Copeland Enhances Metro HVAC Systems, Driving Sustainability and Efficiency in China’s Public Transportation Sector

SUZHOU (Nov. 5, 2025) - Copeland, a global provider of sustainable climate solutions, has partnered with a customer to advance the air conditioning systems of the city metro in a major city in central China. As a result, more than 3,200 units   of Copeland’s ZRH(V) series compact horizontal scroll compressors are being deployed across multiple metro lines. Engineered for exceptional performance, compactness and reliability, these compressors will help deliver improved, sustainable comfort to public transportation while helping to advance China’s energy transition.

Urbanization is driving the rapid growth of metro networks globally, with the market projected to expand from $43.98 billion in 2023 to $81.04 billion by 2033.  Metro systems are integral to China’s sustainable city planning, supported by policies targeting energy efficiency and carbon reduction. Key initiatives aim to retrofit infrastructure, lower transport carbon intensity by 9.5% by 2030 and promote low-carbon energy solutions, reflecting China’s commitment to sustainability.

The metro in a major city in central China face unique challenges with its HVAC systems. These include operating in alternating above and below ground environments, managing extreme weather conditions and accommodating high passenger volumes during peak hours. To address these demands, the customer selected Copeland’s ZRH(V) series compact horizontal scroll compressors for deployment on several metro lines and their extensions.

Copeland ZRH(V) series compact horizontal scroll compressors

The ZRH(V) series compressors are engineered with a compact design, standing at less than 200mm in height to optimize space utilization within metro environments. With the ability to perform across ambient temperatures ranging from -20°C to 45°C, these compressors deliver reliable cooling and heating in wide-ranging conditions. Furthermore, their compatibility with low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants supports global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

“Copeland is proud to support the modernization of China’s public transportation systems with advanced HVAC solutions,” said Galen Yin, vice president of China for Copeland. “By leveraging our global expertise and local partnerships, we are helping to create a more sustainable, energy-efficient future tailored to the unique needs of the China market.” 

Cutting-edge features such as an advanced oil circulation system help ensure   extended operational life, reliability and reduced maintenance even under high-vibration and demanding conditions. The deployment has already demonstrated substantial benefits:

• Energy efficiency: Enhanced efficiency in cooling and heating modes has ensured optimal performance, meeting customer needs even in high-frequency operations.
• Exceptional reliability: The compressors maintain full cooling functionality at 48°C and operate without interruption at extreme temperatures of up to 55°C^*,   ensuring stable air conditioning during peak transit periods.
• Passenger comfort: Innovative design reduces noise and vibration, while advanced temperature control limits fluctuations, creating a quiet and stable travel experience.

Feedback from the metro further emphasized the compressors’ strong performance in reducing energy costs and enhancing passenger comfort, supporting the city’s vision of sustainable and efficient public transportation for the modern era.

“The third-generation ZRH(V) series compact horizontal scroll compressors from Copeland offer an ideal balance of efficiency, reliability and compact design,” said the customer's representative “These characteristics make them a superior solution for rail transit air conditioning.”  

Copeland’s focus on advancing energy-efficient technologies is playing a pivotal role in helping China’s public transportation sector align with national sustainability targets. By driving innovation that supports the energy transition, Copeland is contributing to a broader vision of a cleaner, more efficient future.

^*Data is sourced from internal project records. Actual results may vary depending on the circumstances.

Learn more about Copeland’s solutions at Copeland.com.