Engineer fixing an air conditioner

How Do Air Conditioners Work?

Air conditioners are now widely manufactured, distributed and used, but how do air conditioners work? How air conditioning works is often insufficiently explained. For people trying to diagnose problems with their air conditioning system or explain faults to an engineer, it can be challenging.

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Improve Indoor Air Quality and Lifestyle with Panasonic nanoe™ X Technology and Daikin Streamer Technology

Air Purifiers

Air conditioning and Air purifiers are two different systems which cater for different needs. Whilst air conditioning works to produce cool air at an effective rate, air purifiers central purpose is to improve the quality of air in an environment. However, innovative companies like Panasonic and Daikin are rapidly developing their technology to offer products that are of high quality and even have multiple purposes.

Panasonic nanoe™ X Technology

Panasonic has been continuously developing their technology in order to provide products to help improve people’s health and lifestyles. Due to Covid-19 and the general interest in living a cleaner and healthier life, it’s been necessary for brands, such as Panasonic, to make advanced products that contribute to consumers’ health conscious lifestyles. Thus, Panasonic have taken a naturally occurring process in the form of Hydroxyl radicals and adapted them to help create cleaner indoor environments.

Hydroxyl radicals are molecules that actively combine with other elements to cause a reaction, preventing the growth of contaminants by breaking them down and reducing their negative effects. Panasonic’s nanoe™ X technology has altered this process by adding the Hydroxyl radicals to water to increase its efficiency and lifespan. Not only will the air be safer to breathe, but indoor environments containing furnishings will be cleaned, with the particles being small enough to penetrate through fabric. Panasonic incorporated this technology into purifying devices and other applications, even air conditioning for residential and commercial spaces.

air conditioning animation in living room

Image by Panasonic via AMP Air

Developed in 2004, Streamer technology is just one of the highly innovative technological advancements Daikin has developed to provide quality products and services for consumers. Recently, they found that the effectiveness of the streamer technology inactivated more than 99.9% of Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). However, further testing may be required as results may differ in actual use in real-life environments or with equipment that incorporates Streamer technology.

Daikin streamer logo

Image by Daikin EU

Daikin’s MC55W Streamer Technology Air Purifier

The MC55W Streamer technology air purifier features their patented streamer technology which has many advantageous benefits for this current climate.

The air purifier is fitted with a flash streamer which utilises electrons that combine with one another in order to break down and filter out airborne contaminants. This product is designed to reduce allergy symptoms, which includes dust, odours, pollen, bacteria etc. which can be unsafe and potentially detrimental to one’s health. This particular air purifier would be useful to have as the effects of any airborne allergens would be lowered, providing a more tolerable home or working environment.

mother and daughter reading a book in white bed

Chillaire Limited is an approved D1 dealer with Daikin UK and a registered supplier of Panasonic UK systems.

Call Chillaire Limited today to assist you with your commercial or industrial heating environment or application requirement. From initial site survey, design, supply, installation, warranty and future planned maintenance with 24 hour service.

Website: www.chillaire.co.uk

Email Address: sales@chillaire.co.uk / service@chillaire.co.uk

For more information, visit Daikin’s website here.

For more information, visit Panasonic’s website here.

References:

Daikin

Panasonic

Heatpumpsource.co.uk

Sanyo Heat Pump & VRF & Chiller Spares

We are still able to continue to source spare parts for existing Sanyo heat pump air conditioning systems and chillers or offer replacement systems. This can be done by matching existing Sanyo split Air Conditioning Systems, Heat Pump Systems, VRF Systems or Chiller Units with new Panasonic alternatives from their wide range of products.

Panasonic merged the Sanyo brand during 2012 into the Panasonic brand, with the product ranges of both brands combing under the Panasonic logo. The Sanyo name ceased to be an active brand, at least in heat pump / air conditioning / VRF & chillers.

This meant that in the UK, virtually all of the Sanyo RAC products and Sanyo residential air to water range were replaced by Panasonic equivalent ranges.

Panasonic commenced the replacement of the Sanyo commercial products, launching with the ECOi electric VRF systems, which replaced the previous Urban Multi UM4 range in its entirety and running alongside Panasonics own FS-Multi simplified VRF range. A new Panasonic range branded Elite PACi and GHP was brought in, with Elite PACi being run in parallel with Panasonics own FS range.
Over a period of 2 years (by 2014) the existing Panasonic FS and FS-Multi ranges had been discontinued in the UK and the entire Panasonic commercial air conditioning and heating ranges are now based upon what was Sanyo’s PACi, ECOi and ECOG products.

