The Toolshed

1 Sixth-generation Daikin VRV

Daikin Australia has launched the newest addition to its VRV range – the VRV R Series (REYQ-BYM).

Daikin says the sixth-generation model enables simultaneous cooling and heating operation in a single VRV system, and boasts considerable improvement over previous generations.

“Daikin VRV systems have continually set the standard for energy efficiency, reliability and comfort for 40 years,” says Daikin National Commercial Manager Simon Langstaff, Affil.AIRAH.

“The new VRV R is no exception, offering a range of unique new functions for increased design flexibility and optimum performance.”

According to Daikin, the new system was designed to be used in both single- and multi-module combinations. This helps to reduce the overall space required for mechanical equipment and the number of electrical and piping connections.

Single modules starting at 8HP capacity are now available in three sizes thanks to the addition of a large-capacity XL chassis with 22 and 24HP (67.0kW) capacity that sits at 1,750mm wide x 765mm deep x 1,660mm tall.

“The patented High Efficiency P-Type Compressor is optimised for part-load performance and delivers a part load EER (at 50 per cent load) of up to 7.82,” says Daikin. “This delivers an efficiency improvement of up to 25 per cent compared to Daikin’s fifth-generation model.” ■

2 Which tech? Distech

Regulator Automation is now stocking Distech Controls’ Allure Unitouch touchscreen sensors, designed for a range of HVAC, lighting and sunblind applications.

Distech Controls says its sensor features an “intuitive interface for a modernised occupant experience”.

“Elegant and compact design provides a modern appearance when installed in any environment,” says the company. “[This] distinctive solution offers advanced technologies within a single product: Bluetooth low-energy, glass-front panel, capacitive touchscreen, LCD colour display, sensors and more.”

The Allure Unitouch device is compatible with the “my Personify” mobile app, allowing users to control comfort settings from anywhere within an office or hotel room.

Distech says the device has multi-sensing capabilities for temperature, humidity, and CO2, all using one wire and one connection. Both power and communication pass through a single Cat 5e cable.

The Allure Unitouch is part of Distech’s Eclypse Sky Ecosystem, a controls solution embedding wireless technology to manage connected spaces. The Eclypse Connected Thermostat is also available now through Regulator Automation.

Designed for use in new or existing commercial offices, educational facilities or hospitality buildings, the thermostat is available in a range of models for a variety of applications, leveraging ECgfxProgram to customise control sequences for specific applications. ■

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3 RectorSeal deals double

HVAC&R and plumbing accessories manufacturer RectorSeal has added two new product lines to its offering.

The two new products are Cover Guard lineset covers and AC Guard HVAC condenser protection cages. Both will be covered by RectorSeal’s three-year limited warranty, with no registration required.

Designed for residential and commercial HVAC installations of ductless and ducted systems, Cover Guard lineset covers provide adjustable support from two to four inches, with snap-on covers to accommodate multiple linesets and condensate drains.

“When properly installed, Cover Guard lineset and condensate covers exceed many HVAC code requirements,” says the company. “Convenient pre-installed sliding zip-tie clips provide ease of mounting. Cover Guard lineset covers are constructed of durable material that is UV-protected, paintable, and protected with a factory-provided peel-off film.”

RectorSeal says its second product addition, the AC Guard cages, are built for long-term performance. Constructed of 16-gauge steel, powder coated and adjustable, they provide a physical and visual deterrent for residential and commercial condensing units.

“AC Guard cages are attractive, easy to install, and easy to remove for condensing unit service and maintenance,” says the company. “For larger units, two cages can be placed back-to-back. Expanded metal kits are available for installation to provide additional condensing unit protection.” ■

4 Fujitsu offers Comfort

Fujitsu General Australia has launched its new wall-mounted reverse-cycle Comfort range, featuring six models from 2.5kW to 7.1kW cooling capacity.

“It is important that Australians have complete control of their indoor climate when outdoor conditions are unpredictable,” says Fujitsu General’s Head of Product ANZ, Kyle Rafter. “Everyone should feel like their home is the most comfortable place to be, and the new Comfort range can help deliver that feeling.

“This range provides an optimal performance in hotter climates, with an increased cooling operation range up to 50°C ambient temperature while remaining energy efficient and visually appealing.”

The Comfort range uses R32 refrigerant, which Fujitsu General says improves heat transfer compared to the commonly used R410A refrigerant. R32 has a 67 per cent lower global warming potential (GWP) factor while still maintaining performance.

Comfort range units display the Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL) and have a hot climate energy performance of up to five stars in a hot climate in cooling mode. They are Demand Enabled Response (DRED) compatible.

“Powerful operation mode allows the system to reach the setting temperature quickly,” says the company. “And precise temperature control enables the temperature setting to be adjusted by 0.5°C increments using the wireless remote control.” ■

5 High five for Honeywell

Honeywell has released a new smoke detector that incorporates indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring, in what the company says is a first-of-its-kind solution designed to create safer and healthier buildings. The VESDA Air combines a five-in-one IAQ sensor within a single box. According to the company, the technology actively samples air – rather than passively waiting for smoke to reach traditional spot sensors – to identify trace amounts of smoke and enable early intervention before it disrupts operations. Honeywell says its engineers integrated a sensor that measures critical IAQ parameters, including volatile organic compounds (total VOCs) listed by ASHRAE as “contaminants of concern”, fine particulate matter of 1.0 micron (PM1.0) and PM2.5 or larger, CO and CO2 concentration, temperature and humidity. The VESDA Air is designed for use in premium commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, hospitality, manufacturing and schools.

“We challenged our engineering teams to find a way to complement the capabilities of our aspirating smoke detection systems with highly sensitive IAQ monitoring,” says the firm’s Udaya Shrivastava. “The system identifies not only the minute presence of smoke, but also the presence of air quality contaminants of concern, allowing building operators to react and respond to out-of-bounds parameters quickly, before they escalate into unsafe situations.” ■

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6 Smarten your senses

Thermo Controls has announced an exclusive agreement to distribute the SmartSense temperature monitoring system. SmartSense is designed to offer a fully independent real-time monitoring system that provides critical temperature monitoring for a wide range of applications including pharmacies, labs, restaurants, clinics, hospitals, fridges, freezers, and IT server rooms. “If you have critical assets that are temperature sensitive,” says Thermo Controls, “SmartSense should be your first choice.”

The SmartSense system allows users to set up alerts for conditions such as high/low threshold for temperature and humidity, missed reports from a sensor, and power loss. It also has a wide range of daily/weekly/monthly reporting for compliance purposes, and can send SMS, email and app notifications alerts.

“The system is completely independent of any existing IT infrastructure,” says Thermo Controls. “It uses the Telstra 4G network and can be accessed wirelessly from any internet connection including the SmartSense NEXT app, which allows you to see the current status of all your equipment assets. You can also view and manage alarms generated from your assets.” Go to thermocontrols.com.au ■

DO YOU HAVE A NEW PRODUCT TO GO IN THE TOOLSHED? Email mark.vender@airah.org.au All submissions received will be considered, though publication cannot be guaranteed.