4th Generation of VRV - setting the standards

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Available in the UK from January 2013

The new VRV IV heat pump units will be available from January 2013. Daikin products are distributed in the UK by Daikin Airconditioning UK Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Daikin Europe NV, and Space Air Conditioning Plc, the largest independent Daikin distributor.

VRV IV heat pump achieves a new benchmark for efficiency, as it features major enhancements to the already industry-leading VRV solution. VRV IV heat pump offers three revolutionary innovations: variable refrigerant temperature, continuous heating during defrost and the VRV configurator for simplified commissioning and servicing.

Variable refrigerant temperature technology allows installers to customise the system using a choice of presets.

In automatic mode, the system is configured for high efficiency levels throughout the year, while allowing rapid response on the hottest days, thereby ensuring comfort at all times. This technology is capable of delivering a 28% increase in seasonal efficiency, because the system continually adjusts the refrigerant temperature according to the total required capacity and weather conditions.

For example, in mid-season when little cooling is needed, the room temperature will already be close to the setpoint, so a small difference between room and refrigerant temperature is sufficient for the system to operate effectively. In automatic mode, the system will change the refrigerant temperature from 6°C (the current operating standard) to a higher temperature, resulting in reduced energy consumption and significantly improving the seasonal efficiency.

The other available mode is the “high sensible” mode, where energy efficiency is maximised with guaranteed high outblow temperatures and no cold drafts, but the set point may not be maintained so accurately.

Continuous heatingduring defrost is another revolutionary innovation that sets a new standard in comfort, making VRV IV the best heat pump alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems.

Continuous heating finally overcomes any perceived disadvantages of specifying a heat pump because the heat pump continues to provide continuous comfort, even when in defrost mode.

This is important because all heat pumps accumulate ice during heating operation, which must be melted periodically. This defrost operation reverses the refrigeration cycle, causing a temporary temperature drop within the room. VRV IV features a unique heat-accumulating element which provides dedicated energy for the defrost function, while indoor units continue to provide heating and maintain a comfortable indoor climate.

The new VRV configuratorcompletes the trio of innovations, offering an advanced software solution which simplifies commissioning and servicing. The software allows the remote configuration of settings that can be used at multiple sites, so less time is required on the roof, configuring the outdoor unit. Ongoing maintenance is easier too, thanks to a graphical interface that allows engineers to evaluate operational data and errors.

VRV IV integrates with intelligent solutions

To complement the VRV IV heat pump system, Daikin’s new intelligent Touch Manager (iTM) offers an intuitive user interface with a visible floorplan, which can manage up to 2,560 indoor units and provides energy management tools to maximize efficiency.

The VRV IV heat pump can be used together with a wide range of ventilation units, hot water hydroboxes, Biddle air curtains and Daikin’s wide range of fan coil units, including the latest round flow cassettes, which feature a daily auto cleaning filter option that could reduce energy consumption over the year by up to 50%. The Roundflow cassette is also available with a presence sensor that adjusts the set point or switches off the unit when nobody is in the room. This produces potential further savings in energy consumption of up 27% over a typical three hour working period.

Daikin Invests In R&D Jobs

HVAC equipment company to invest $9.2M in Va expansion, creating 50 jobs in Augusta County


By Associated Press, Published: February 13


RICHMOND, Va. — Daikin McQuay plans to invest $9.2 million to expand its manufacturing and research and development operation in Augusta County, creating 50 jobs.

Gov. Bob McDonnell says the subsidiary of Japan-based Daikin Industries plans to upgrade its facility to increase its ability to generate energy-saving global chiller products.

The company is a global manufacturer of commercial heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration and building management equipment and systems.

McDonnell met with Daikin Industries officials in Japan during his Asia marketing mission in 2011. He also met with the company in New York City on marketing trips in 2011 and 2012.

McDonnell approved a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund for the project.

Ontario sets drilling rules to prevent disaster

Ontario is strengthening drilling regulations for geothermal energy systems after averting a potential disaster in Oakville recently.

By: Tony Van Alphen Staff Reporter, Published on Fri May 18 2012


Ontario is strengthening drilling regulations for geothermal energy systems after averting a potential disaster in Oakville recently, but a business leader says the extra costs will put the industry at risk.

The rules will add “significant costs” to vertical geothermal heat pump systems and make them less attractive to consumers, says Denis Tanguay, president of the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition.

“It is very likely that these additional costs will put the industry at risk to a point where the customer return on investment will be delayed by many years,” he said Friday. “The geothermal industry in Ontario is already challenged by high electricity rates. Any additional cost will have a negative impact.”

The Ontario government announced earlier in the day that it will require geothermal installers to obtain provincial approval for vertical closed loop systems. They must also consult with a certified geoscientist or engineer and develop an emergency plan before drilling. The rules are effective immediately.

Furthermore, the Environment Ministry said it will consult industry stakeholders in the next few months about the regulations and conduct inspections to ensure installers are meeting safety standards.

Geothermal energy is a form of renewable energy that leverages underground temperatures to heat and cool buildings. Systems to tap that energy provide an excellent source of green heating and cooling.

They support the government’s long-term plan to use more renewable energy and eventually close dirty coal plants.

“The actions we are taking today and in the coming months will ensure geothermal drilling takes place safely,” said Environment Minister Jim Bradley.

The government moved quickly after urgent calls last week by Oakville Mayor Rob Burton, his town council and the provincial association of fire chiefs for an immediate moratorium on unregulated drilling for geothermal energy installations until it implemented rules for public safety.

Last month, a contractor drilled a borehole for a heating system and struck significant volumes of pressurized natural gas hundreds of metres deep, which could have sparked major explosions, property damage and loss of lives in Oakville.

The local gas utility and town fire department received an emergency call from the owner of a home about 100 metres from the drilling site a few days later.

High levels of natural gas (which is odourless in its naturally occurring state) were found inside and outside the home. Officials took steps to ensure proper ventilation and monitoring.

Tanguay acknowledged the new rules may help avoid a similar incident. But he noted that in the Oakville case, an engineer or a geoscientist could not have guessed installers would hit natural gas at 120 metres since underground mapping of the area showed its presence at about 380 metres.

“Disaster could be averted with multiple gas detectors on the drilling rig so that the operator knows precisely what is happening when it is happening,” he added, offering an alternative.

“In short, drilling activity comes with a risk. Anything that can be done to reduce those risks is good. But the current regulation may not be the answer.”

Since 2008, companies have installed more than 8,800 geothermal systems in Ontario. About 15 per cent involve closed loop vertical systems.

The average price for a four ton vertical geothermal heat pump system in Ontario is about $32,000. A similar system with a horizontal loop has a price tag of about $28,000.

Tanguay said it would be difficult to estimate how much more the systems would cost with the new rules.