Panasonic logo
Sanyo logo

Supporting old Sanyo versions of products with new Panasonic is relatively easy because the electronics are virtually identical.

Older Sanyo product spares can still be sourced with technical support and connecting additional controls or indoor units, even replacing indoor or outdoor units is possible.
Chillaire Limited have done this on many occasions for many customers. We have attended customer sites to assist with modifications or repair of old Sanyo systems without issue. We can attend site and investigate any existing Sanyo system and provide equivalent Panasonic solutions.
We also have access to Sanyo technical support through Panasonic UK. We are able recognise Sanyo model references and match them with the latest Panasonic replacement parts or replacement Panasonic system, so as far as Chillaire Limited are concerned it is business as normal. Chillaire Limited, as a Panasonic distributor, feel it is important we are able to offer the Sanyo parts replacement service with its long association with the brand.

We continue to offer a wide range of spare parts for all the heat pumps and air conditioners supplied by Sanyo into the UK market. These include the Scroll Compressor, Inverter Compressor, Swing Compressor, Sanyo PCB’s (Printed Circuit Boards), Air Filters, Fan Motors, Thermistors, Drain Pumps, Remote Controls, Expansion Valve, Condenser Coil, Solenoid Valve, Crankcase Heater, Electronic Thermostat, Float Switch, Magnetic Contactor, Capacitor, High Pressure Switch and Sensors.

We also offer a free site survey and quotation for any existing Sanyo heat pump air conditioning / VRF or chiller system replacement required. If you need a replacement now or are planning to replace your Sanyo product / system in the future, call us today for a free consultation discussion or to arrange a free survey and quotation.

Powrmatic / Combat / Winterwarm – Gas Fired Warm Air Heating

Why Gas Fired Warm Air Heating for Commercial or Industrial Environments?

Gas fired warm air heating is a cost effective way of heating large spaces such warehouses or distributions centres or showrooms or similar.
The latest gas fired heaters manufactured by Combat / Winterwarm or Powrmatic are modern energy efficient and highly reliable and ideal for commercial / industrial premises and work by forcing warm air around the building. These heaters are most often used in commercial properties and public spaces such as retail outlets, sports halls, distribution centres, warehouse storage facilities, production areas and sports halls and are known to improve energy efficiency when compared to other systems. Additional installation costs are easily absorbed by long-term savings.

Why Use Warm Air Heating Systems?

Warm air heating works by pulling cold air from the building and pushing it across a heat exchanger. The cold air is heated via the fan and re-distributed back into the environment until an ambient temperature is achieved. There are a wide variety of fuels to choose from, such as natural gas, LPG, oil, and biofuels, to operate the system. By combining warm air heating with a sophisticated control system, businesses can easily manage the temperature without overheating or getting too cold.
Warm air heating systems can include roof suspended and floor standing cabinet units, making them an extremely versatile choice for industrial and commercial premises.

Powrmatic and Winterwarm have a unique range of gas fired heater range:

Powrmatic recently introduced its new LNVX energy efficient heater range.

Winterwarm has the XR range with stainless steel heat exchangers.

The Combat Compact range is ideal for smaller buildings that may require less heating, particularly when space is at a minimum. Alternatively, for improved energy efficiency, you may want to consider the Combat ECO Condensing Unit Heaters, which are one of the smallest condensing heaters on the market at present.

Why Combat Heating Solutions?

Combat 1 air conditioning unit
Combat air conditioning system
Red metal box

Combat have been manufacturing heating products for over 40 years and have an extensive knowledge of the commercial and industrial heating sector providing help to find solutions. Combat have a wide range of heating appliances for most applications.

Radiant Heating

Radiant heater

What is Radiant Heating?

Radiant heating is a cost-effective, reliable method of heating small to very large indoor areas that require a more even spread of heat. The best way to simply describe how infrared radiant heaters work is to compare it to the most reliable known heater – the Sun. The heat energy from the Sun radiates through space and our atmosphere, striking the Earth’s surface and heating it. It is this warmed surface that then heats the air and raises the air temperature.
Due to the versatility of radiant heaters, they are utilised for large spaces such as factory and warehouse heating.

