YORK, Pa. — American Cooling Technology (ACT) recently released its new high-performing, low-profile CR-2 roof-mount condenser unit, which company officials said is designed to minimize the weight placed on the roof of a bus, and reduce overall height.

The CR-2 further expands ACT's existing North American product line that includes a full range of split system air-conditioning units for small to mid-size school and shuttle buses.

"Based on market feedback from customers who participated in field trials, we've made the CR-2 unit even smaller and lighter than its predecessor, while improving the performance and efficiency," said James Schreiber, president of ACT.

At 7 inches tall, the low height of the CR-2 unit increases roof clearance and provides a cleaner, sleeker look to the air-conditioning installation. The low profile and tapered leading edge of the unit eliminates the need to install a branch guard typically required on a standard rooftop condenser. At 43 pounds, the lightweight design makes the CR-2 unit a good fit for both conventional and hybrid-drive buses.

Moreover, officials said that by relocating the air-conditioning condenser from the typical position under the bus floor to the roof of the bus, the capacity and operating efficiency of the air-conditioning system improves because the system uses cleaner air from the top of the bus through the unit's heat exchanger.

All ACT split systems use non-ozone-depleting HFC-134a refrigerant and the CR-2 delivers a high cooling capacity: 70,000 Btu/hr. It also is easier to install than its predecessors. The design specifications of the CR-2 unit include a one-piece "drop in" construction to simplify and reduce the time it takes to complete the installation.

In addition, the unit's modular construction allows for improved access to internal components, making it easier to service.

ACT's CR-2 rooftop condenser can be matched with other ACT components to provide a complete HVAC system that meets various vehicle sizes, duty cycles and geographic locations.