ACR Journal

The RAC Engineer’s Guide to Low GWP Refrigerants 12 It is now widely understood that R32 (GWP 675) is more environmentally friendly than R410A but perhaps what is less well known is how great an influence the use of R32 has had on the redesign of units which are now more compact and versatile. Lower charge levels The high efficiency of R32 refrigerant – which delivers a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of up to 7.7 – is matched by greater volumetric efficiency. This means that R32 units contain up to 16 per cent less refrigerant charge and do not require yearly refrigerant containment checks which in turn reduces maintenance costs. These characteristics of R32 have provided the opportunity for Daikin to redesign its units from the ground up over the last few years to fully take advantage of these greater efficiencies – an achievement which has been recognised in multiple awards. Innovations are continuing apace in 2020. The Daikin Sky Air R32 range now offers the lowest gas charge per metre, compared with leading competitors. In the last few months Daikin UK has extended the Sky Air range to include low-height, single fan units delivering up to 25kW capacity. The Sky Air Alpha series is now available in low height, single units up to 14kW. The single fan Sky Air Alpha series RZAG-N includes all the features of the existing Sky Air Alpha such as EDP setting, 85m pipe length, replacement technology and leak check function – all within much smaller dimensions – making it ideal for communications’ rooms. Also added to the range are two new RZA-D units, which extend the Sky Air Advance Series up to 25kW and are capable of connecting up to four indoor units to a single outdoor unit. Offering 20 and 25kW capacities, the RZA200D and RZA250D represent a major advance in technology, replacing the previous top blow unit with a compact single fan unit. The new single fan unit offers lower height (870mm) for flexibility of installation on a wall or on the ground, while a maximum pipe length of up to 100m and a maximum height difference of 30m offers total installation flexibility. Versatile and workable Weighing just 117Kg, the new unit is easy to move with four ergonomically located lifting lugs, while the unique hinged door and seven-segment display makes it easier to handle and service too. All these innovations mean that Daikin is continuing to lead the way in delivering the most efficient, versatile and workable solutions to ensure the industry takes full advantage of the benefits of R32, while helping to reduce the environmental impact of HVAC systems. R32 Leads the Way Advice from Daikin on the benefits of new, compact and versatile air conditioning equipment which makes the most of this low-GWP refrigerant. Over the last four years Daikin has been at the forefront of the industry transition towards R32 which has a GWP 68 per cent lower than the legacy refrigerant R410A.