award 2019

With the motto "Think green, choose blue", GEA will be presenting the market innovation GEA StarCO₂mpressor for the first time at the busworld 2019 in Brussels, Belgium, from October 18-23 to an international trade audience – Booth 163 in Hall 1. The GEA StarCO₂mpressor already received special recognition leading up to the busworld: the innovative mobile CO₂ compressor was nominated by a jury of experts for the finale of the 2019 Busworld Innovation Label Award.