Next generation: Daikin ATMOSPHERA is a next generation range of ductless single zone systems using low GWP R-32 A2L refrigerant. (Courtesy Daikin)
The highlight of Daikin’s North American booth was the new R-32 ductless mini-split system, the Daikin ATMOSPHERA. The new system gives Daikin the opportunity to highlight not only its leadership in the transition to low-GWP refrigerants, but also the significant technical achievement of this product.
“As the world’s largest HVAC manufacturer, we feel a responsibility to think deeply about how we benefit consumers and the environment through cutting-edge technological advances,” said Mark Bellanger, director of marketing and communications for Daikin North America LLC. “AHR Expo provides the perfect stage to showcase all of our efforts and successes, as well as an opportunity to showcase what makes us different.”
Size Range: Senior Product Manager Connie Schroeder stands in front of Daikin’s new R-32 ATMOSPHERA system, which is available in four sizes, from 9,000 to 24,000 BTU/h. (Group photo of employees)
As mentioned above, Daikin differentiates itself with the introduction of Daikin ATMOSPHERA, a new generation range of single zone ductless systems using the low GWP A2L refrigerant R-32. Available in four sizes from 9,000 to 24,000 Btuh, the Daikin ATMOSPHERA is the first Daikin product in North America to use R-32 refrigerant. Compared to similar R-410A systems, the new product can reduce the environmental impact of GWP by up to 80%.
“We are very pleased to have the R-32,” said Connie Schroeder, Senior Product Manager, Daikin North America. “This allowed us to use several different performance levers, so we took our premium flagship R-410A model and increased its SEER. We then took our cold climate model and increased its heating capacity in cold climates.”
Daikin Laboratories have demonstrated that R-32 and R-410A are up to 12% more efficient than similar products in reducing energy consumption and indirect emissions. A notable feature, according to Schroeder, is the new hybrid cooling technology, which dries even at low cooling loads and continues to do so after the set temperature has been reached. The indoor unit also has built-in Wi-Fi to connect to the Daikin Comfort Control app and is compatible with several other Daikin controllers, including the Daikin One+ smart thermostat.
New improvements. The completely redesigned VRV EMERION system offers new improvements in design, performance, installation, maintenance and connectivity. (Courtesy Daikin)
Also on display is the new VRV EMERION system. The latest product combines several key features of the existing VRV IV X and VRV AURORA with new improvements over previous models in terms of design, performance, installation, maintenance, connectivity and sustainability. Some of the key features include a 30% improvement in IEER partial load cooling efficiency over the previous series; design flexibility to expand the system from one to two modules without changing the size of the installed main duct; new three-section Type panel design for easy maintenance and service, double-module continuous heating, single module from 16 to 20 tons is also available.
New VRV: VRV Product Director Madhav Kashinath stands next to VRV EMERION, whose motto is “Simple, Green and Connected”. (Group photo of employees)
“In terms of simplicity, the VRV EMERION system is easy to install for contractors and easy to design for engineers,” said Madhav Kashinath, director of VRV products at Daikin North America. “It has the longest pipeline boundary in the industry with a vertical distance of 361 feet. Historically, the industry has only had 295 feet. In practice, this means that with VRV EMERION, you can provide a VRV solution for a 70-story building. This is what makes it completely unique.”
Another highlight of the booth was Daikin’s One Cloud Services, which offered Daikin Comfort Pro (DCP) contractors the opportunity to grow their business and connect with customers. Requiring the Daikin One+ smart thermostat, this cloud-based tool allows distribution operators to remotely configure, monitor, diagnose and adjust the performance of Daikin systems, potentially without sending trucks and technicians home.
“DCPs can visualize data and interact with customers about comfort issues and then take action,” Bellanger said. “DCPs, with the permission of the customer, can remotely monitor system data ranging from temperature, humidity and indoor air quality to heating and cooling needs, as well as critical and minor errors. Technicians have access not only to current real-time data, but also to the history of the day the system was connected to the cloud.”
Referring to current trends, Bellanger noted that the HVAC industry and Daikin continue to grapple with current supply chain challenges. However, he noted that for Daikin’s products, including VRV and ductless systems, the company manufactures its own products and is also its own supplier of many necessary components, including electronics, compressors and even refrigerants.
In terms of living spaces, Bellanger noted that smart home technology continues to create more informed HVAC consumers who have historically relied primarily on contractors for buying advice.
“Consumers now play a greater role in making informed decisions when buying new or replacing HVAC equipment,” he said. “In addition, the COVID pandemic has forced many to work from home, recognizing shortcomings in their heating and cooling systems and raising awareness of indoor air quality issues and opportunities to upgrade existing systems.”
From a commercial standpoint, VRV/VRF technologies and applications continue to grow exponentially, he said.
“Unlike many other manufacturers, at Daikin we design and manufacture our own systems, which allows us to develop our VRV products specifically for the North American market. A key example is Daikin’s ability to connect our VRV products to commonly used domestic gas ovens. Daikin is not trying to change commercial market, but adapts higher-level VRV technology to existing applications in North America.”
In the commercial roofing market last year, Daikin introduced a full line of standard and high performance roofs that also include several factory-installed options such as hinged access panels and hot air heating.
“The new standard and high performance roofing products are a great addition to the Daikin Rebel range of roofing products offered by our Daikin Applications division,” said Bellanger.
Joanna Turpin is a senior editor. She can be contacted at 248-786-1707 or email joannaturpin@achrnews.com. Joanna has been with BNP Media since 1991, initially heading the company’s technical books department. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in technical communications from Eastern Michigan University.
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