Daikin Applied Americas, a unit of Japan-based Daikin Industries, has released an air-to-water heat pump for new or retrofit commercial rooftop applications such as office buildings, schools, and commercial retail spaces.
“The Trailblazer HP is an air-to-water heat pump chiller that provides a reversing function that allows the chiller to switch between cooling and heating modes based on the temperature requirements of the space or process being conditioned,” Daikin said in a statement.
The device has a heating capacity of 91.2 kW and a cooling capacity of 23.58 tons. Its coefficient of performance (COP) in heating mode is 3.12 and the seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) is 3.31.
The heat pump measures 1,800 mm x 1,195 mm x 2,826 mm and weighs 912 kg.
“This heat pump range is the result of careful design, aimed to optimize the energy efficiency of the unit, with the objective of bringing down operating costs and improving installation profitability, effectiveness, and economical management,” Daikin said in a data sheet. “The heat pump features high efficiency scroll compressors, large condenser coil surface area for maximum heat transfer and low discharge pressure, continuous fan speed modulation, and a brazed plate evaporator with low refrigerant pressure drops.”
Scroll compressors work in a circular motion, as opposed to up-and-down piston compressors. The compressors are connected in tandem on a single refrigerating circuit and are fitted on rubber antivibration mounts and complete with oil charge, according to Daikin.
The device uses R410A as the refrigerant, with a global warming potential (GWP) of 2,088.
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Hmm, this would be something my condo building could use. We are currently using a water chiller for cold and a gas water heater for hot. These are connected to a water source heat pump in each unit and the hot is also used for individual unit hot water. The way the sun is here there are units that are using AC even in the winter.
I’m wonder if this works for both hot and cold source simultaneously.
No they don’t operate in simultaneously modes. Daikin has a heat reclaim option, but I’m not sure if they have that as an option for these units.
This will only work ok in warmer climates. Efficiency isn’t great on them, I’ve already looked them up. EER is approx. 9.
Heat pump buildings don’t chill the water, it just passes through a cooling tower of some type. If gas is needed for heating, you really have no option. The building probably doesn’t have the electricity infrastructure to use this product. In warmer climates you can use the same cooling tower for gathering heat.
In a more typical fan coil building, this unit would have absolutely terrible performance as it got cold. It would be ok during warmer periods. Probably down to a bit above the freezing point, depending on utilities in your area. Without 100% green electricity, it really isn’t worth it in colder climates.
The timing of this product is most curious. On Dec 31st 2023 Refrigerant 410A equipment will not be approved for new equipment. The alternatives are R32, 454B, 1234(xx), 513A, R744 (CO2).