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Danfoss Scroll Compressor – SM / SH / SZ / SY Series
Danfoss S-Series scroll compressors provide reliable, high-efficiency compression for commercial air conditioning, chillers, rooftop systems, process cooling and other HVAC applications. The SM, SH, SZ and SY families provide multiple capacity and refrigerant options for new installations and compressor replacement requirements.
SM, SH, SZ and SY compressors may look similar externally, but they should not be treated as interchangeable compressors. Each family has specific refrigerant, lubricant, capacity and application requirements. Correct selection must therefore be based on the complete compressor model and actual system operating conditions.
🔍 Understand the Four Danfoss Scroll Compressor Families
SM
Traditional R22 Scroll PlatformR22
LubricantMineral oil
Typical RangeSmall to medium commercial air conditioning and chiller applications.
R22 Mineral OilSH
R410A Optimized Scroll PlatformR410A
LubricantPOE oil
Typical RangeHigh-efficiency commercial air conditioning, rooftop and chiller applications.
R410A POE OilSZ
Multi-Refrigerant POE PlatformR407C / R134a / R513A with additional approved refrigerants on selected models.
LubricantPOE oil
R407C R134a R513ASY
Large Capacity Scroll PlatformR22 and selected multi-refrigerant applications depending on model.
LubricantPOE oil
Typical RangeLarger commercial chillers, rooftops and process-cooling systems.
📋 SM vs SH vs SZ vs SY – Quick Comparison
| Series | Technology | Main Refrigerants | Lubricant | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SM | Fixed-Speed Scroll | R22 | Mineral Oil | Air Conditioning / Rooftop / Chiller |
| SH | Fixed-Speed Scroll | R410A | POE | Commercial Air Conditioning / Chiller |
| SZ | Fixed-Speed Scroll | R407C / R134a / R513A Selected models: R404A / R507A |
POE | Air Conditioning / Chiller / Process Cooling |
| SY | Fixed-Speed Scroll | R22 / R407C / R134a / R513A depending on model | POE | Larger Commercial HVAC / Chiller |
✨ Danfoss S-Series Scroll Compressor Features
Scroll Compression
Continuous compression with low friction helps provide efficient and smooth compressor operation.
Low Noise & Vibration
Scroll technology provides low-pulsation compression suitable for commercial HVAC equipment.
Reliable Protection
Motor protection varies by compressor size and may include internal overload, thermostat or electronic protection.
Internal Non-Return Valve
Helps prevent refrigerant migration from the high-pressure side when the compressor stops.
Oil Sight Glass
Oil sight glass and oil equalization provisions support servicing and multiple-compressor applications.
Manifold Ready
Selected S-Series compressors can be applied in tandem and multi-compressor configurations.
💡 Why Are There SM, SH, SZ and SY Series?
The different series allow Danfoss to optimize compressor construction, lubricant and refrigerant compatibility for different HVAC applications. A compressor should therefore never be replaced simply because another S-Series compressor has a similar physical size or nominal capacity.
📘 Complete Model Family Reference
🔴 SM Series – R22 Scroll Compressors
Danfoss SM compressors are fixed-speed scroll compressors traditionally designed around R22 commercial air-conditioning applications. The SM family uses mineral oil as its standard factory lubricant.
| Model | 50 Hz Displacement | Primary Refrigerant |
|---|---|---|
| SM084 | 19.9 m³/h | R22 |
| SM090 | 21.0 m³/h | R22 |
| SM100 | 22.1 m³/h | R22 |
| SM110 | 25.1 m³/h | R22 |
| SM112 | 26.4 m³/h | R22 |
| SM120 | 29.0 m³/h | R22 |
| SM124 | 29.5 m³/h | R22 |
| SM147 | 33.7 m³/h | R22 |
| SM148 | 34.6 m³/h | R22 |
| SM161 | 37.7 m³/h | R22 |
| SM175 | 40.5 m³/h | R22 |
| SM185 | 43.5 m³/h | R22 |
🔵 SH Series – R410A Scroll Compressors
The Danfoss SH Series is optimized for R410A commercial air-conditioning applications and is available across light-commercial and larger commercial compressor platforms.
