I. Series Overview
The VR series is Copeland's line of hermetic flexible scroll compressors specifically optimized for high-temperature refrigeration and heat pump applications. Together with the ZR series, they belong to the Copeland Scroll™ air conditioning compressor family. In the VR model naming, "V" stands for application positioning in high-temperature systems and heat pump heating demands, while "R" represents its high-temperature application attribute. This batch of five models covers a 9–15 HP power range, all using R22 refrigerant and 3-phase 380-420V/50Hz power supply, with cooling capacities ranging from 26.4 kW to 45.6 kW. They serve as core power components in large commercial air conditioning, heat pump systems, industrial cooling, and precision air conditioning.
Copeland is the inventor of the scroll compressor. The VR series flexible scroll compressors, with axial and radial compliance technology at their core, demonstrate unique superiority in multiple aspects—high energy efficiency ratio, low noise, high reliability, and low system design and operating costs. This series is widely used in air conditioning, industrial cooling, and precision air conditioning.
| Feature Dimension | Description |
| Power Range | 9 HP – 15 HP |
| Cooling Capacity Range | 26.4 kW – 45.6 kW |
| Refrigerant | R22 (compatible with R407C, R134a) |
| Power Supply | 3-Phase 380-420V/50Hz |
| Application Condition | High-temp A/C & Heat pump |
| Core Positioning | High-temp A/C & heat pump, high efficiency, multi-unit parallel |
Naming Rule Quick Reference
(Taking VR144KS-TFP-522 as an example)
| Code | Meaning |
| VR | Scroll compressor series identifier, V=High-temp/Heat pump application |
| 144 | Cooling capacity grade (number ÷ 12 ≈ HP, 144 ÷ 12 = 12 HP) |
| KS | K=Compressor capacity multiplier, S=Series code |
| TFP | T=3-phase power, F=Refrigerant type, P=Application range (380-3 50Hz) |
| 522 | Piping connection & accessory configuration code |
II. Full Series Parameter Comparison Table
Note: 50Hz operating condition, R22 refrigerant. Data for VR108KS-TFD-522 is sourced from product listings and industry data.
| No. | Model | Nominal HP | Cooling Capacity (W) | Cooling Capacity (Btu/h) | Input Power (W) | Current (A) | COP | Displacement (cc/Rev.) | Oil Charge (L) | Net Weight (kg) | Locked Rotor Current (A) | Noise (dBA) |
| 1 | VR108KS-TFD-522 | 9 | 26,400 | 90,000 | 7,500 | 13.7 | 3.52 | 142.9 | 2.51 | 63 | — | 70 |
| 2 | VR125KS-TFP | 10 | 31,000 | 105,400 | 9,000 | 15.8 | 3.46 | 167.2 | 3.25 | 61.2 | 110.0 | 75.0 |
| 3 | VR144KS-TFP | 12 | 35,000 | 119,000 | 10,100 | 17.6 | 3.46 | 190.9 | 3.25 | 61.2 | 110.0 | 76.0 |
| 4 | VR160KS-TFP | 13 | 38,200 | 130,000 | 11,300 | 20.2 | 3.38 | 209.3 | 3.25 | 64.9 | 133.0 | 79.0 |
| 5 | VR190KS-TFP | 15 | 45,600 | 155,000 | 13,600 | 25.6 | 3.35 | 249.3 | 3.25 | 66.2 | 168.0 | 82.0 |
III. Detailed Model Explanations
VR108KS-TFD-522 (9HP) – Energy Efficiency Benchmark of This Batch
Feature: The VR108KS-TFD-522 is the standard 9HP model in the VR series, with a displacement of 142.9 cc/Rev. It adopts a hermetic flexible scroll structure and is equipped with Copeland's patented axial and radial compliance technology. The compressor has a built-in motor circuit breaker that effectively protects the motor from damage caused by high temperature and high current.
Advantage: This model boasts a COP of up to 3.52, making it the most outstanding in energy efficiency among the five models in this batch. A COP of 3.52 means it produces 3.52 kW of cooling for every 1 kW of electricity consumed, which is over 12% higher than the most advanced reciprocating compressors on the market. With fewer moving parts and Copeland's patented axial and radial compliance design, it offers unprecedented resistance to liquid slugging and tolerance to impurities.
