Energy efficient, updated product ranges for Fujitsu

Reflecting the brand’s ongoing commitment to lowering the global warming potential (GWP) of its products, improved energy efficiency and design improvements have been introduced in Fujitsu General’s expanded R32 heat pump and air conditioner ranges

Refrigerants play a vital role in the operation of air conditioners, and recent developments in refrigerant technology have focused on lowering its GWP.

“R32 refrigerant offers a 67 per cent lower ‘global warming potential factor’ compared to the commonly used R410A refrigerant,” says Kyle Rafter, Fujitsu General head of product ANZ. This means R32 offers equivalent air conditioner performance with reduced environmental impact – seeing Fujitsu embrace this in its wide range of R32 products, including wall-mounted, floor console, ceiling console, ceiling cassette and ducted options.

Fujitsu General has launched two updated heat pump/ air conditioner ranges and a new wired controller that reflects the brand’s commitment to innovative design and energy-efficient climate control. These include the new R32 Ceiling Console range, the R32 Circular Flow Cassette range, and the Kagami wired controller.

The updated Ceiling Console range, designed with an elegant, gently curved aesthetic, suits any room setting. It features nine outdoor models, ranging from 6.0kW to 15.5kW in heating capacity (six single-phase models from 6.0kW to 15.5kW and three units in three-phase from 11.2kW to 15.5kW heating capacity).

Suitable for New Zealand’s climate, both ranges can operate from -15ºC in heating mode and up to 50ºC in cooling mode. The new models have a range of energy-saving features such as ‘economy mode’, which allows the unit to adjust the temperature by 1ºC to allow for a reduction in power. Both ranges have a set of timer functions to enable the user to set when they wish their units to be turned on and off.

The R32 Circular Flow Cassette range has an optional ‘human sensor’ feature. This intelligent feature detects the movement of people to deliver optimum efficiency and temperature control. When in operation, if the sensor detects no movement in a room after 20 minutes, the unit will automatically switch to energy-saving operation, modifying the temperature to minimise energy consumption. When movement is detected within the room, the unit reverts to its previous setting.

“Both ranges offer an improved heating capacity in low outdoor temperatures,” says Kyle.

As well as the brand’s updated heat pump and air conditioner ranges, Fujitsu’s latest innovation to climate control is the award-winning Kagami wired controller. The mirrored design of the Kagami controller blends seamlessly into any space, with its sleek design awarded the 2022 Good Design Award. It was also a finalist for the 2023 IDEA Award.

“Kagami has an intuitive touch screen that can be operated by swiping vertically and horizontally to give you complete control of your comfort. The controller’s operation mode is displayed via LED light colours and can be switched off overnight to avoid glare,” says Kyle. “The controller will display specific sensor values on a select range of outdoor and indoor units for maintenance and service support.”

These product innovations demonstrate Fujitsu’s dedication to actively pursuing activities to conserve energy and natural resources, including the practice of reducing, reusing and recycling.

“As a waste reduction measure, the new R32 Ceiling Console and R32 Circular Flow Cassette range no longer come with an included controller as these are often ordered as part of a commercial project and many controllers were not being utilised. Instead, customers can now select whether they want a wired or wireless controller or the unit by itself, ultimately reducing waste.”