High-ambient, inverter-based system that runs on R32 is a first for the region and comes with a lower GWP than R410A, claims the company.

 
Daikin Industries has announced the launch of what it describes as the GCC region’s first commercialised high-ambient air conditioning system to use R32, an alternative refrigerant to R22 with zero ozone depleting potential (ODP) and a global warming impact that is lower than that of R410A.

“The unique combination of R32 and inverter technology in the new Daikin air conditioner range offers end-users the opportunity to benefit from class-leading energy efficiencies, with excellent cooling capacity and high indoor climate comfort, while lowering the environmental impact,” said Sana Hamdani, Product Marketing Manager of Daikin Middle East & Africa.

According to Daikin, its wall-mounted cooling only and heat pump air conditioners come in three capacities: 18, 24 and 28 MBH (thousand British thermal unit per hour). Elaborating, Daikin said that by incorporating the best available technologies, the units offer the best nominal and seasonal efficiencies, in line with Middle East operating conditions. The company added that the units can achieve high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) (Btu/kWh) in cooling of up to 13.3 at T1 conditions (35 degrees C) and up to 8.6 at T3 conditions (46 degrees C). Daikin pointed out that, with the EER exceeding the region’s most stringent regulations, the product is the most energy-efficient air conditioner of its type in the market.

Daikin also said that the tropical compressor is capable of operating fully in extreme weather conditions for at least 52 degrees C and delivering a powerful year-round cooling performance, regardless of the outside temperature, up to 1.5 times faster than traditional systems.

The manufacturer noted that the units are whisper-quiet, with sound pressures as low as 32 dBA (A-weighted decibels), and deliver improved air-flow patterns that reach the farthest corners of a room. Daikin said that an ‘intelligent eye feature’ would further enhance the product’s energy efficiency, without compromising the comfort, by adjusting the set point according to the occupancy level of the room. The system, Daikin said, comes with a user-friendly wireless control, and all units are equipped with a Titanium Apatite air purification filter, which improves air quality by absorbing and decomposing microscopic particles and organisms while removing odours.

R32, Daikin said, is a chlorine-free, single-component refrigerant with a global warming potential of about one-third compared to the more commonly used refrigerant, R410A. The company further noted that up to 15% less refrigerant is needed compared to an equivalent air conditioner system with R410A.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Michel Farah, Daikin Product Planning Director, said: “As part of its serious commitment towards the environment, Daikin aims at developing systems that improve comfort levels while having low environmental impact. Refrigerant choice is a key factor in the drive to maximise energy efficiency and to minimise the global warming impact of systems.”