Why Radiant Heaters?

Radiant heating, unlike fan assisted warm air heaters, does not heat the air. It first heats the people and the objects around it, including the floor, which in turn act as secondary heaters, raising the air temperature. The main benefit of radiant heating is the reduced loss of heated air in areas with opening doors and windows.

Unlike warm air heaters which use excessive energy to heat the building’s atmosphere, once a door has been opened, objects heated by radiant heating will continue to stay warm. For industrial and commercial buildings such as distribution centres or warehouses that often have large doors open to cater for deliveries, radiant heating is the most cost-effective solution for maintaining suitable working temperatures.

Combat Energy Saving Accessories

Combat Heating Solutions understands the importance of energy efficiency in the workplace. Reliable heating systems that can be automatically controlled while reducing energy consumption, is essential for most business owners and landlords. Industrial heating systems work in some of the toughest conditions and are required to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
That’s why to provide energy saving Combat controls and destratification fans complement their new industrial heater range. Combat energy-saving destratification fans improve the efficiency of the heater by keeping valuable warm air down at working level, thus reducing heat loss through the roof structure. The Energy Efficient NRG Controller maximises fuel efficiency through self-learning optimisation, which could save you money on your energy bills.

Call Chillaire Limited today to assist you with your commercial or industrial heating environment or application requirement. From initial site survey, design, supply, installation, warranty and future planned maintenance with 24 hour service.

Local Chillaire Industrial / Commercial Heating Centres: Rugby: 01788 669164 / Leamington Spa & Warwick: 01926 825681 / Stratford upon Avon: 01789 273289 / Banbury: 01295 207682 / Redditch: 01527 531275 and Leicester: 0116 202 5094

Other Local Offices:

We have offices throughout central England:

Email Address: sales@chillaire.co.uk / service@chillaire.co.uk Website: www.chillaire.co.uk

VRF Heat Pump Systems for Business Premises

VRF heat pump systems are an increasingly popular option for business premises of all shapes and sizes.

Because no two business premises are the same, specifying a heating system needs to be carefully considered to deliver the best possible comfort and energy efficiency.

Modern office building exterior for VRF heat pump

Size, heat loss, hours of operation and other building management systems will all be important.

Depending on your type of business you might use different zones, rooms and communal spaces at different times of the day, each with specific heating or cooling requirements.

 

The benefits of VRF heat pump systems

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) equipment is compact, making it ideal for smaller spaces, and a large area to house your heating and cooling equipment won’t be needed. VRF systems effectively keep your business premises comfortable while using significantly less energy, helping you to keep operating costs down.

A VRF system can identify the requirements for each zone of your building to deliver precise amounts of refrigerant to each air handling unit, eliminating troublesome cold or hot spots. They provide more consistent comfort within your office building or commercial space, ensuring you have happier, healthier, and more productive employees.

 

VRF heat pumps

VRF systems can serve multiple zones in your building, responding to differing heating and cooling requirements.

In contrast to conventional air or water HVAC systems, VRF systems manage the amount of refrigerant sent to each zone according to your settings and outside conditions. They will efficiently deliver refrigerant in exact amounts where it is needed.

Multiple indoor units can operate at the same time in heating or cooling modes while connected to a single outdoor unit. Ductless heat pumps (DHP) units can be integrated into a larger VRF system.

 

Types of VRF system

There are two system formats; two-pipe and three-pipe systems. In two-pipe systems all the zones will be either cooling or heating. When the indoor units are in cooling mode, they act as evaporators; when they are in the heating mode, they act as condensers.

Alternatively, VRF systems with heat recovery (VRF-HR) use a three-pipe design so that some zones can be cooled while others are heated. This allows surplus heat within the system to be used, rather than being wasted. While the initial costs of three-pipe systems are higher, thermal control across building zones and overall efficiency are improved.

 

How VRF systems work

Daikin developed variable refrigerant technology, known as variable refrigerant volume (VRV), in the 1980s. The approach automatically adapts refrigerant temperature to provide the most comfortable conditions, increasing seasonal efficiency by up to 28%, compared to other solutions. Other systems based on this approach are commonly known as VRF.

