Product_news_Daikin_launches_vertical_DX_AHU_DACE_version
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Product news / Vienna, 18 February 2026 – Daikin’s new vertical DX series meets the complex climate control requirements of large indoor spaces such as warehouses, sports halls, logistics centers, and multipurpose halls. The plug-and-play, floor-standing air handling unit (AHU) for direct expansion (DX) air conditioning systems is compatible with Daikin VRV or ERA condensing units.
It delivers high levels of comfort and outstanding energy efficiency. The nominal cooling or heating capacity is 25 kW. The product novelty is in stock and available in both right-hand and left-hand configurations.
Challenging air treatment and installation requirements of large indoor spaces
Large indoor environments, such as sports halls, logistics warehouses, distribution centers, and multipurpose halls, have air treatment requirements that differ significantly from those of conventional commercial buildings.
“Air conditioning systems for large indoor spaces must address large air volumes while ensuring adequate indoor air quality and energy efficiency under highly variable operating conditions. A key challenge is the combination of high airflow rates and fluctuating load profiles. Occupancy can vary considerably over time, with peak demand limited to specific operating periods or events. Our new vertical DX air handling unit solves these challenges, offering comfort and avoiding energy waste.” Mert Gönlüsen, General Manager Strategic Business Unit Commercial, Daikin Central Europe
Ventilation systems should precisely regulate airflow to prevent oversizing and unnecessary energy consumption during partial-load operation. Effective air distribution is essential, especially in large floor areas with high ceilings, as poor air distribution can cause thermal stratification, stagnant areas or draughts, negatively affecting comfort and overall system performance.
Installation constraints also play a major role, particularly in existing buildings. Limited technical space, the need to minimize invasive works and the requirement to maintain building operation often limit the feasibility of traditional centralized systems, especially in retrofit projects.
“Our new vertical DX AHU, intended for indoor use and decentralized ventilation, provides an efficient technical solution. A decentralized approach enables localized ventilation closer to occupied areas, reducing pressure losses and simplifying ductwork. Multiple small-capacity units allow precise modulation of airflow and energy use, operating only where and when required. In addition, the compact, floor-mounted design facilitates integration into existing buildings and partial retrofit projects, providing flexibility with minimal impact on ongoing operations.”
Mert Gönlüsen, General Manager Strategic Business Unit Commercial, Daikin Central Europe
Main technical advantages of Daikin’s vertical DX air handling unit (AHU)
1. Smart design for installation flexibility
The vertical DX AHU is designed to maximise installation flexibility while reducing on-site work and simplifying the overall system layout. In many applications, the unit can be installed without any ductwork, making installation – particularly in existing buildings – much faster, easier, and more adaptable, while also allowing the unit to be relocated if required. However, when a more uniform and efficient air distribution is needed, the unit can also be connected to ductwork using dedicated accessories.
Three outlet configurations on front, side or top allow adaptation to different air distribution strategies and space constraints. Additional flexibility is provided by the option to position connections on either the right- or left-hand side, simplifying integration into a wide range of technical layouts.
2. Integrated DX solution for high energy efficiency
A factory-installed and fully wired DX kit allows refrigerant to circulate directly within the air handling unit, eliminating the need for an intermediate water circuit. This results in improved overall system efficiency, reduced installation footprint and increased compactness, with no requirement for external components or additional piping.
3. Optimized performance across all seasons
Equipped with direct expansion coils and combined with Daikin VRV or ERA condensing units, the vertical DX unit delivers high energy efficiency and reliable operation throughout the year. The system automatically adapts to varying thermal loads, ensuring stable comfort under a broad range of climatic and operating conditions. Its wide operating range and flexibility make it suitable for both new installations and retrofit projects.
4. Advanced control and scalable connectivity
Precise temperature control is ensured through a factory-mounted return air temperature sensor or an optional BRC1H (Madoka) remote controller, which can be installed locally or remotely. Z Control technology1) enables multiple vertical DX units to be connected to a single outdoor unit, supporting scalable and flexible system configurations. Furthermore, the unit is fully compatible with centralised control systems, allowing seamless integration into existing building management architectures.
