The world’s most energy efficient air conditioning system
June 01st 2005

Space Air, the UK’s leading exponent of Daikin Air Conditioning, with 25 years experience in the application of Daikin equipment, explains how VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) air conditioning systems have evolved to offer the world’s most energy efficient climate control solutions for virtually any application Originally developed in 1982, Daikin introduced its advanced technology VRV direct expansion air conditioning system to the European market place in 1987.

Due to their extraordinary operating efficiency and design flexibility, Daikin’s VRV systems made savage inroads into the traditional central air conditioning market throughout Europe.

Although it took a number of years, the introduction of other broadly similar systems have merely underlined the widespread acceptance of the design philosophy pioneered by Daikin.

Over the years, Daikin’s R&D engineers responded to growing competition by developing the product still further and today we can enjoy the benefits of 3 quite different and distinctive versions of the VRV concept making it practical to apply to almost any requirement.

VRV II-S ~ For the home or smaller commercial application The VRV II-S Heat Pump system (or mini VRV II), operating with the refrigerant R410A, provides precise climate control efficiency.

Available in 12.5, 16 and 18kW (nominal capacity) modules, up to 9 indoor units can be connected to a single, slim-line outdoor unit, thus making the VRV II-S a highly adaptable system for the smaller application.

VRV-II ~ For medium to large projects Daikin’s ground breaking Variable Refrigerant Volume, modular Inverter controlled R410A VRV II system, was rightly described as “a quantum leap in commercial air conditioning technology”. Completely re-designed for R410A, the result is an extremely compact, lightweight and versatile system, which is unequalled in terms of operating efficiency.

VRV II provides up to 22 models of outdoor unit with nominal capacities from 14kW to 135kW, with the possibility of connecting from 8 to as many as 40 indoor units on one modular system.

VRV-WII ~ A water cooled system for tall buildings or refurbishment projects Maximum recommended pipework distances between outdoor and indoor units, although generous by most standards, on particularly tall buildings could occasionally rule out the practical application air cooled VRV II.

Water cooled VRV-WII, launched in March 2005, is an extremely compact, individual heat pump or heat recovery air conditioning system that uses water as its heat source. Because there are no limitations on water pipe lengths, VRV-WII is ideally suited for tall multi-storey buildings. In a refurbishment project, where an existing water loop is available, but external plant space is restricted, this unique system can be “piped in” to enable floors or areas to be conditioned as required. Again, industry best operating efficiency is a key feature of this system.

As a result of their superior energy efficiency capabilities in both heating and cooling modes, all 3 types of Daikin VRV systems are featured on the ‘Energy Technologies List’ and qualify for Enhanced Capital Allowances.

Full details are available from any Space Air office or their website.

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