Hitachi’s Samurai M solves logistical challenges … and it is good for the planet

In Q4 2019, the World Green Building Council reported that building and construction were responsible for 39% of all global carbon emissions, with operational emissions from energy used to heat, cool and light buildings accounting for a total of 28%. The UKGBC found that 69% of operational emissions from the built environment were used in heating buildings which accounts for 10% of the total UK carbon emissions. With this as the backdrop, it is clear that the HVAC industry has a big part to play in driving down operational carbon emissions. Hitachi has been designing highly energyefficient equipment for years, making units compact for economy of transport and modular for ease of installation. The ultracompact R410A Samurai M chiller is no exception with a SEER of 4.5 (24HP), SCOP of 3.54 (50HP) and optional low noise level of 6 dB(A) average.

“All included” design as standard Perfect for the replacement market, Samurai M has a 2.7m2 footprint for 130kW of heating and, being “modular by design”, it is adaptable to the demands of the space. All models come fully loaded with a range of components as standard:

• Low leaving water temp kit;

• Master/slave mode;

• MODBUS/BACnet interfaces;

• Anti-corrosion protection of fins, flow and water filter;

• Onboard touch control operates up to 16 units in a cascade system.

Samurai M chillers feature two to four independent refrigerant circuits from 44kW to 254kW cooling. The automatic distribution of operation hours for the compressors increases component durability and the modular design ensures continuous operation in the event of a single unit failing. It also limits site redundancy investment. But the key to equipment energy efficiency lies not just in the equipment itself, but in how it is set up, controlled and maintained. Controls are key With commissioning and set-up, it is important that building owners, operators or occupiers are involved in the control scheduling decisions. This ensures that equipment operations are tied to the business needs and the building’s requirement for heating, cooling and hot water delivery, and accounts for seasonal variations.

Often overlooked, controls are the key component that ensure a system’s efficiency, provide a comfortable room environment and prevent wasted energy.

Lower operating costs

For medium and large installations, a centralised control system like Hitachi’s CS-NET Manager can connect all heating, cooling and ventilation systems onto one touchscreen controller, enabling both onsite or remote control, monitoring and scheduling, and allowing changes to be made to ensure the optimal efficiency of the system.

Enabling this technology and commissioning it in the right way will lead to a better deployment of engineers, lower operating costs, a reduction in the operating carbon and reduced equipment downtime.

As demand for cooling and heating continues to grow, manufacturers will continue to invest in R&D to cut carbon emissions. However, everyone can do their bit now by ensuring that systems are correctly set up and that controllers are maximising energy and labour efficiencies.

Contact: Paul McGettigan, Area Sales Manager Ireland, Hitachi Air Conditioning Europe. T: 086 107 7274; E: paul.mcgettigan@jci-hitachi.com