The refrigerant flows through pipes between an outdoor unit and indoor units that condition and recirculate indoor air. Variable speed fans modulate the indoor and outdoor units. Heat recovery between zones reuses energy efficiently for heating, cooling, and hot water.

Smaller sized systems are available for residential and small commercial buildings, while large configurations of up to several hundred tons can be installed for high-rise buildings. They can include sophisticated controls for demand response, operations, and maintenance alerts.

 

Energy savings

Compared with conventional air-to-air heat pumps, advanced variable-speed heat pump systems can typically provide energy savings of 20% and can adjust to seasonal conditions to improve efficiency further. They offer better efficiencies, heat recovery, and can reduce or eliminate duct losses.

Because VRF systems are designed to supply the precise amount of refrigerant to each air handler they minimise energy waste. The system runs less frequently and at a lower capacity, while still maintaining comfortable temperatures. Because VRF systems can also capture heat as part of the cooling process, this can be reused in other parts of your building to save energy.

 

Chillaire – a national heating, ventilation and air conditioning partner

Centrally located in Nuneaton, and with offices around the UK, Chillaire is a trusted partner for design, installation and maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

You can contract us through our website www.chillaire.co.uk or email us at sales@chillaire.co.uk.

You can call any one of our local offices:

Nuneaton & Warwickshire Office: Unit 1 Veasey Close, Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate, Nuneaton, CV11 6RT. Telephone: 024 7632 0300

Coventry & West Midlands Office: 16 Lythalls Lane, Holbrooks, Coventry, West Midlands, CV6 6FG. Telephone: 024 7624 9440

Leicester & Leicestershire Office: 3rd Floor, St George’s House, 6 St George’s Way, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 1QZ. Telephone: 0116 202 5094

Redditch & Alcester & Worcestershire Office: Minerva Mill Innovation Centre, Station Road, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5EH. Telephone: 01527 531275

Northampton & Northamptonshire Office: Moulton Park Business Centre, Redhouse Road, Moulton Park, Northamptonshire, NN3 6AQ. Telephone: 01604 269540

Kettering, Corby & Northants Area Office: 10A Silver Street, Kettering, Northants, NN16 0BN. Telephone: 01536 386046

Air Conditioning and Energy Savings

Air conditioning and HVAC systems have a number of jobs. Heating systems increase the indoor temperature and compensate for heat losses. On the other hand, many spaces gain heat from the sun, people and equipment. This makes them uncomfortable, so cooling is also needed. Ventilation systems supply air to an inside space and remove polluted air.

Rooftop air conditioning ducting

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems come in many different sizes and perform all sorts of functions. Some large systems are included in a building’s central services. They were probably designed with the building’s original plans and installed during construction. Others might provide heating through boilers and radiators, offering only limited ventilation or cooling in some parts of the building, such as meeting rooms.

Three systems or one?

Although we might think of heating, ventilation and air conditioning as separate services for a building, there are benefits of looking at HVAC as a single solution.

In fact, the relationships between these services and with the building itself are important. Looking at them together helps to control the environment more effectively and to manage energy use and costs. For example, if the systems are run separately a lot of energy could be wasted by heating one part of the building and cooling another part.

Energy consumption

HVAC can account a large part of the energy costs associated with using a building. Even small adjustments can make a big difference to the indoor environment and save money at the same time.

Through optimisation, annual energy savings of 30% or more can be achieved and system’s performance can be improved. There are also opportunities to make energy savings at the design stage, with accurate calculations, a whole-system approach and the correct equipment specifications.

There are five important things to consider when looking at HVAC energy use.

  1. The building’s design, layout and use – all of these will affect internal temperatures and humidity.
  2. The type of indoor conditions you need – more extreme temperatures, greater precision and better air quality all require extra energy.
  3. Internal heat sources – lighting, equipment and people all add to the indoor temperature.
  4. The efficiency of the HVAC system – a well-designed system will provide exactly the right amount of heating, cooling and moisture control in the right places at the right times.
  5. Operating controls – effective controls should allow accurate control so that the system only operates when it’s needed.

Saving energy

There are a number of steps you can take to minimise energy consumption of any system, while maintaining your indoor conditions.

