Daikin adds Compact L and T ventilation systems to its commercial indoor air solutions, compatible with R32 refrigerant

Vienna, November 2024 – Daikin has been committed to enhancing indoor air quality since its founding 100 years ago. With the latest upgrade to its Compact series Air Handling Units (AHU), the world’s leading air-conditioning company¹⁾ introduces advanced ventilation solutions specifically designed for light commercial applications, restaurants, offices, and schools. The new Compact L and T ranges are compatible with Daikin’s R-32 outdoor condensing units (ERA, VRV), reducing global warming potential of HVAC systems.

1 – Compactness

The new Compact L air handling unit series is designed with an extremely low height, ranging from just 280 mm for Size 02 to 500 mm for Size 07, making it an excellent choice, especially for very limited spaces. The height is also optimized to facilitate installation in suspended ceilings, while both right and left connection options provide added flexibility. Additionally, the dual-side configuration allows for better management of the unit's ducting.

The new Compact T series is also designed with an extremely low depth ranging from just 550 mm for Size 03 to 890 mm for Size 07, allowing it to fit easily through any standard door. This makes the air handling systems suitable for use in both existing buildings and new constructions. The Compact T series also offers the same advantages of left and right connection options, providing greater installation flexibility and improved handling of ducting, piping, and system controls.

2 – Additional filter for even better indoor air quality

With the option of adding a two-stage filtration, the second filtration stage ensures excellent indoor air quality, achieving a filtration level of 50% of filter class ePM1 (F7) up to 80% of filter class ePM1 (F9) on the supply air side. This helps to make the indoor air cleaner and healthier, and enhances the overall comfort of the occupants.

3 – Unique construction, higher heat recovery efficiency

The built-in premium counterflow heat exchanger allows both the air drawn in from the outside and the recirculated indoor air to flow through without mixing the two air streams. However, the specific design of the heat exchanger enables the desired heat exchange to occur. This prevents contamination of indoor air by outdoor air and improves the overall energy efficiency of the HVAC system. The modulating bypass damper, as a key component, ensures precise control over the heat recovery effect. For designers and end users, this smart design means increased efficiency and reduced costs.

4 – Adaptability and scalability

Thanks to the wide range of accessories, Daikin’s Compact L and Compact T air handling units can meet a variety of project requirements.

• For example, silencers can reduce the noise level generated by the units in noise-sensitive environments.
• When a cooling coil is installed, the droplet eliminator extends the operational range of the AHU series.
• Flexible joints can help prevent issues and breakage caused by vibrations in the HVAC system over time.
• External dampers with spring return actuators are occasionally required for installations with an R32 DX coil to comply with IEC60335-2-40 ed. 7 standards.
• Finally, the frost protection switch safeguards the water coils from potential damage caused by freezing in colder environments.

The wide range of available airflow options allows different application requirements to be met, depending on the installation characteristics.

Various design options, such as integrating hydronic coils for applied systems or using DX coils for direct expansion systems, further enhance adaptability. Accessibility can be improved with special door rails, while in the standard version, the doors open downwards with a double-door mechanism.

The units can be combined with various HVAC systems, including hydronic and direct expansion (DX) systems. In both cases, Daikin can provide a complete, fully integrated solution using Daikin components:

• For example, the Compact AHU series can be equipped with ventilation connected to a hydronic coil, as in applied systems with a chiller or a heat pump.
• A connection with a Daikin DX condensing unit is also possible by integrating a DX coil with R410A and R32.
• This allows Daikin to offer a complete package solution, regardless of the system type chosen.
• For DX systems using R32 refrigerant, Daikin can also provide a central accessory: external dampers with a spring return actuator to comply with the IEC60335-2-40 ed. 7 standard.

5 – Certified design

The new Daikin Compact series AHUs feature a Eurovent certification, ensuring casing performance and quality. Furthermore, the Compact L series complies with the hygienic standard VDI6022-1, ensuring a high level of indoor air quality. Since the Compact AHUs range is equipped with a counterflow plate heat exchanger that transfers heat between two airflows, energy from the exhaust air is used to preheat or precool the incoming fresh air, reducing overall energy consumption. In addition, the Compact series AHUs contribute to scoring points in several categories of the green building protocols LEED, WELL, and BREEAM, providing users with healthier indoor air and resulting in higher property value for owners.

6 – Optimized performance, reduced operating cost

Investors benefit from optimally aligned performance in multiple ways: The Daikin Compact AHUs offer efficient heat recovery with minimal noise generation and a discreet design. The bypass and heating coil modes enable highly efficient defrosting, which reduces energy consumption. An optional modulating electric heater and the cooling/heating coil allow precise control of the flow temperature. Indoor air quality can be improved with an optional CO2 sensor, which also helps minimize energy loss. Furthermore, energy efficiency is enhanced by EC inverter-driven centrifugal fans, reducing operating costs and energy consumption.

7 – Plug-and-play solution

Installers particularly benefit from the fact that the unit series is pre-configured and pre-assembled. This simplifies installation and commissioning. The installation effort is reduced, less technical support is needed, and downtime after commissioning can be minimized, increasing customer satisfaction. Since the unit is ready for use immediately after installation, the commissioning process is also accelerated. All of this contributes to easier and less frequent maintenance.

The Daikin Compact series air handling units, including the new Compact L and T models, are now available.

Reference:

1) Fuji Keizai Co., Ltd. "Global Home Appliance Market 2024” (Ranking of Equipment Sales for Global AC Manufacturers [FY 2022 Results])

Copyrights pictures: Daikin