SANYO Air Conditioners will use Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (Milan, 23-27 March) as the European launch-pad for several important new air conditioning products.

Star of the show, the company’s new ECOi Series 6 VRF, represents a significant step forward in both efficiency and performance, and becomes the new “best in class” among VRF systems.

The new two-way system has been designed in accordance with SANYO’s three new product development priorities – high efficiency, marketability and reduced size and weight. Accordingly, the COP and EER of both standard and high performance versions of the Series 6 set new standards in both sectors.

The range now extends up to 20hp (56kW) in a single unit and connectable in a 3:1 combination system of up to 60hp (168kW). Combined with a maximum of 64 connectable indoor units, this is now a double class leader.

The maximum length for refrigerant pipework has been increased, from 300m to 1000m, extending the application and enabling its use in even larger buildings.

Units have been significantly redesigned, enabling some capacity outdoor units to be transported to building rooftops in lifts rather than requiring expensive cranes or external lifting platforms.

Further improving efficiency, the external optimal static pressure for fans has been significantly increased, therefore allowing ductwork to be connected for internal plant room installations.

Mostra Convegno will also see the official launch of SANYO’s R22 Renewal system, which uses existing refrigerant pipework - and in many cases existing wiring/controls, to speed up installation and cut replacement of obsolete R22 system costs by around 30 - 40 per cent.

It can be used with both existing SANYO systems and virtually all makes of R22 system. SANYO is launching R22 Renewal across Europe to coincide with the implementation at the beginning of this year of the EU-wide ban on the use of virgin R22 for topping up plant.

In addition to the upfront savings, Renewal systems continue to deliver significant on-going savings in running costs for end users as a result of the increased energy efficiency of R410A equipment. This has COPs of up to 4.0 compared with 2.5 and below for older R22 systems.

Installers carry out simple pre-installation checks to establish systems are suitable for conversion, with SANYO distributors or the manufacturer signing off VRF conversions. With several installations now complete and running, they expect a large uptake in 2010.

In the splits sector, SANYO is introducing new versions of its wall-mounted SAP-K units, including a basic on/off system (not for UK market) and an inverter-controlled model. Both Class A, there is a choice of two models in the standard range and four models in the high efficiency inverter range.

The company is also launching a new Floor Mounted Unit (FDRV) for splits and multi splits, featuring an ultra-quiet mode and a DC inverter for precise matching of output to load. The unit delivers exceptional comfort for building occupants with air discharge at low and high levels along with very low energy consumption.

Other features include cooling and heating down to -15 deg C, automatic air-sweep for effective distribution, and high-power “turbo-start” for fast cooling and heating.

A new higher capacity water heat exchanger for SANYO’s GHP unit and an extension to the air handling equipment range complement this year’s offerings.

Bob Cowlard, SANYO’s sales and marketing general manager, said: “Mostra marks the beginning of an exciting wave of new product launches for SANYO planned for 2010. It will significantly widen and deepen our offering across the range, and put us back at the forefront of technology.

“The arrival of the new Series 6 VRF will create a stir in the market. It redefines performance standards across the industry and will re-establish SANYO as the class leader in this key sector for the future.”

He added: “R22 Renewal is great news for both contractors and end users. People are aware that there remains a huge amount of R22-based equipment out there. With the ban on use of virgin R22 for service top-up coming into force at the beginning of 2010, everyone with R22 systems will sooner or later have to grasp the nettle.

“R22 Renewal enables R22 plant to be quickly replaced with modern, high efficiency air conditioning, saving around a third or more on replacement costs and delivering significant ongoing savings in energy costs. It is a win-win for all concerned, including the environment.

“The new additions to our splits ranges refresh the offering in this sector, and provide installers and end users with well designed, high efficiency units that are simple to install and maintain.

“We invite visitors to come along to our stand at the show, talk to us and see the products for themselves. They can be sure of a warm welcome!”

Email: nikita.patel@sanyo.com