Reliability
Trane and reliability go hand in hand. Every day we stake our reputation on the fact that our products work when they need to, year in and year out.
The heart of a reliable Trane system is the Climatuff® compressor. Since 1938 when the industry’s first hermetic centrifugal refrigeration machine was introduced by Trane, we’ve lead the way in defining the standards in compressor technology. Our reciprocating compressor was the first successful heat pump compressor and is well known for its superior durability, its low noise levels, and its ability to provide high operating efficiencies. The Climatuff® scroll compressor uses a similar design and the same testing standards to continue the Trane tradition of excellence in compressor technology. Trane uses either a reciprocating or scroll compressor in all outdoor products, depending on the level of efficiency and reliability required for a specific application.
Reciprocating Technology
The Climatuff® Difference.What makes a Trane Climatuff® compressor the talk of the industry? For starters, it was the world’s first successful heat pump compressor. Over the years, its reputation has been built on the fact that it handles the extreme operating conditions of heat pump applications with ease. For example, a compressor’s reliability is directly related to its ability to handle stress. The Climatuff’s all-aluminum frame not only dissipates heat, but its light weight reduces stress on its mounting springs, as well. Valves are another critical factor because they experience more stress than any other component. For that reason, Trane manufactures compressor valves to extremely tight design specifications. A large shell volume is another Trane difference. Climatuff® reciprocating compressors have more volume inside the shell than other compressors, which gives it an additional safety margin against slugging, often caused by overcharging or low indoor airflow. The differences add up to the most durable compressor manufactured in the industry today. Read on. Designed To Handle Thermal Stress.The Climatuff® compressor’s stress handling ability begins with its aluminum frame, and its aluminum pistons and connecting rods. An aluminum frame reduces thermal stress and allows the compressor to run cooler than compressors with cast-iron frames, which tend to retain heat, resulting in higher operating temperatures. The frame is designed with a very large intake area to minimize the pressure drop of suction gas. Suction gas flow to the valve is virtually unrestricted. The lightweight aluminum pistons and connecting rods provide for easy starts and relieve stress on the crankshaft. Trane uses an industry-unique pearlitic cast-iron cylinder liner for enhanced durability.
The Acousti-Cool Process.The Acousti-Cool Process is engineered motor temperature management. Managed motor cooling allows the compressor to run cooler than other hermetic compressors, and leads to longer motor life and lower operating costs. Acousti-Cool works like this. During the first phase of the process refrigerant is returned to the compressor through the high level suction inlet. Gas, which is approximately 100 degrees cooler than the motor windings, flows across the top of the motor cooling it down. Core motor cooling continues as the gas is routed downward through the windings and between the rotor and the stator. While it’s being cooled, the motor performs the duty of a suction gas muffler. Since potential sound energy is being absorbed simultaneously with return gas motor cooling, the process is called Acousti-Cooling. An all-aluminum frame, motor housing, piston and connecting rod help to reduce thermal stress and help the compressor run cooler by dissipating heat away from the bearing surfaces. |