| Model | Nominal Tons | 50 Hz Capacity* | 50 Hz Displacement | Refrigerant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SH090 | 7.5 TR | 22.3 kW | 15.4 m³/h | R410A |
| SH105 | 9 TR | 26.8 kW | 18.0 m³/h | R410A |
| SH120 | 10 TR | 30.0 kW | 20.3 m³/h | R410A |
| SH140 | 12 TR | 34.7 kW | 23.1 m³/h | R410A |
| SH161 | 13 TR | 38.8 kW | 26.4 m³/h | R410A |
| SH184 | 15 TR | 44.7 kW | 29.6 m³/h | R410A |
| SH180 | 15 TR | 44.5 kW | 29.6 m³/h | R410A |
| SH240 | 20 TR | 59.7 kW | 39.6 m³/h | R410A |
| SH295 | 25 TR | 73.2 kW | 48.1 m³/h | R410A |
| SH380 | 30 TR | 90.5 kW | 60.0 m³/h | R410A |
Refrigerant: R410A
Evaporating Temperature: 7.2°C
Condensing Temperature: 54.4°C
Superheat: 11.1 K
Subcooling: 8.3 K
Danfoss states that SH295 replaces SH300. SH300 remains relevant for aftermarket requirements.
SH485 has been discontinued and has been replaced by the newer DSH485 platform. Therefore SH485 should not be presented as a normal current SH model.
🟢 SZ Series – Multi-Refrigerant POE Scroll Compressors
Danfoss SZ compressors use POE lubricant and provide broad refrigerant compatibility for commercial air-conditioning and cooling applications.
| Model Group | Main Refrigerants | Lubricant | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| SZ084 – SZ185 | R407C / R134a R404A / R507A on approved models R513A on selected models |
POE | Commercial Air Conditioning / Cooling Applications |
| SZ240 / SZ300 / SZ380 | R407C / R134a and approved refrigerants according to model | POE | Large Commercial HVAC / Chiller Applications |
Do not assume every SZ compressor is approved for every refrigerant listed above. Refrigerant approval varies by compressor size and model. Verify the exact Danfoss datasheet before compressor replacement.
🟠 SY Series – Large Capacity Scroll Compressors
The SY family extends the Danfoss S-Series into larger commercial scroll-compressor capacities. These compressors are particularly suitable for commercial chillers, rooftop equipment and process-cooling systems.
| Model | Nominal Class | 50 Hz Displacement | Lubricant |
|---|---|---|---|
| SY185 | 15 TR | 43.5 m³/h | POE |
| SY240 | 20 TR | 60.5 m³/h | POE |
| SY300 | 25 TR | 76.1 m³/h | POE |
| SY380 | 30 TR | 92.4 m³/h | POE |
🏢 Typical Applications
🏢 Rooftop Units
Commercial packaged air-conditioning systems.
💧 Chillers
Commercial comfort and process-water cooling.
🌬️ Ducted Air-Con
Large ducted and packaged cooling systems.
🏭 Process Cooling
Industrial and commercial process-cooling systems.
💻 IT Cooling
Precision and data-centre cooling applications.
🔍 How to Select the Correct Danfoss Scroll Compressor
SM, SH, SZ and SY compressors are not automatically interchangeable.
Refrigerant, lubricant, cooling capacity, voltage, operating envelope, connection type and motor protection must all be checked before replacing a compressor.
Always verify the complete Danfoss model and latest technical datasheet before final selection.
Need a Danfoss SM, SH, SZ or SY Scroll Compressor?
Contact RNA Engineering & Trading Sdn Bhd with your existing compressor model, refrigerant, voltage, application and required cooling capacity. Our team can assist with Danfoss scroll compressor selection for commercial air-conditioning, chiller and process-cooling applications.
Technical data and refrigerant compatibility may vary by compressor model, voltage, product generation and market. Always verify the latest Danfoss technical documentation before final compressor selection.
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