In March 2015 Daikin plan to launch the first Split Air Conditioning system using R32 refrigerant gas onto the UK market.
The European phase-down of HFCs (fluorinated gases) will see major changes to the HVAC-R industry. The new Regulation (EU) 517/2014 revokes and replaces the existing F-Gas Regulation (EC) 842/2006. One of the main changes is to how refrigerant gases are rated. The new EU Regulation rates gases on their Global Warming Potential or GWP.
There are four standard alternatives to HFCs these being:
- R32
- HFO blends
- CO2
- Hydrocarbons including R290 and R600
R32 the preferred choice for Daikin Airconditioning UK Ltd.
Daikin’s reasons for choosing R32 refrigerant gas are as follows:
- R32 has a GWP of 675, one third of R410a (2,044)
- R32 is more energy efficient than R410a
- R32 needs a smaller charge. For example an R22 system requiring 1.2kg charge would only need 0.7kg of R32.
- Using R32 allows for more compact equipment. Due to smaller charges of gas the heat exchangers and other components can be smaller allowing for smaller equipment.
- R32 is a single component refrigerant gas, which means it can be easily reused and recycled. Unlike R410a which is a blend.
- R32 operating pressures are similar to R410a
- R32 and R410a systems use the same types of refrigerant oil.
- R32 mildly flammable – the risks reviewed.
Like most low GWP HFCs, R32 refrigerant gas is rated as A2L, meaning:
A = Low risk of accidents due to toxicity,
2L = Mildly flammable.
Together Daikin and Suwa, Tokyo University of Science carried out tests and concluded, “even if combustion of R32 occurs (at concentrations of more than 320g/m3), it is not explosive and the possibility of fire spreading is extremely low.”
Daikin also give reassurance that in a domestic situation even if the entire R32 charge were to leak into a room, its concentration would be so low that there would be no possibility of combustion.
Daikin Airconditioning UK Ltd is introducing air conditioning installer-training programs covering the changes associated with R32. As a Daikin UK D1 partner, Young Air Conditioning will be attending this course when it becomes available.
Young Air Conditioning keep up-to-date on Regulation changes and new technology developed by Daikin. Young Air of Malvern have been F-Gas accredited and registered with REFCOM since it’s introduction in 2009.
In February 2015, Young Air conditioning posted a blog talking about Daikin UK’s latest development that allows the user to control their air conditioning system from their iPhone.
Wi-Fi Controller for Daikin Air Conditioning system.
In November 2014 Daikin released their Online Controller Adaptor that allows the operator to control a Daikin Split air conditioning system from their mobile phone or tablet computer.
Retrofitting Wi-Fi Online controller to Daikin FTXS model.
It is our understanding that at the time of publication, Young Air Conditioning of Malvern is the first Daikin Airconditioning UK customer to retrofit a Wi-Fi Online Controller to a Daikin Wall mounted air conditioning system – FTXS35.
For further information on Daikin’s development of equipment using R32 Refrigerant gas please see the Daikin Airconditioning UK Ltd website www.daikin.co.uk
For further information on Young Air Conditioning Ltd, a Daikin UK D1 partner please see our website www.youngair.co.uk
