Water-based HVAC solutions are seen as the best way to address the challenges around the changing refrigerant landscape. Mitsubishi Electric is leading the movement with R32 Hybrid – revolutionising the way we heat and cool commercial buildings.
What is R32 Hybrid?
Simply put, R32 Hybrid replaces refrigerant with water between the Hybrid Branch Controller and the indoor units, making it the lowest carbon footprint VRF/VRV architecture-type solution available today.
Key Features
- The rapid and continuing price rises of R410A refrigerant is placing a strain on the viability of traditional VRF / VRV systems. R32 Hybrid ensures that both customers and installers have an alternative.
- Using R32 refrigerant, Hybrid provides air conditioning to a building with significantly lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than existing solutions. Changing from R410A to R32 Refrigerant realizes a massive 66% reduction in Global Warming Potential for the same charge. Additionally, Hybrid has much less total refrigerant charge – so gives an overall carbon footprint reduction in the gas charge of around 85%.
- R32 Hybrid minimises the need for expensive safety measures such as leak detection that needs costly and ongoing servicing and is specifically designed for occupied spaces where quiet, energy-efficient, simultaneous heating and cooling are valued.
- Delivers better comfort, as air supply temperatures are milder and more stable.
- R32 Hybrid delivers easy buildability and controllability. External pumps, valves, actuators, and controls are not required.
- Because it uses water, some R32 Hybrid components could be reused at the end of life. So future upgrade and replacement costs could be substantially reduced and the whole of life carbon footprints further reduced.
Regulated Phase Down of CO2 Emissions
GWP is a measure of the warming potential as compared to CO2 which has a unitary GWP of 1. R32 refrigerant is zero ozone depleting and has a GWP 66% less than R410A. For example, R410A will hold 2,088 times more heat when released in the upper atmosphere than the equivalent amount of CO2 would.
R32 refrigerant is being adopted by Mitsubishi Electric as an important step in the process towards the ultimate goal of a zero ODP, zero GWP, efficient, safe and non-toxic refrigerant.
The Benefits for Consultants
- R32 Hybrid is the lowest Global Warming Potential VRF type system on the market today, globally.
- R32 Hybrid has the same easy buildability that attracted the HVAC market to VRF type solutions in the first place.
- Being a hydronic-based system, with water to the indoor units, compliance issues are significantly reduced compared to direct expansion systems like VRV/VRF.
- R32 Hybrid shares many performance benefits of a chiller / fan coil system such as milder air temperatures, more sensible cooling, easier system changes for fit-outs, and better end-of-life options.
- Provides peace of mind as a result of using a modern, future-proofed solution with good safety and proven performance.
The Benefits for Building Owners
- R32 Hybrid offers future-proofing and helps mitigate the risk of stranded assets.
- It protects your investment by preventing obsolescence and potential higher costs in the long run.
- In terms of safety, the absence of refrigerant in occupied spaces reduces liability for building owners.
- It is a cost-effective solution, providing modern and safe commercial-grade air conditioning at a lower cost compared to a full hydronic system.
- R32 Hybrid meets environmental standards, allowing you to showcase your commitment to sustainability to prospective clients, investors, and tenants.
- Creating a better environment in a building increases the likelihood of attracting blue-chip tenants.
The Benefits for Contractors
- R32 Hybrid combats the phasing down of high GWP R410A Refrigerant. The rapid and continuing price rises of R410A refrigerant is placing a strain on the viability of traditional VRF systems.
- Thanks to the low-pressure system, the water side can be connected using simple crimp/push fittings, making for an overall quicker and easier installation.
- Hybrid controls are pre-packaged and onboard – so BMS is not necessary. Therefore, controls integration issues can be avoided.
- R32 Hybrid ensures that both customers and installers not only have an alternative but also get the added benefits of lower refrigerant costs, efficient performance, safety for occupants, and advanced controls.
Peace of Mind with a 3 Year Parts and Labour Warranty
Mitsubishi Electric R32 Hybrid products sold in New Zealand by Black Diamond Technologies Limited are provided with a 3-year parts and labour warranty as standard.