Modernise – Daikin360

Heat recovery retrofit: HR2

Energy and environmental savings

The energy used to produce cooling, whether for comfort air-conditioning or process cooling, is mostly lost into the atmosphere. However, this wasted energy could be reused to provide the heating required in the same plant at the same time. In many cases, this can be achieved by installing a heat recovery system on an existing chiller. Today, there are two main options: a traditional system or the Daikin HR2 solution.

A traditional heat recovery system uses a water-cooled condenser in parallel with the air-cooled condenser. The system switches into heat recovery mode via a four-way valve, using water from the water-cooled condenser to recover heat and transfer it to the heating system. This approach offers clear cost and energy savings, along with reduced environmental impact and lower CO₂ emissions.

However, retrofitting such a system to an existing unit already integrated into a building can be challenging and costly.

The Daikin HR2 solution provides a simpler, faster, and more cost-effective retrofit option, delivering similar benefits to traditional heat recovery. It uses a plate-to-plate heat exchanger installed in series with the condenser and incorporates a control system that optimises heating output while maintaining priority for cooling.

Thanks to its advanced control logic, the unit consistently meets building climate control requirements. It can simultaneously produce heating and cooling, helping to reduce reliance on boilers and further improving overall energy efficiency.

Inverter retrofit: the energy-saving solution for your chiller

Many fixed-speed chillers on the market do not operate under optimal conditions because their compressors constantly run at full speed. However, this can be fixed by connecting an inverter to your chiller.

With Daikin Inverter Retrofit kit, the compressor speed of your chiller can be easily adapted to meet actual demand. This result is improved energy efficiency, enhanced comfort, and increased system reliability. You can enjoy the benefits of inverter technology even after your chiller has been installed.

Why should an inverter retrofit be your next investment?

Benefit from significant energy savings …

Most heating and cooling systems are designed for peak load conditions, which are rarely reached in practice. As a result, energy is often wasted. With Daikin’s inverter retrofit solution, your chiller dynamically follows the building’s seasonal load profile, operating under optimal conditions year-round. This can lead to energy savings of up to 30%. These savings help offset the initial investment, and the payback period can be further reduced with local energy efficiency incentives (where available).

… and improve comfort & reliability

By continuously adapting compressor speed, the system minimises temperature fluctuations and delivers faster, more efficient comfort. This ensures a stable indoor environment tailored to your needs.

Extend equipment lifetime

Variable speed drives enable smooth compressor starts and stops, significantly reducing mechanical and electrical stress. The result is longer equipment life and fewer unplanned maintenance needs.