Garrett Motion has unveiled an oil-free centrifugal compressor technology for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems at AHR Expo 2026 in Las Vegas and announced a roadmap for a compressor portfolio spanning cooling demands from 7 to 500 Tons (25 to 1,750 kWc). The company says the portfolio is intended to cover a wide range of HVAC system capacities and use cases, with samples available now for customer testing and start of production scheduled for late 2026.

Garrett says its oil-free centrifugal compressor is designed as an alternative to scroll, screw, and magnetic bearing-based compressor solutions for most use cases. The company reports the design draws on capabilities in turbomachinery, high-speed electric motors, ultra-high switching frequency inverters, and model-based software development, with these building blocks “already validated and rolled out for specific automotive applications.”

For operators focused on reliability and operating cost, Garrett claims the compressors can reduce energy consumption and maintenance needs for end users. Garrett also says the compressors are designed to enable broader use of next-generation ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants, and that their compactness and low weight supports both new installations and retrofits onto existing installations, with “a fast payback.”

Garrett lists “various data center cooling applications” as a target market within its planned oil-free centrifugal compressor portfolio. Garrett also lists commercial HVAC applications including rooftop and unitary units and chillers for comfort cooling, plus battery energy storage applications. The company reports that trials with “leading HVAC system integrators” have shown energy savings of more than 10 percent in real-life use compared to existing solutions.

Source: Garrett Motion