Quick Takeaways
  • Oil-Free Centrifugal Compressor selected for next-generation electric bus and truck HVAC systems in China.
  • High-speed foil bearing compressor enables maintenance-free operation up to 45,000 hours.

Oil-Free Centrifugal Compressor Secures Serial Award in China

On February 20, Garrett Motion Inc. announced the first serial production award for its Oil-Free Centrifugal Compressor, marking a major milestone in advanced thermal management solutions for commercial electric vehicles. The award was granted by a leading Chinese industry player for integration into next-generation electric bus HVAC systems and electric truck platforms in China. Production is expected to begin in 2027, reinforcing the growing demand for high-efficiency cooling technologies in commercial vehicle electrification.

Advanced Engineering for Electric Bus HVAC Systems

The Oil-Free Centrifugal Compressor is engineered to meet the demanding thermal requirements of electric bus HVAC systems operating in diverse climate conditions. Its compact and powerful configuration enables efficient cooling and heat pump functionality, supporting battery performance and passenger comfort in commercial vehicles.

Ultra-High-Speed Motor and Foil Bearing Technology

At the core of the Oil-Free Centrifugal Compressor is an ultra-high-speed electric motor capable of exceeding 160,000 RPM. This high-speed electric compressor design enhances energy efficiency while reducing overall system size. The integrated foil bearing compressor technology eliminates the need for traditional oil lubrication, minimizing friction and mechanical losses while ensuring stable high-speed operation.

Oil-Free Design Enables Maintenance-Free Performance

A defining advantage of the Oil-Free Centrifugal Compressor is its oil-free architecture, which removes the risk of oil contamination within electric bus HVAC systems. This design supports up to 45,000 hours of maintenance-free operation, significantly lowering lifecycle costs for fleet operators and commercial vehicle manufacturers.

  • Oil-free operation eliminates lubrication-related servicing
  • Supports 400V–800V heat pump systems
  • Compatible with low-pressure, low-GWP refrigerants
  • Designed for electric buses and electric trucks

Compatibility with Low-GWP Refrigerants and Heat Pump Systems

The Oil-Free Centrifugal Compressor is optimized for modern 400V–800V architectures and works seamlessly with low-pressure, low-GWP refrigerants. This compatibility supports regulatory compliance and sustainability targets across China’s commercial vehicle sector. By combining heat pump capability with high-speed electric compressor performance, the system enhances energy efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

With serial production planned for 2027, the Oil-Free Centrifugal Compressor positions itself as a key enabler of next-generation electric bus HVAC systems and advanced thermal solutions for commercial vehicle electrification in China.

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