Reducing the need – although we can’t always be involved in a building’s design, carefully specifying the HVAC system can have a big impact on energy use. This can include options to use ‘free energy’ such as solar power for heating, cooling and ventilation to make significant energy and cost savings. Natural ventilation uses airflow through doors and windows and allows rising hot air to be replaced.

Some systems can operate in ‘mixed mode’, using natural ventilation for heating and cooling where possible, and mechanical systems when needed.

Changing behaviour – the way we use a building can also make a difference. It’s not just the air temperature that affects how we feel. Solar radiation, humidity, and air speed are important too. Of course, what we do, and what we wear are also relevant.

When the heating, ventilation or air conditioning systems are in use, up to one third of the energy use and costs can be saved by reducing the amount of outside air coming in to the building. It’s always better to adjust the system than to open a door or window.

Understanding the controls – HVAC controls can be easily set to create a comfortable environment. There are four main types of control:

  • time controls so that systems only operate when and where a building is in use
  • temperature controls to maintain the environment within set limits
  • motion sensors to give even more accurate control in busy and less frequently used areas.
  • real time air quality monitoring to respond to changing conditions.

Regular maintenance – this does much more than replace worn elements of the system. It’s essential to maximise efficiency, to reduce energy waste and to avoid breakdowns.

HVAC components must be kept free of dirt and obstructions to operate efficiently.

The overall system should be serviced annually either by a maintenance technician or a professional contractor. In the meantime, regular routine checks of filters and pipework will help to identify performance issues and potential problems at an early stage. Pressure gauges are helpful to highlight when replacement filters are needed.

Upgrades – older HVAC systems might be reaching the end of their operational Iife as the refrigerants they use are no longer available. Some systems have been altered to operate with new replacement refrigerants, but reliability can become an issue over time. If you are considering upgrading or refurbishing your HVAC system, there are opportunities for energy savings.

Expert advice is essential when you commission a new HVAC system or replace and old one. By making sure that you use the most efficient equipment and that the system is professionally designed to meet your requirements you can be confident that it will efficient and cost effective.

 

Chillaire – a national heating, ventilation and air conditioning partner

Centrally located in Nuneaton, and with offices around the UK, Chillaire is a trusted partner for design, installation and maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

You can contract us through our website www.chillaire.co.uk or email us at sales@chillaire.co.uk.

You can call any one of our local offices:

Nuneaton & Warwickshire Office: Unit 1 Veasey Close, Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate, Nuneaton, CV11 6RT. Telephone: 024 7632 0300

Coventry & West Midlands Office: 16 Lythalls Lane, Holbrooks, Coventry, West Midlands, CV6 6FG. Telephone: 024 7624 9440

Leicester & Leicestershire Office: 3rd Floor, St George’s House, 6 St George’s Way, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 1QZ. Telephone: 0116 202 5094

Redditch & Alcester & Worcestershire Office: Minerva Mill Innovation Centre, Station Road, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5EH. Telephone: 01527 531275

Northampton & Northamptonshire Office: Moulton Park Business Centre, Redhouse Road, Moulton Park, Northamptonshire, NN3 6AQ. Telephone: 01604 269540

Kettering, Corby & Northants Area Office: 10A Silver Street, Kettering, Northants, NN16 0BN. Telephone: 01536 386046

Heat Interface Units and Climate Change (HIUS)

Sunlight through autumn leavesThe use of heat interface units (HIUs) and centralised plant is becoming popular for blocks of flats, apartments, or even larger schemes.

As energy efficiency standards become more stringent, effective heating and cooling in modern properties will become a priority.

Industry experts say HIUs are going to be an important part of the UK’s low carbon economy.

 

 

What are district and community systems?

‘District’ systems provide services through a network of pipes from a central source to several buildings, which could include houses, flats or apartments, offices, schools, shops, and community centres.

Community and communal systems are similar, but on a smaller scale, perhaps serving a single block of apartments.

Why are HIUs used?

Centralisation helps developers to meet demanding energy-efficiency targets for new buildings, either using traditional fuels or low-carbon and renewable technologies. A controller monitors and regulates use to optimise performance, working with the room thermostat.

Without an HIU temperature control, metering and billing can cause problems, because usage can’t be monitored.

HIUs allow councils and landlords operating multi-tenanted buildings to remotely monitor use and accurately charge users. Metering can also encourage occupants to reduce their energy consumption.

Where are HIUs installed?