Benefit: For large commercial air conditioning and industrial cooling systems, the VR108KS-TFD-522, with its 26.4 kW cooling capacity and high 3.52 COP, significantly reduces operating electricity bills while ensuring cooling performance. Its near 100% volumetric efficiency delivers exceptional heating capability, making it especially suitable for heat pump applications requiring both cooling and heating.
VR125KS-TFP (10HP) – High-Efficiency Mainstream Choice for 10HP Class
Feature: The VR125KS-TFP is the standard 10HP model in the VR series, with a cooling capacity of 31,000 W (105,400 Btu/h), displacement of 167.2 cc/Rev., oil charge of 3.25 L, net weight of 61.2 kg, maximum operating current of 15.8 A, and starting current of 110 A.
Advantage: COP reaches 3.46, EER is 11.8 Btu/Wh, leading the industry in energy efficiency for 10HP class scroll compressors. The unique unloaded start design eliminates the need for start capacitors or relays in single-phase compressors. In most applications, it requires no crankcase heater or liquid accumulator, greatly simplifying system design.
Benefit: For large commercial air conditioning, water chillers, and heat pump systems, the VR125KS-TFP, with its 31 kW cooling capacity and high 3.46 COP, is an ideal choice for 10HP class large commercial projects that balances performance and energy efficiency. It supports dual and triple parallel configurations, providing solutions for water chiller systems up to 700kW.
VR144KS-TFP (12HP) – Classic 12HP Model
Feature: The VR144KS-TFP is the classic 12HP model in the VR series, with a displacement of 190.9 cc/Rev., cooling capacity of 35,000 W (119,000 Btu/h), input power of 10,100 W, current of 17.6 A, oil charge of 3.25 L, net weight of 61.2 kg, and locked rotor current of 110 A.
Advantage: COP is 3.46, EER is 11.8 Btu/Wh. The hermetic scroll structure has no suction or discharge valves, ensuring reliable operation and long service life; efficiency is over 10% higher than reciprocating compressors and over 5% higher than rotary compressors; it is insensitive to liquid slugging and allows a small amount of liquid compression; it features lower noise and vibration levels, a smooth sound spectrum, and soft sound quality.
Benefit: This model is widely used in split air conditioners, rooftop units, unitary units, and water chiller systems. For large commercial air conditioning and heat pump systems requiring 12HP cooling capacity, the VR144KS-TFP, with its robust 35 kW cooling capacity and high reliability, is the preferred power source for OEMs and contractors. Its compact design and light weight (only 61.2 kg) facilitate equipment integration and on-site installation.
VR160KS-TFP (13HP) – Most Demanded Power Specification in the Market
Feature: The VR160KS-TFP is the 13HP model in the VR series, with a displacement of 209.3 cc/Rev., cooling capacity of 38,200 W (130,000 Btu/h), input power of 11,300 W, current of 20.2 A, oil charge of 3.25 L, net weight of 64.9 kg, locked rotor current of 133.0 A, and noise level of 79 dBA.
Advantage: COP is 3.38, EER is 11.5 Btu/Wh. Copeland Scroll™ axial and radial compliance technology ensures excellent reliability and high efficiency. The low oil circulation rate reduces system oil migration and improves heat exchange efficiency.
Benefit: 13HP is one of the most demanded power specifications in the large commercial air conditioning sector. With its "golden power" positioning, the VR160KS-TFP has become the preferred power source for OEMs and service technicians. For 13HP class applications such as large commercial air conditioning, industrial cooling systems, and precision air conditioning, this model provides ample cooling reserves with 38.2 kW capacity and a high 3.38 COP.
VR190KS-TFP (15HP) – Maximum Power in This Batch
Feature: The VR190KS-TFP is the most powerful model in this batch, with a displacement of 249.3 cc/Rev., nominal 15.8 HP, cooling capacity of 45,600 W (155,000 Btu/h), input power of 13,600 W, current of 25.6 A, oil charge of 3.25 L, net weight of 66.2 kg, locked rotor current of 168.0 A, and noise level of 82 dBA.
Advantage: COP is 3.35, EER is 11.4 Btu/Wh. As the flagship model of the VR series, with an ultra-large displacement of 249.3 cc/Rev. and 45.6 kW cooling capacity, it is the ultimate power choice for large commercial air conditioning and industrial cooling systems. The compressor is widely used in air conditioning, industrial cooling, and precision air conditioning.
