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The research and development that has gone into this new unit has taken a lot of factors under consideration . To name a couple , firstly , cutting down on the amount of refrigerant per system , and secondly a focus on meeting larger capacities in a smaller space .
The amount of refrigerant per system has been a talking point for quite some time as the transition has occurred between older and newer refrigerant types . Reducing the refrigerant within a VRF system moves towards compliance with the recognised ASHRAE regulations and recommendations .
The new U-model also increases the maximum capacity per circuit to 120 horsepower ( equivalent to 336 Kilowatts ) on one system . This is achieved by connecting five individual chassis - each having a capacity of 24 horsepower – creating the condenser bank . Indoor capacity range also increases with the smallest indoor unit capability being 0.3HP , 0.84kW or 2866BTU .
“ We have further simplified – down from three chassis sizes to two . So , we ' ve essentially achieved a smaller footprint size with higher capacities which has its obvious advantages . With the added benefits of a free combination option , we can now offer the specific horsepower solution that is required . The idea behind this particular benefit is because variable system combinations allow different outcomes . A higher heating capacity could be an example , or a significantly smaller footprint may be required . Today catering to exactly what a client needs is a priority as energy efficiency become more and more prevalent in the local environment ,” adds Beswent Bester , specifying engineer and head of technical at AHI Carrier Toshiba South Africa .
“ The research and development that has gone into this new unit has taken a lot of factors under consideration . ”
The SMMS-u can now accommodate capacity of 128 indoor units on one refrigerant circuit where previously this used to be 64 indoor units . The new design has also been changed to a three-sided condenser coil that has more surface area and ties into the units improved energy efficiency . The three-sided option also allows easier access to the condenser cavity and new triplerotary compressor option . These newly developed compressors offer bigger capacity , energy efficiency , low vibration / sound and durability which are mandatory to implement in advanced VRF systems such as this .
Toshiba is , in fact , one of the few suppliers in the market that has adopted twin and triple rotary compressors specific to
VRF systems and supplies this technology to other OEMs . This particular technology has also developed to the point to offer a 120cc compressor capacity , adding to the features enabling the increased unit capacity that is currently configured around R410a refrigerant .
The compressor capacity drives further advantages through longer pipe runs ( 1 200 metres ) as well as vertical height differentials between indoor and outdoor units at 110 metres , while the intelligent VRF control methodology applied distributes the load requirement between the condenser units linked in the bank – thus prolonging the equipment performance lifespan .
Toshiba also notes a 10-year spare parts manufacturing policy after any product is discontinued , with a central warehouse in England stocking parts after a discontinued generation . This offers clients additional comfort that after sales service and maintenance requirements can still be met on their equipment over this period .
“ Remote connectivity and controls have also become important for many clients and through our connectivity tools we can accurately pinpoint any linked indoor or outdoor unit that may be giving a problem , look at the refrigerant flow , the temperatures , system conditions and so on , to assist a technician with troubleshooting and suggestions through the simple use of their smartphone . The coronavirus has unfortunately disrupted a lot of the ways we would traditionally have brought this product to market through in-person events and engagement , but we have a lot more information to share and so we invite all interested parties to get in touch to discuss all of the technical details of the SMMS-u VRF unit with us ,” concludes Smal . RACA
The Toshiba VRF SMMS-u cut sideview .
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I July 2021 5