Daikin was celebrating a particularly significant milestone at this year’s ARBS. For any company to reach 100 years is a major milestone, and there was plenty of technology on display proving why this company has made it this far.
Drawn by the irresistible aroma of freshly made doughnuts, we reach the single largest booth at the event. Spanning a massive 225m2 – Daikin’s booth was a celebration and commitment to both innovation and Australia.
There was a particular focus on Australian-made products, and the sustainability of Daikin’s solutions was also a strong focal point.
Daikin’s general manager of sales, Simon Langstaff, said celebrating 100 years of perfecting the air is a monumental achievement for Daikin.
“Our journey began in Osaka in 1924, and over the past century, we have continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of our customers,” he said.
Daikin’s booth featured a historical wall, taking visitors through the company’s evolution from its inception to its current status as a global powerhouse in the HVAC industry.
“We wanted to create a space that not only showcases our latest products, but also tells the story of our rich history and commitment to innovation,” Langstaff added.
Speaking of a commitment to innovation, there was a lot of that on display at ARBS 2024.
“At the heart of Daikin’s exhibition was the RT Series Rooftop Packaged Unit with a factory integrated economiser kit, solutions that epitomise Daikin’s dedication to local manufacturing,” Langstaff said.
There are a total of eight models in the RT Series, ranging from 37.2kW to 94.9kW, equipped with indoor EC plug fans and dual fixed-speed scroll compressors.
Models also come with built-in 2” return air filter rails, demand response capability (DRED) and Modbus RTU connectivity.
One of the standout features of the RT Series is its 4.3” touchscreen controller, designed for user-friendly operation.
“Additionally, Daikin plans to expand the RT Series options later in the year to include BACnet/IP compatibility, built-in soft starters, down discharge, and economiser kits,” Langstaff said.
“These enhancements will provide our customers with greater flexibility and control, making the RT Series an even more attractive option for a variety of applications.”
Sustainable Refrigeration
Daikin’s sales manager for refrigeration, Kevin Sultana, was on hand to showcase the expansion of the company’s refrigeration product lineup.
“This expansion demonstrates the company’s commitment to solutions that are both innovative and puts sustainability at the core, but most importantly, it shows we have gone beyond air-conditioning,” he said.
“This year, we are showcasing a comprehensive range of refrigeration solutions designed to meet the growing demands of this industry.”
On display were the LT and MT Daikin Refrigeration Condensing Units and Evaporators.
“Our refrigeration condensing units are designed with high-quality, non-proprietary components, ensuring ease of maintenance and reliability,” Sultana said.
“The hinged door design and ample room for serviceability are features that our contractors particularly appreciate.”
Daikin’s ARBS display also demonstrated the AHT R290 Montreal Chest Freezers, which are ideal for supermarkets and convenience stores.
“These freezers utilise R290, a refrigerant with a very low GWP, making them an environmentally-friendly choice,” Sultana noted.
The freezers feature a unique push-pull design, allowing access from both sides and offering versatile display options, from standalone units to full island configurations.
Another highlight was the CO2 ZEAS Refrigeration Condensing Unit, which boasts an inverter swing compressor with onboard two-stage technology and an intercooler.
“The CO2 ZEAS unit is state-of-the-art, designed to operate efficiently even in ambient temperatures of up to 43 degrees Celsius,” Sultana explained.
“It’s extremely low GWP makes it an excellent choice for customers looking to reduce their environmental impact.”
Daikin also showcased a concept R290 Monoblock Refrigeration System, an all-in-one unit designed for plug-and-play installation with lower install costs. Equipped with inverter technology, it is designed for cooling and freezing applications with variable load conditions and high energy efficiency requirements.
“This system is a game-changer for the refrigeration industry, offering a simple, efficient, and sustainable solution,” Sultana said.
Cutting-Edge Products
In the residential space, visitors experienced firsthand the new R32 Floor Standing models, which boast enhanced heating capacity at 2°C ambient temperature, distinct heating functions, Daikin’s trademark Streamer Technology, and integrated Wi-Fi connectivity.
Each year, Daikin’s air purifier collection expands, and this year is no exception with the spotlight on the new MCB80ZPVM model. Purposefully crafted for rooms up to 124m², it stands as Daikin’s inaugural air purifier featuring antibacterial HEPA filters and UV-C technology, significantly elevating indoor air quality.
In the commercial area, Daikin showcased a historical wall highlighting the evolution of VRV models since 1982, culminating into a display of Daikin’s current 6th generation VRV H Heat Pump System.
The new VRV H, features an enhanced design with single casing modules up to 24HP that help to reduce the overall space required for mechanical equipment and the number of electrical and piping connections.
Additional enhancements include sealed IP55 electrical box, new service window and separate piping & wiring access for convenience and outdoor operation limits of up to 52°C ambient temperature.
In the applied solutions segment, Daikin exhibited its R32 Inverter Chiller & Heat Pump, tailored for small to medium-sized buildings while maintaining a compact footprint, and Daikin’s UHAS model, an air-to-water heat pump capable of delivering hot water up to 90°C to meet the diverse needs of residential, commercial, and industrial segments.
Fostering Local Growth
Underpinning so much of the enduring success of Daikin in Australia is the company’s commitment to building local.
This gives the company an edge as it means that it genuinely understands the needs of the local community, and can build for them, rather than trying to push products designed for other conditions into the market.
“We have been manufacturing in Australia for over 40 years because the Australian climate is unique, and our products need to be tailored to meet these specific conditions,” Langstaff said.
To further enhance these capabilities, Daikin is expanding its factory in Chipping Norton to increase production capacity and support the growing demand for locally made HVAC solutions.
“The expansion of our Chipping Norton facility underscores our dedication to the Australian market,” Langstaff said. “By manufacturing ducted and packaged units locally, we not only ensure that these products are ideally suited to the local climate, but also create jobs and contribute to the Australian economy.”
The ARBS 2024 exhibition was a clear demonstration of Daikin’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. With a robust lineup of new products and an expanded focus on refrigeration, Daikin is well-positioned to address the evolving needs of the HVACR industry.