Garrett Motion is rolling out an oil-free centrifugal compressor portfolio aimed at data centers, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and other industrial and commercial cooling applications. The lineup spans 7 to 500 tons of cooling capacity (25 to 1,750 kWc), and includes a new 1,250 kWc, large-capacity compressor that is making its public debut at China Refrigeration Expo 2026.
The oil-free centrifugal compressor platform combines high-speed centrifugal turbomachinery, oil-free foil bearings, and model-based control algorithms. Garrett describes the approach as an alternative to traditional scroll and screw designs, with a focus on reduced maintenance demands and improved total cost of ownership, particularly in demanding operating environments.
For data center operators and designers, the oil-free angle matters because it can eliminate oil-management hardware and the failure modes that come with it, while simplifying maintenance planning. And the wide capacity range, from 25 to 1,750 kWc, points to a strategy of using a common technology base across anything from smaller packaged systems to higher-capacity chiller architectures.
Garrett says its compressors deliver more than 10% “real-world” energy savings, support ultra-low-GWP refrigerants, and come in a compact, retrofit-ready form factor intended for rooftop and unitary systems, modular chillers, and BESS applications.
Separately, Garrett plans to launch an oil-free cooling compressor for electric truck and bus applications with Cling in 2027. Garrett says that unit is 50% smaller and 30% lighter than traditional solutions, and is designed for efficient, low-vibration thermal management.
“Global demand for high-efficiency, low-environmental-impact cooling technologies is accelerating, and China remains one of the fastest-growing HVAC markets,” said Olivier Rabiller, President & CEO of Garrett Motion. “Garrett is leveraging its differentiated technologies, proven in demanding automotive applications, to deliver disruptive solutions that provide unique value for the next generation of HVAC systems.”
Garrett Motion is showcasing the portfolio at China Refrigeration Expo 2026.
Source: Garrett Motion
