Australia's ActronAir has released a new rooftop packaged unit that it says will give chillers and VRF a run for their money.
ActronAir has announced the release of its new Hercules range, which it says is set to be a game-changer with efficiency ratings unheard of for packaged units.
Achieving up to 50 per cent more efficiency than the minimum BCA compliant system and with an integrated energy efficiency ratio (IEER) of 5.45, the new Hercules from ActronAir sets a new standard for rooftop packaged systems.
It also becomes a more cost-effective alternative to both chillers and VRF, the company says. ActronAir is renowned for world-leading innovation and this new product raises the bar yet again and revolutionises rooftop packaged unit technology, the company says.
Designed for large commercial applications, Hercules is a variable capacity 170kW rooftop packaged unit with key benefits including improved seasonal energy efficiency, reliability, quieter operation, comfort control and BMS connectivity.
ActronAir says nothing on the market comes close to Hercules' performance.
With the rising cost of electricity, building owners are becoming increasingly focused on reducing both their carbon footprint and their electricity bill.
BEAVER energy modelling shows Hercules technology to be 50 per cent more efficient than the minimum BCA compliant air conditioner.
Kevin Mundy, ActronAir's technical director, says during Hercules' research and development phase, a world-wide search was conducted to review alternate technologies that are available.
"We are passionate about challenging the status quo and not being a ‘me-too', "Mundy says.
"Our philosophy is to be the best in class, and we selected the technology which could deliver the best solution for the end client.
"During the R&D phase, we worked collaboratively with key technology partners to bring Hercules to life.”
Danfoss was selected as the compressor technology partner. Its latest generation of compressor goes above and beyond the average inverter compressor, Mundy says.
This variable capacity technology has a turn down ratio of four to one (or 25-100 per cent capacity range), to optimise seasonal energy efficiency.
Another benefit is the minimal in-rush current and high inbuilt power factor.
"To most people this may only be a small feature, but to a new building owner or developer, this could potentially save thousands of dollars in unnecessary transformer upgrade costs, not to mention the extra cabling costs involved,” Mundy says.
High efficiency EC plug fans were chosen to eliminate inefficient belt and pulley systems. The company has been working with ebm-papst for a number of years.
EC plug fans were introduced to the ActronAir Tri-capacity range in 2010 and the energy efficiency improvements have been well noticed across the industry.
EC outdoor condenser fans were incorporated to deliver further savings and also offer low ambient cooling, ducted discharge with up to 100Pa, plus full performance operation up to 50°C.
"As a leading innovator, we always find others trying to imitate our technology, but none of them ever come close to our energy modelling results,” Mundy says.
"It all comes down to 'the smarts’ behind the system. “Or the brain behind the brawn.”
The brain behind Hercules is ActronControls Smart logic, and without this the system's performance could not be possible, Mundy says.
Superior levels of temperature stability are also achieved. Testing indicates that a temperature of +/-0.3°C within the set point can be achieved.
The most important function of the controls platform is to optimise the performance of the entire system to deliver enhanced energy efficiency and superior comfort.
"We spent over two years perfecting our controls architecture,” he says.
"Many of the features are in-built and proprietary ActronAir logic. To achieve an IEER of 5.45 is unheard of for packaged units. We are very proud of our results.”
Other ActronControls Smart logic features include BMS compatibility, third-party web browsing capability, constant air volume control and fault diagnostics.
The technology has been subjected to over 2000 hours of physical testing to prove the performance.
Hercules is backed by a two year warranty, as well as the ActronAir full nationwide customer service and after sales support.
"ActronAir has been designing and manufacturing air conditioners for almost 30 years and most of the smart features in this new system have been the result of working closely with our customers,”Mundy says.
"Our only market focus is Australia – to research, develop, produce and customise our products to suit local conditions and the needs of our local customers.
"We see that as our number one strength and we excel over all others in delivering that promise.”
ActronAir is holding a series of information sessions during the month of March.
To be one of the first in the HVAC industry to learn about the exciting
Hercules technology, email marketing@actronair.com.au.
To find out more about ActronAir’s new split range contact the company on 1300522722 or visit www.actronair.com.au