Many HIUs are small enough to fit into a kitchen cupboard, for example, or and can be installed in the dividing walls or in easily accessible ‘landlord’ spaces.

They can be installed at first-fix and only connected when the property is handed over, and can be easily inspected and maintained, making them a practical solution. There’s less need for gas distribution pipework which also saves costs.

Energy-efficiency and HIUs

Parliamentary committees on Climate Change and Science & Technology both say that decarbonisation of heat is our single biggest challenge and argue that wider use of HIUs is the key.

Specialists have highlighted that HIU performance is critical to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of heat networks but it is often overlooked.

The government’s Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Department funded a research project that identified poor performance of HIUs was one of the key causes of the gap between design and actual performance.

HIUs will also make it more practical to use low carbon or renewable technologies such as biomass, solar water heating or combined heat and power (CHP) in multi-occupancy schemes.

A new test standard for HIUs

Typically, assessing a building’s heat network performance focusses on the energy centre and pipework rather than performance within a building, sometimes resulting in a poor experience for users.

A new UK Test Standard for HIUs has been developed by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and is now being adopted by HIU manufacturers and heat network developers.

What difference will a new HIU test standard make?

Previously it was difficult to assess the relative performance of HIUs. This meant that heat network designers couldn’t make informed decisions.

The BESA standard was developed on behalf of consumers, which means the new test places a heavy emphasis on the experience of end users.

The BESA Standard has also increased research and development that is now leading to improved HIU performance and safety.

 

Chillaire – a national heating, ventilation and air conditioning partner

Centrally located in Nuneaton, and with offices around the UK, Chillaire is a trusted partner for design, installation and maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

 

You can contract us through our website www.chillaire.co.uk or email us at sales@chillaire.co.uk.

You can call any one of our local offices:

Nuneaton & Warwickshire Office: Unit 1 Veasey Close, Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate, Nuneaton, CV11 6RT. Telephone: 024 7632 0300

Coventry & West Midlands Office: 16 Lythalls Lane, Holbrooks, Coventry, West Midlands, CV6 6FG. Telephone: 024 7624 9440

Leicester & Leicestershire Office: 3rd Floor, St George’s House, 6 St George’s Way, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 1QZ. Telephone: 0116 202 5094

Redditch & Alcester & Worcestershire Office: Minerva Mill Innovation Centre, Station Road, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5EH. Telephone: 01527 531275

Northampton & Northamptonshire Office: Moulton Park Business Centre, Redhouse Road, Moulton Park, Northamptonshire, NN3 6AQ. Telephone: 01604 269540

Kettering, Corby & Northants Area Office: 10A Silver Street, Kettering, Northants, NN16 0BN. Telephone: 01536 386046

Daikin VRV air conditioning units

Energy-efficient replacement air conditioning for a Daikin R22 system

The offices of a long-standing Chillaire Limited customer in Nottingham recently received energy-efficient replacement air conditioning for their Daikin system, which originally used R22 refrigerant.

 

The Electric Avenue offices of data experts, Experian, are one of six they have in Nottinghamshire.

The life of the air conditioning system had been extended by converting it from R22 refrigerant to a more environmentally friendly alternative. However the time had come for a full replacement air conditioning system.

To keep the business running smoothly with the minimum of disruption, the work was completed during night shifts and on Saturdays to avoid disruption.

 

Responding to the R22 refrigerant ban

When R22 refrigerant was banned back in 2015 some businesses decided to use alternatives such as R417a or R422d rather than installing replacement air conditioning.

This was a practical short-term solution, but many have since experienced large numbers of breakdowns. Compared with businesses that drew up replacement plans during 2013 to 2015, before the ban came into effect, this has resulted in high repair and maintenance costs.

In contrast, businesses that install replacement air conditioning will have new systems using environmentally friendly approved refrigerants and a five-year warranty. With much improved energy efficiency, running costs will also be significantly reduced.

 

Modern replacement air conditioning

The existing air conditioning at Electric Avenue was provided by an old Daikin R22 system which had been converted to use R417a (Isceon MO59) refrigerant. The units had reached the end of their life cycle and a replacement air conditioning system was needed.

The new Daikin Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) system uses R410a refrigerant, allowing the existing pipes, cables and containment systems to be reused, making it a very cost-effective solution.

