BELGIUM: Daikin has announced that its new CO2 VRF air conditioner will go on sale in Europe in April, alongside the current R32 VRV5 range.

In a statement today, Daikin Europe insisted that its R32 VRV5 remains the best solution for most commercial and industrial applications and will remain so for the foreseeable future. “However, with both refrigerant options, R32 and CO2, Daikin will be able to provide solutions for all commercial applications,” the company said.

The company has not released any further technical information about the new CO2 range, but said in a statement that it will be aimed at supermarkets and retail stores, applications where it already has experience with CO2 in its Conveni-pack refrigeration system and Zeas condensing units.

As Cooling Post сообщилиearlier this month, the Japanese air conditioner maker has been exploring the use of CO2 in VRF systems since at least 2008, experimenting with both two-stage and four-stage compressors and expanders.

“At this stage of development, R744 will not be suitable for all applications and we will continue to offer a full range of R32-based solutions,” said Steve Molloy, sustainability and commercial solutions manager, Daikin UK.

“Launching R744 products at an early stage will provide early adopters in the sectors with access to a cutting-edge product. At the same time, it will allow us to expand our knowledge and develop a wider range of market-leading CO2 products in the future.

“Decarbonization of the building sector requires flexible refrigerant options due to different application challenges. There is no one-size-fits-all solution,” Molloy emphasized.

“The addition of CO2 to Daikin’s broad VRV portfolio diversifies the market choice and lays the foundation for further development. It is designed for targeted decarbonisation initiatives such as supermarkets and retail stores, with a focus on heating and cooling systems requiring the use of natural refrigerants.”

Daikin said it will soon begin training and preparing its network to support the implementation of this new technology in specific, relevant projects.

https://www.coolingpost.com/world-news/daikin-co2-vrf-will-launch-in-april/