Building decarbonisation with products featuring R-32 refrigerant

Chillers, packaged rooftop systems and water source heat pumps transition to low-GWP R-32 to increase efficiency and reduce emissions. The unique properties of R-32 refrigerant help deliver additional advantages such as high full- and part-load efficiencies, reduced unit weight and footprint, and easier serviceability.

Daikin Applied has introduced upgraded versions of its Trailblazer AGZ-F air-cooled scroll chiller, Maverick II packaged rooftop system, and SmartSource water source heat pump (WSHP). These systems now feature R-32, a low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant, enhancing Daikin’s portfolio of eco-friendly solutions. Designed to help consulting engineers, contractors, and building operators decarbonise facilities, these products offer sustainable comfort while leveraging the unique properties of R-32, including superior energy efficiency at full and partial loads, lighter unit weight, compact design, and simplified maintenance.

Jim Macosko, vice president of product and sustainability solutions at Daikin Applied said, “All HVAC manufacturers are transitioning to low-GWP refrigerants per EPA rule, but that does not mean all low-GWP refrigerants are the same. We decided to reengineer our equipment specifically for R-32 to provide a range of benefits beyond the GWP value of the refrigerant. With the Trailblazer AGZ-F, for example, we were able to drop a bank of V coils and reduce the size of the chiller because of R-32’s superior capacity and efficiency. Smaller, lighter, more efficient – these are benefits that provide value across the entire lifecycle of the machine and system.”

Daikin has committed to R-32 for applications that previously used R-410A refrigerant. As a single-component refrigerant, R-32 boasts a two-thirds lower GWP compared to R-410A, and is easy to top off, recharge and reclaim in the field. Not only is R-32 a more sustainable choice, but it stands as one of the most efficient, proven and accessible options available. With over 280 million R-32 HVAC units already installed worldwide, this refrigerant has been tested and widely recognized for its exceptional performance.

Trailblazer AGZ-F
Optimised for R-32 refrigerant, the Trailblazer AGZ-F air-cooled scroll chiller delivers reductions in spatial footprint, weight and refrigerant charge, and improvements in integrated part load value compared to previous models. With a 30- to 240-ton range, the Trailblazer serves a variety of applications — from mission-critical buildings and data centers to hospitals and manufacturing facilities.

Maverick II
Maverick II is a 30- to 50-ton commercial packaged rooftop system now available with R-32 refrigerant. Arriving as a fully integrated solution, the Maverick II offers significant design and installation cost savings. It comes with a variety of factory-installed options, such as energy recovery and modulating hot gas reheat, all of which enhance performance across the life of the unit. Maverick II is ideal for one to three-story buildings, including offices, schools, libraries and more.

SmartSource WSHP
With low-GWP R-32, the SmartSource WSHP boosts performance and uses less refrigerant than other WSHPs on the market. The horizontal and vertical 2- to 6-ton configurations now offer a standard two-stage compressor option, resulting in high efficiencies, low-noise operation, high indoor air quality and consistent air temperatures. With a ½ to 25-ton range, these WSHPs are optimal for schools, clinics, office buildings and other projects where cost savings and high efficiency are key.