5. Reduced carbon footprint and retrofit readiness
Daikin’s vertical DX unit supports decarbonization strategies by promoting the adoption of high-efficiency direct expansion solutions in select applications. Compatibility with low-GWP refrigerants such as R-32, together with high system efficiency, helps to reduce environmental impact. Thanks to its flexibility, it is well suited for upgrade projects and partial retrofit interventions in existing buildings, integrating with current system configurations.
6. Fast plug-and-play installation
Delivered fully pre-assembled and factory-wired, the vertical DX unit enables fast, plug-and-play installation with minimal on-site work. It can operate without ductwork or can be adapted for ducted applications using optional accessories. The control panel can be positioned on either side of the unit, providing additional flexibility during installation.
Comprehensive air handling unit (AHU) portfolio
Daikin offers a wide selection of air handling units tailored for both processing applications, such as industrial and pharmaceutical environments, and comfort applications, including offices, residences, and hotels. Daikin provides flexible, customizable AHUs with airflow capacities from 150 m³/h to 144,000 m³/h, ranging from compact units to fully tailored solutions for specific applications. This helps reduce total costs of ownership and carbon footprint, making it ideal for energy-efficient and sustainable buildings.
Reference:
1) Z control can be used for all combination types such as pair, multi and mixed and for 100% recirculation applications where the AHU is operated as an indoor unit
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.
Read more on 100 Years Daikin
Daikin Industries Ltd.
Daikin Industries is a global leader in heat pump, air conditioning and air filtration technology, employing more than 103,500 people. Founded in Osaka in 1924, it is the only manufacturer in the world that develops and manufactures HVAC-R equipment, compressors and refrigerants in-house. Daikin has been recognized as one of the world’s top 100 most innovative companies by Clarivate (UK) and LexisNexis (USA) for its leadership in technology research and intellectual property patents. For its fiscal year 2024 (1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025) Daikin reported a record sales result of 28,98 billion euro sales.
Read more on www.daikin.com
Daikin Europe N.V.
The Daikin Europe group is a leading provider of heating, cooling, ventilation, air purification and refrigeration technology across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Daikin Europe caters to a diverse customer base within the region by designing, manufacturing, and marketing an extensive range of products, maintenance services, and turnkey solutions tailored for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The group employs over 13,800 people across more than 56 subsidiaries and operates 15 manufacturing sites in Europe (12), Turkey (1) and the Middle East (2). Refrigeration products from Daikin include the brands Daikin, Tewis, Zanotti, Hubbard, and AHT. Headquartered in Ostend, Belgium, for over 50 years, the Daikin Europe group is a subsidiary of Daikin Industries Ltd.
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Daikin Airconditioning Central Europe
Daikin Airconditioning Central Europe, founded in 1999 with its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, operates as a subsidiary of Daikin Europe. Its portfolio includes products and total solutions for heating, cooling, ventilation, air purification, and refrigeration in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. With over 700 employees and 3,400 partners, the company manages sales and service activities across 16 countries in Central and Eastern Europe, including Austria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, Moldova, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
With 'Your Daikin World' at the Vienna headquarters and the 'Daikin Inspiration Park' in Warsaw, the HVAC-R industry and the construction sector have access to two state-of-the-art B2B-experience centers for co-creating customized solutions for hotels, retail, offices, and large commercial applications. Daikin runs ten out of 141 B2B-training centers across the EMEA region in the CE-region. Consumers and homeowners receive consultations at four B2C-Experience centers in Vienna, Belgrade, Bratislava and Budapest.
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Media contact
Doris Passler
Manager Corporate Communications Central Europe
Daikin Airconditioning Central Europe HandelsgmbH
Lemböckgasse 59/1/1, 1230 Vienna, Austria
T: +43 (0) 664 24 56 444
M: passler.d@daikin.at
