Complete Daikin R-290 range for applications from residential to industrial driving decarbonisation and safety forward

Product news / Vienna, 9 March 2026 – Daikin announces the launch of its complete R-290 range, covering capacities from 17 to 2,000 kW across two complementary product families: the EWA(Y)K-CZ monobloc units (17- 85 kW), available in heat pump and cooling-only versions, and the EWYK-QZ modular heat pumps, scalable up to 2,000 kW.

This comprehensive, future proof portfolio covers a wide capacity range and supports the decarbonization of residential, commercial and industrial applications. This is driven by the use of the natural refrigerant R-290 (propane) with ultra-low GWP, combined with high reliability and a safety driven design. While the EWYK-QZ is available for orders from 1 April, the EWA(Y)K-CZ will be available from mid-May.

Integrated safety as a design principle: the Daikin Safety Shield

The use of propane requires specific attention to safety aspects. Across the entire capacity range from 17 to 2,000 kW, Daikin therefore offers a system-wide package of design solutions for the most important functional areas of the unit, embodied in the Daikin Safety Shield.

A key requirement is an independent 230V power supply for all safety devices, provided by the customer, to ensure proper operation under all conditions – even in emergency situations or in the event of a failure of the unit’s main power supply. This ensures continuous monitoring and activation of the safety systems. If the power supply to the safety devices is not active, is interrupted, or is not correctly connected, the unit will not start and will remain in a safe standby condition.

The electrical switchbox is designed as a controlled environment. It is continuously pressurized and equipped with refrigerant leak detection systems, supported by ATEX-certified ventilation, visual and acoustic alarms that provide immediate indication in the event of any abnormal condition.

The R-290 refrigerant is factory-charged into dedicated storage tanks, increasing safety during transport and handling prior to installation. The refrigerant circuit also includes mechanical safety valves to manage potential overpressure conditions, with controlled discharge to the outside if required.

Additional safety measures allow any potential refrigerant dispersion to be detected and managed in a controlled manner, enabling the unit to shut down safely. The hydronic circuit is also protected: if a leak is detected, a shut-off valve isolates the water circuit, preventing refrigerant from spreading beyond the unit.

By applying the Daikin Safety Shield across both product ranges, Daikin ensures uniform safety standards and consistent design approach from small to large capacities.

Daikin EWA(Y)K-CZ: compact solution up to 85 kW

Daikin’s EWA(Y)K-CZ range covers the 17-85 kW segment with air-to-water monobloc units available in both heat pump and cooling-only configurations:

The heat pump version can deliver leaving water temperatures of up to 75°C thanks to vapor injection technology, making it suitable for new installations as well as boiler replacement projects, even without changing the existing heat emitters
The cooling-only version ensures a wide operating envelope with a minimum chilled water temperature down to -15°C with glycol covering from comfort to small-medium capacity process cooling applications.

The units operate within an outdoor air temperature range from -20°C to +46°C, ensuring operational continuity under different climatic conditions.

The EWA(Y)K CZ units feature Daikin designed inverter driven scroll compressors and inverter equipped fans, both developed inhouse for optimal performance. This configuration enables optimized modulation management, particularly relevant for variable load applications typical of multi-family residential buildings, hospitality and small- to medium-sized enterprises.

Daikin EWYK-QZ: modularity and part-load efficiency up to 2,000 kW

For bigger-capacity applications, the EWYK-QZ range adopts a modular architecture enabling multi-array configurations up to 2,000 kW working as a single integrated system.

Modularity allows installed capacity to be adapted to actual project requirements, supporting both new developments and project’s expansions over time. Transport and installation are simplified, as the modular configuration provides increased flexibility in overall plant design.

The units are equipped as standard with inverter-driven scroll compressors and EC* brushless fans, enabling continuous capacity adjustment according to real system demand. Combined with the modular architecture, this approach ensures particularly efficient operation under part-load conditions, which are typical in modern buildings and many industrial processes. Continuous modulation reduces on/off cycling, contributing to improved seasonal efficiency and enhanced operational stability throughout all year round.

For complex installations, the control concept operates on two levels. Within a single array, a multiple unit sequencer coordinates and regulates all base modules. Multi-array configurations are supervised by the Daikin Intelligent Chiller Manager (iCM) optimizing load distribution among units, managing sequencing efficiently and supporting continuity of service in high-capacity installations.

Daikin EWYK-QZ Industrial application at a production site

Daikin EWYK-QZ Residential application for an apartment building

Qualified installation and traceable commissioning

Given the use of R-290 refrigerant, installation of the units is limited to qualified and authorized personnel. Commissioning activities must be registered via Daikin’s proprietary e-Care application. This will ensure traceability of start-up operations and guarantee that the system is installed and operated in line with the original design intent from trained technicians. This structured approach supports safety, operational consistency and long-term system reliability throughout the entire lifecycle.

Reference:

EC = Electronically commutated

Copyrights pictures: Daikin

About

100+ years Daikin

The story of Daikin has always been shaped by groundbreaking ideas, technological innovations, and dedicated people. It began in 1924 when the young Japanese engineer Akira Yamada founded an enterprise in Osaka to manufacture aircraft radiators with a 15-member team. More than 100 years later, the Daikin Industries group brings future-proof solutions for heating, cooling, ventilation, air purification, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) to global markets. 103,500 employees in 173 countries continue the company's legacy of leading technologies to advance low carbon heating and cooling, while ensuring the highest level of comfort.