Copeland ZB38KCE-TF5-950 Scroll Compressor: Engineered for Reliable and Efficient Medium-Temperature Refrigeration

In the demanding world of commercial refrigeration, system reliability, energy efficiency, and operational flexibility are paramount. The Copeland ZB38KCE-TF5-950 scroll compressor stands as a testament to this principle, offering a robust and versatile solution designed specifically for medium-temperature applications. As part of Copeland's esteemed ZB series, this compressor encapsulates decades of innovation in scroll technology, providing a superior alternative to traditional semi-hermetic reciprocating compressors for a wide range of commercial settings, including supermarkets, convenience stores, food service establishments, and refrigerated warehouses.

The ZB38KCE-TF5-950 is engineered to deliver exceptional performance across a broad spectrum of modern and legacy refrigerants, including R407A, R407F, R448A, R449A, R404A, R134a, R450A, and R513A. This multi-refrigerant capability is a significant advantage, offering system builders and end-users future-proof flexibility to adapt to evolving environmental regulations, such as the EU F-Gas regulation, without requiring a complete compressor redesign. This makes the ZB38KCE an ideal choice for both new installations and retrofitting existing systems to lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants.

Core Technology and Design Advantages

At the heart of the ZB38KCE-TF5-950's performance is the proven Copeland scroll design. Unlike reciprocating compressors with numerous pistons, valves, and connecting rods, a scroll compressor features two interleaving spiral scrolls—one fixed and one orbiting. This simpler design with fewer moving parts translates directly into higher inherent reliability, lower vibration, and reduced noise levels.

Key technological features include:

• Axial and Radial Compliance: This proprietary Copeland technology allows the scrolls to separate slightly to accommodate liquid slugging or debris, preventing catastrophic compressor failure and enhancing durability under challenging operating conditions.

• High Seasonal Efficiency: The ZB series compressors are optimized for the operating conditions where refrigeration equipment runs most of the time, leading to significantly improved Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) compared to older semi-hermetic models. This results in substantial energy savings and a lower total cost of ownership over the compressor's lifespan.

• Compact and Lightweight Design: Weighing approximately 37 kg, the ZB38KCE is significantly lighter and more compact than a reciprocating compressor of equivalent capacity. This simplifies handling, installation, and integration into space-constrained refrigeration units or racks.

• Low Sound Pressure Level: With a sound pressure level of 61 dBA measured at 1 meter, this compressor operates quietly. For applications requiring ultra-quiet operation, such as in urban environments or near sensitive areas, an optional sound shell is available to reduce noise levels by an additional 10 dBA.

• Wide Operating Envelope: The compressor is designed to operate efficiently across a wide range of evaporating and condensing temperatures, including a low condensing limit of 10°C. This enables stable operation in various climates and facilitates faster system pull-down.

Technical Specifications of the ZB38KCE-TF5-950

The following table summarizes the key technical data for the Copeland ZB38KCE-TF5-950 scroll compressor, providing a clear overview of its capabilities.

Performance and Application Flexibility

The Copeland ZB38KCE-TF5-950 delivers robust cooling capacity tailored for medium-temperature refrigeration, typically in the evaporating temperature range of -25°C to -5°C. For instance, when using R407A at a standard condensing temperature of 40°C and an evaporating temperature of -10°C, the compressor provides a cooling capacity of approximately 9.1 kW with a power input of 3.3 kW. Its performance remains consistently strong across its compatible refrigerant portfolio, making it a versatile core component for:

• Integrated Refrigeration Units: Its compact size makes it perfect for self-contained display cases, walk-in cooler units, and beverage coolers.

• Condensing Units: As a reliable heart for outdoor condensing units serving multiple medium-temperature cases.

• Refrigeration Racks: Can be used in parallel compressor systems for larger supermarket applications to enhance system modulation and redundancy.

• Special Process Cooling: Suitable for agricultural and industrial processes requiring precise medium-temperature control.

Conclusion: The Intelligent Choice for Modern Refrigeration

The Copeland ZB38KCE-TF5-950 scroll compressor is more than just a component; it is a comprehensive solution engineered for the challenges of modern commercial refrigeration. Its blend of proven scroll reliability, multi-refrigerant compatibility, high energy efficiency, and quiet operation establishes it as a leading choice for system designers, OEMs, and end-users aiming to build efficient, compliant, and durable refrigeration systems. By choosing the ZB38KCE-TF5-950, you are investing in a product backed by Copeland's global expertise and a commitment to technological excellence, ensuring optimal performance and a lower total cost of ownership for years to come. For detailed performance data across all refrigerants and operating conditions, the Copeland Select software provides in-depth modeling and selection tools.