FOLLOWING its initial launch into the UK air conditioning market in 2006, Vaillant is looking to increase its market penetration with the introduction of VRF units to enhance the existing climaVAIR range.
Darren Finley, head of Vaillant’s applied systems division, explains: “2006 was very much about raising awareness of Vaillant’s entry into the air conditioning market. The initial range was well received by our customers, who were impressed with the quality of the product and very welcoming of Vaillant’s innovative commitment to after-sales warranty and pre-sales technical support. We are now looking to build on this success with this launch of additional products.”
VRF systems
Called the DVC (Digital Variable Control) system, there will initially be two sizes of VRF condensing unit (15kW and 30kW), which can be combined with up to 8 and 16 indoor units respectively. Indoor units will be wall-mount, cassette and ducted types, which can be mixed and matched as required.
A single controller will be capable of operating up to 64 indoor units, as well as multiple outdoor units.
Initially, the units will be two-pipe only, but three-pipe and modular configurations are currently being developed and will be introduced in the near future.
The DVC range will incorporate Copeland’s digital scroll compressor technology. This solution to variable capacity utilises mechanical offloading of the compressor, which is achieved by separating the fixed and orbiting scrolls. A single offloading solenoid control valve, operated by a simple single printed circuit board (PCB), helps facilitate this by converting the cooling demand into an operational time signal.
The advantage of this solution is that linear capacity control from 10% to 100% is achieved without the need for the refrigerant bypass circuits utilised by many inverter systems. There is also no possibility of the frequency harmonics that can restrict some inverter systems’ applications, says Vaillant.
In addition, the digital scroll compressor has a single PCB, which provides a 220V timed output to the offload solenoid. This, in turn, makes it easier for service engineers to diagnose problems.
Finley continues: “The DVC is a very exciting addition to Vaillant’s air conditioning range, symbolising a new generation in multi-indoor VRF systems for the commercial and retail air conditioning market.
“Advanced compressor capacity technology, combined with flexible design, easy installation and simple control, enables the DVC to meet more of today’s air conditioning requirements.”
Warranty
As with all Vaillant air conditioning systems, Vaillant’s comprehensive warranty is standard on the DVC range.
With this package, should the system fail for a non-installation related reason during the warranty period, Vaillant will send a service engineer to make repairs on behalf of the contractor.
Training
Vaillant’s training centres in Elland, Slough and Birmingham have now been equipped with systems to allow not only specific product training courses, but also CITB-approved safe handling of refrigerant training. The centres in Rochester and Bristol will be updated later this year.
Vaillant
01634 292300