 

A tailored air conditioning solution

Daikin plenum and ductingNew slim-line Daikin model FXS-Q powerful medium static pressure units were chosen for this project. With a built-in height of just 300mm, they are ideal for narrow ceiling voids.

The branch selector (BS) boxes were replaced allowing multiple fan coil units to be connected to the same air-conditioning system so that they can independently generate heating and cooling at the same time.

We also installed new room sensors and Daikin’s iTouch centralised controller, which allows cooling and heating levels to be set independently when parts of the premises are occupied and unoccupied at night and during weekends, for example.

 

Technical challenges

air conditioning ducting and pipeworkAir is brought in, distributed and removed via supply and return plenum boxes to installed in the false voids with solid insulated ducting. Linear grilles supply ventilation along the perimeter of each floor and the return air is extracted from the middle through linear grilles.

Flat pack Daikin outdoor unitsThere were sixteen original outdoor units housed in the building’s loft space. They were probably installed during construction, leaving our engineers with some practical challenges.

To install the replacement variable refrigerant volume (VRV) heat pump outdoor units, we arranged to have them taken off Daikin’s assembly line in Belgium in a flat-pack form to transport them to the site. Our engineers then moved them into the loft-space plant rooms by hand and built them on site.

 

Safety from start to finish

Our experienced project managers used their wide experience to plan and implement this installation.

They are well-qualified in design and in all aspects of safety health and safety from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). Our site supervising engineers are all Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) qualified, so our customers can always be confident that good safety practices are a tope priority for every project.

 

The Daikin VRV range

Daikin VRV outdoor air conditioning unitsDaikin is widely recognised as one of the best air conditioning manufacturers in the world with an emphasis on innovation and energy-efficiency.

Their equipment is popular with clients, consultants and contractors because design and installation is a straightforward process.

Daikin was the first to develop a Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) system. It was the world’s first multi-split type air conditioner for commercial buildings. It made Individual zone control a practical option. Coupled with inverter technology, precise temperature control and efficiency can be achieved, cuts energy use maintaining a more comfortable environment.

Other manufacturers have since their own versions, known as VRF or Variable Refrigerant Flow” systems.

Daikin’s research and development team also developed new systems such as the ceiling cassette 4-way fan coil unit and the 360 degree round flow cassette fan coil unit for use with Daikin VRV systems.

 

Solutions for all sectors

Heat pump air conditioning systems can be tailored to the requirements of many sectors, including chemists, laboratories, clinics, surgeries and consulting rooms.

Please call us for a free no obligation site survey and quotation.

Visit our website www.chillaire.co.uk or email us at sales@chillaire.co.uk.

 

Chillaire Limited has local offices around the country:

Nuneaton & Warwickshire Office: Unit 1 Veasey Close, Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate, Nuneaton, CV11 6RT. Telephone: 024 7632 0300

Coventry & West Midlands Office: 16 Lythalls Lane, Holbrooks, Coventry, West Midlands, CV6 6FG. Telephone: 024 7624 9440

Leicester & Leicestershire Office: 3rdFloor, St George’s House, 6 St George’s Way, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 1QZ. Telephone: 0116 202 5094

Redditch/Alcester & Worcestershire Office: Minerva Mill Innovation Centre, Station Road, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5EH. Telephone: 01527 531275

Northampton & Northamptonshire Office: Moulton Park Business Centre, Redhouse Road, Moulton Park, Northamptonshire, NN3 6AQ. Telephone: 01604 269540

Kettering & Corby Office: 10A Silver Street, Kettering, Northants, NN16 0BN. Telephone: 01536 38604

Chillaire van outside Mazda dealership

Mitsubishi Ceiling Air Conditioner System

Installation Case Study

A Mitsubishi Heavy Industry heat pump ceiling air conditioner system was the ideal solution for our recent installation at the Coventry-based car dealership showroom.

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Daikin Heat Pump Air Conditioning for Gym in Cannock

At Chillaire we often recommend Daikin heat pump air conditioning units. Daikin is a leading manufacturer of high quality, reliable heat pumps and air conditioning products.

Using the latest technology, they offer excellent environmental temperature control and efficiency. Through research and development, Daikin air conditioning systems have been developed for a wide range of applications.

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Chillaire
Air Conditioning - Heating - Ventilation