Benefit: Suitable for ultra-large cooling demand scenarios such as large commercial complexes, industrial refrigeration systems, and large water chillers. It supports multi-unit parallel connection; through the combination of multiple compressors, system capacity can be further expanded to 180kW or even 330kW, bringing good comfort to users while reducing operating costs with a high seasonal energy efficiency ratio.
IV. Common Advantages of the Entire Series
Advantage
Ultra-high energy efficiency: COP up to 3.35–3.52, efficiency over 10% higher than reciprocating compressors and over 5% higher than rotary compressors.
Excellent reliability: Fewer moving parts, axial and radial compliance design provides unprecedented resistance to liquid slugging and tolerance to impurities.
No suction/discharge valve design: Reliable operation and long service life.
Low noise and low exhaust pulsation: Noise level is over 5 dB lower than reciprocating compressors, with a smooth sound spectrum and soft sound quality.
Wide product capacity range: Single units cover 9–15 HP, supporting multi-unit parallel connection up to 330kW.
Strong liquid slugging resistance: Insensitive to liquid slugging, allowing a small amount of liquid compression.
Benefit
Economical operation: High COP significantly reduces operating electricity bills, producing over 3.5 kW of cooling for every 1 kW of electricity consumed.
System reliability: Resistance to liquid slugging and tolerance to impurities greatly reduce compressor failure risks and minimize repair downtime losses.
Quiet and comfortable: Low-noise operation is suitable for noise-sensitive commercial places such as hotels, hospitals, and office buildings.
Easy installation: Unloaded start requires no additional starting devices, and the compact, lightweight design reduces installation difficulty.
System flexibility: Supports multi-unit parallel connection to meet cooling capacity expansion needs for projects of different scales.
Long-life design: Genuine Copeland quality, reliable operation and long life with no suction/discharge valve design, resulting in low maintenance costs.
V. Application Quick Selection Guide
| Application Scenario | Recommended Model | HP | Key Advantage |
| Large Commercial A/C / Industrial Cooling (9HP) | VR108KS-TFD-522 | 9HP | 26.4kW, COP 3.52 (highest in batch) |
| Large Commercial A/C / Heat Pump (10HP) | VR125KS-TFP | 10HP | 31kW, COP 3.46, supports parallel |
| Large Commercial A/C / Water Chiller (12HP) | VR144KS-TFP | 12HP | 35kW, COP 3.46, classic 12HP |
| Large Commercial A/C / Precision A/C (13HP) | VR160KS-TFP | 13HP | 38.2kW, most demanded 13HP |
| Large Commercial Complexes / Industrial Refrigeration (15HP) | VR190KS-TFP | 15HP | 45.6kW, max power flagship in batch |
Quick Selection Tips:
First, determine HP: 9HP→VR108KS, 10HP→VR125KS, 12HP→VR144KS, 13HP→VR160KS, 15HP→VR190KS.
Then, determine efficiency: For highest COP, choose VR108KS-TFD-522 (3.52).
Finally, determine scale: For small to large commercial projects, choose VR108–VR144; for large projects, choose VR160–VR190.
VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between the VR series and the ZR series?
A: The VR and ZR series both belong to the Copeland Scroll™ air conditioning compressor family, sharing the same mechanical platform and core technologies. The main difference lies in application positioning: the VR series is designed for high-temperature systems and heat pump heating demands; the ZR series is more widely used in various high-temperature products including air conditioning. Both use R22, R407C, and R134a refrigerants and are widely used in air conditioning, industrial cooling, and precision air conditioning.
Q2: What refrigerants are these compressors suitable for?
A: The VR series primarily uses R22 refrigerant while also being compatible with R407C and R134a. R22 systems use mineral oil or alkylbenzene oil; when using HFC refrigerants like R407C, it is necessary to switch to POE ester oil.
Q3: Does the VR series support multi-unit parallel connection?
A: Yes. Copeland VR series scroll compressors support dual-unit and triple-unit parallel configurations. Single compressor capacity ranges from 5kW (ZR18) to 90kW (ZR380). After dual or triple parallel connection, the capacity range can be expanded to 180kW and 330kW. Multi-compressor combinations provide good comfort to users while reducing operating costs with a high seasonal energy efficiency ratio. Parallel applications require Copeland™ verification or confirmation.
Should you need selection support, please feel free to contact us at any time. We look forward to providing you with professional service.
III. Detailed Model Explanations
Should you need selection support, please feel free to contact us at any time. We look forward to providing you with professional service. 
