Advances in cooling and air conditioning technology means that there are now systems, such as the Daikin VRV 5, that not only improve energy efficiency and minimise environmental impact, but also simplify the specification of the system.
Sustainability
With organisations in every sector making commitments to reduce their environmental impact, the HVAC industry has a key role to play in achieving these goals. The Daikin VRV 5 system, designed for residential and light commercial air-conditioning applications, has been specifically created and optimised for use with R-32 refrigerant.
When compared to the R-410A refrigerant commonly used in the previous generation systems, R-32 has a far lower environmental impact. Its Global Warming Potential (GWP) is 71% lower on a system level than R-410A.
It is also important to consider the impact of the refrigerant removed either during servicing or at the end of the system’s lifespan. As a single component refrigerant, R-32 is easier and more cost effective to reclaim and recycle for reuse, helping to create a circular economy for refrigerants and minimise the quantity of virgin refrigerant required.
Energy efficiency
Selecting a high efficiency system is also essential to help reduce the energy usage and operational emissions of the building. VRV 5 includes a range of new technologies that help deliver a high operational seasonal efficiency, such as a unique 3-row heat exchanger and swing compressor.
It also benefits from Daikin’s Variable Refrigerant Temperature (VRT) technology, which varies the evaporating temperatures automatically in response to the load, required capacity and weather conditions to provide greater levels of efficiency.
Simple design and compliance
In addition to meeting the environmental targets, any new installation must fully comply with the safety regulations specific to air conditioning and similar systems. One of the key benefits of the VRV 5 system is the Shîrudo Technology, which can help simplify compliance with requirements of IEC60335-2-40:Ed.6. Shîrudo Technology, which is unique to Daikin, incorporates all the refrigerant response measures into the unit as standard.
In the unlikely event of a refrigerant leak, the detection sensors will immediately trigger audible and visual alarms, as well as recover the refrigerant to the outdoor unit and contain it safely. The effectiveness of the Shîrudo Technology has been third party CB certified by a Notified Body (SGS CEBEC).
This means VRV 5 is suitable for rooms as small as 10m² without further design considerations or additional equipment being installed on site – offering a higher degree of flexibility when compared to equivalent systems without Shîrudo Technology.
For example, for a typical mini VRV R-32 system without the integrated refrigerant response measures, the requirements of IEC60335-2-40:Ed.6 would only be met with a room size of 26.8m2 or more. Furthermore, VRV 5 compatible indoor units with branch duct discharge features can be used to supply air to smaller rooms or help optimise air distribution in irregular shaped rooms.
With the specification of air conditioning systems becoming more complex, Daikin VRV 5 provides an option to help customers achieve environmental objectives, ensure compliance and deliver occupant comfort.
For more info on Daikin products and solutions, visit: daikin.co.uk
