Japanese manufacturer Daikin has launched a new propane (R290) air-to-water monobloc heat pump/chiller, EWA/YK-CZ, suitable for commercial and light-industrial applications with capacities from 20 to 85kW (5.7 to 24.2TR).
The new monoblocs join the company’s 135kW (38.4TR) capacity EWYK-QZ modular unit to complete its R290 portfolio, according to Daikin. The EWYK-QZ unit, launched in 2025, offers configuration capacities up to 2MW (569TR). The R290 platform integrates both units as a coherent, scalable HVAC solution.
“The availability of a complete natural refrigerant range enables designers to address decarbonization projects through a single technological architecture, maintaining system consistency across different capacity classes and building types,” Daikin said.
New offering: The smaller EWA/YK-CZ monobloc operates with inverter-driven scroll compressors and modulating fans, enabling part-load adjustments.
- The heat pump version delivers outlet water temperatures up to 75°C (167°F) with vapor injection technology.
- In ambient temperatures from −20 to 46°C (−4 to 115°F), the chiller version produces chilled water down to −15°C (5°F) with glycol.
Flexible operation: Featuring plug-and-play installation, the larger EWYK-QZ unit uses inverter-driven scroll compressors and EC brushless fans to adjust heating and cooling capacity according to system demand.
- In heat pump mode, the unit delivers hot water temperatures up to 75°C. In chiller mode, it delivers evaporator outlet temperatures between −15 and 27°C (5 and 81°F) in ambient temperatures from −20 to 46°C.
- Combining up to four units into a single array provides up to 500kW (142.2TR) of capacity, while connecting up to four arrays in a group configuration delivers up to 2MW.
- “The system’s architecture isolates individual models for maintenance or anomalies, which allows the remaining capacity to continue operating,” Daikin said.
Other news: In January U.S.-based manufacturer Copeland announced that it was expanding its joint venture with Daikin to introduce inverter swing rotary compressors with matching power and electronic controls to the European residential heat pump market.
- “The compressors will initially be designed for propane with the possibility to expand to other refrigerants in the future,” Copeland told NaturalRefrigerants.com.
- With operations to start in 2026, two companies aim to “accelerate time to market” for European–focused residential heat pump OEMs.
Quotable: “The EWYK-CZ and EWYK-QZ ranges are built on a platform optimized for maximum safety, while maintaining high seasonal efficiency levels and ensuring smooth integration into both new and existing plant layouts,” Daikin said.
“The availability of a complete natural refrigerant range enables designers to address decarbonization projects through a single technological architecture.”
Daikin
