Daikin is expanding its Air Handling Units portfolio with the introduction of the new Compact R range, an addition to the existing Compact lineup. This new series integrates heat recovery through a heat wheel, enabling more efficient energy recovery — including latent heat — while maintaining a compact design that delivers superior performance without increasing the unit’s footprint. The Compact R range also features side connections and other key enhancements, further expanding Daikin’s AHU offerings. Specifically designed for commercial applications, it provides high energy efficiency in a space-saving footprint, ensuring optimal performance, comfort, and efficient use of space.

Developed with energy efficiency, flexibility, and ease of installation at its core, Compact R provides a complete solution for modern ventilation needs, seamlessly combining smart design, robust engineering, and certified performance.

Overview of Compact R

The Compact R range is available in seven sizes, covering an airflow range from 500 to 6,000 m³/h, making it highly versatile and suitable for a wide variety of commercial applications, as shops, schools, and offices. Designed with versatility and adaptability in mind, the unit is offered in both right- and left-hand configurations, and features side duct connections that simplify integration into diverse plant layouts.

Thanks to its compact dimensions and flexible design, Compact R can be installed indoors or outdoors, providing seamless adaptation to any environment without compromising performance. Its design not only optimises the use of space but also supports efficient airflow management, making it a practical, reliable solution for modern HVAC applications and an ideal choice for improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

The 8 good reasons to choose Compact R

Reason #1: Designed to fit any application

To address requirements of different projects, the Compact R is complemented by a comprehensive range of accessories. These include electric heaters and heating water coils for both pre- and post-heating air treatment, additional filtration stages to enhance indoor air quality, and sound attenuators to minimise noise emissions. This extensive configurability allows the Compact R to be tailored to any application, ensuring optimal performance in a wide variety of settings, from commercial offices and educational institutions to retail spaces, restaurants, and other demanding environments. By combining flexibility, high performance, and comfort, the unit provides a comprehensive, adaptable HVAC solution that meets the unique needs of each project.

Discover Daikin’s expertise in commercial applications, such as a renowned business center where ensuring customer comfort, high indoor air quality, and optimal room temperature was a top priority

Reason #2: Fully integrated solution for maximum efficiency

The Compact R is fully compatible with the Daikin AHU-DX kit, offering a fully integrated system that combines the AHU and condensing unit under a single control box, minimising communication wiring and ensuring optimal system performance thanks to Daikin’s expertise. The main treatment coil, available in water or DX configuration, is fully integrated within the main module, requiring no additional space. This compact design provides a small footprint while maintaining high-performance operation, making the unit ideal for projects that demand both flexibility and energy efficiency.

Explore all the benefits of integrating DX systems with condensing units.

Beyond efficiency, the AHU-DX kit actively supports decarbonisation, enabling seamless management of both cooling and heating modes without relying on gas boilers. It is compatible with R-410A and R-32 refrigerants, creating new opportunities for sustainable space heating in residential and commercial buildings. System design and configuration are further simplified through Astra Web, Daikin’s AHU selection software, which incorporates DX kit selection rules for a fast and accurate setup. Additionally, the Compact R integrates seamlessly with Daikin VRV R-32 systems, leveraging VRV technology to deliver highly efficient cooling and heating with precise control.

To ensure reliability and compliance, the unit is equipped with built-in safety mechanisms specifically designed for R-32 applications, guaranteeing safe operation across all projects. Its seamless integration with Daikin DX, VRV, and ERA systems makes the Compact R a versatile, compact, and energy-efficient solution for modern HVAC applications.

Reason #3: Cut energy consumption with Heat Recovery

The Compact R features a rotary heat recovery wheel, available in both condensation and sorption versions, which allows the unit to perform heat recovery and provides exceptional flexibility to meet diverse ventilation requirements.

This advanced technology enables the unit to efficiently transfer heat from the exhaust air to the incoming fresh air, recovering both sensible heat (temperature) and latent heat (humidity) as needed. As a result, the system significantly reduces energy consumption while ensuring stable and comfortable indoor conditions throughout the year.

Reason #4: Reducing maintenance costs while enabling more efficient operation

This unit features a robust air filtration system, with an ePM1 50% (F7) soft pockets filter on the supply side and an ePM10 75% (M5) filter on the return. This setup ensures clean, high-quality air for occupants, while also protecting internal components and downstream systems from dust and particulate accumulation. Together, these features make Compact R a highly efficient, reliable, and low-maintenance solution for modern commercial HVAC applications.

Click here to discover Daikin series aspects to consider when it comes to HVAC systems for hospitals.

Reason #5: Reliable and cost-effective solution

The Compact R is equipped with a high-efficiency EC fan, providing optimal performance with minimal energy consumption, making it a reliable and cost-effective solution for modern ventilation needs. Thanks to the EC fan technology, the unit offers precise airflow control, allowing system designers to tailor performance to the specific requirements of each space. Additionally, the fan operates at lower noise levels compared to traditional fans, thereby enhancing indoor comfort. Its advanced control compatibility ensures seamless integration with modern building management systems, enabling smart, responsive, and energy-efficient operation throughout the year.

Reason #6: Eurovent-certified reliability

Performance goes hand in hand with trust and reliability. That’s why the Compact R is fully Eurovent Certified, meaning that all technical specifications are independently verified and fully transparent. This certification provides designers, integrators, and end-users with confidence that the unit will deliver the performance promised, reducing risk and ensuring predictable, high-quality results. In today’s performance-driven and efficiency-focused market, Eurovent Certification is a crucial marker of credibility, providing stakeholders with the assurance they need when specifying or investing in HVAC solutions.

Reason #7: Fast delivery for an easy & flexible installation

The Compact R follows a Make-to-Stock (MTS) production approach, where standard configurations are manufactured in advance based on demand forecasts. This ensures fast availability and significantly reduced lead times, allowing customers to receive ready-to-ship units without delay. Larger sizes, from 5 to 7, are split into two separate modules, making handling and installation easier, even in challenging spaces. Thanks to this modular design, the Compact R is particularly suitable for indoor installations in existing buildings, where accessibility can be a major challenge. While the unit is configured for indoor use by default, an optional outdoor kit provides full installation flexibility, allowing the Compact R to adapt seamlessly to a wide range of project requirements without compromising reliability or performance. Furthermore, the unit is delivered as a plug-and-play solution, pre-configured for rapid installation and commissioning, which significantly reduces both time and complexity on-site. By combining predictable supply and modular design, Compact R is an ideal solution for scalable and efficient HVAC installations that require consistent performance and rapid installation.

Reason#8: Optimized Indoor Air Quality with performance monitoring

The Compact R is a decentralized ventilation unit, using independent systems for each room or zone, offering greater flexibility, rapid installation, and the ability to customize climate control for every space. The unit can be integrated with the Daikin IEQ sensor, enabling effective monitoring and management of indoor air quality (IAQ) while optimizing energy efficiency.

Discover the benefits of effective ventilation for healthier indoor environments.

When combined with Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV), the Compact R automatically adjusts fan speed and fresh air filtration levels based on actual IAQ conditions. This approach minimizes energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary air renewal and ensures optimal airflow management, tailored to the specific requirements of each area within the building.

Find out more about Daikin IEQ Sensor and demand-controlled ventilation

In addition, the Compact R is fully compatible with Daikin on Site (DOS), a web-based 24/7 remote monitoring platform that collects and analyzes complex operational data from the unit. DoS provides remote diagnostic support from Daikin experts, enhances system reliability while reducing downtime, optimizes energy efficiency, lowers operational costs throughout the system’s lifecycle, and offers immediate access to detailed operational insights.

Click here to discover the importance of Facility Management in office buildings.

Another key aspect of the Compact R is its Pro open control platform, developed entirely in-house by Daikin. This open architecture ensures full interoperability with modern Building Management Systems (BMS), enabling integrators and technicians to customise operational settings, monitor performance in real time, and implement optimised control strategies to maximise both energy efficiency and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions on Daikin Air Handling Units

Where are Daikin AHUs manufactured?

Daikin is a leader in the air handling market. The company operates five AHU factories in the EMEA region, producing over 7,000 units in 2023. These factories are in Caleppio di Settala (Italy), Cramlington (Northumberland, UK), Istanbul (Turkey), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and Dubai (UAE). Thanks to this distributed production network, we can ensure optimal delivery times and cost efficiency.

Learn more about Daikin AHU solutions.

What types of air conditioning systems can Daikin's AHUs cover?

Daikin's AHUs can work in both direct expansion (DX) and hydronic systems. DX systems are ideal for applications that require precise control of temperature and humidity, while hydronic systems are particularly suitable for large buildings and structures that require uniform distribution of heating or cooling. Thanks to this flexibility, Daikin AHUs can ensure optimal comfort and superior energy efficiency in any context.

How to purchase a Daikin AHU?

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How to get support for Daikin AHUs?

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How can I find spare parts for Daikin AHUs?

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What level of customization is available for Daikin AHUs for industrial applications?

With over 1000 possible combinations, the Daikin Professional unit can meet all customer requirements. The plug-and-play control system provides exceptional operational flexibility. The factory-fitted electrical control panel, equipped with Direct Digital Control (DDC), features built-in sensors for temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These sensors manage mixing dampers, heat recovery wheels, water valves, pressure switches for filters and fans, fan motors, and inverters. The control system can handle chilled water coils, hot water coils, and DX cooling and/or heating coils (in conjunction with ERAD-E, ERQ, or VRV) for single or multiple refrigerant circuits, supporting up to four circuits per DX coil.

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How can I find information on Daikin AHU case studies in industrial applications?

Link to the case studies section or contact us.