As the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD IV) enters its implementation phase, the HVAC industry faces a decisive shift in how system efficiency, monitoring, and automation are defined and maintained. In this evolving context, Daikin presented its Smart Control System (SCS) at European Heat Pump Summit. SCS is a key enabler for building owners and facility managers seeking to comply with the new regulatory requirements while achieving verifiable, sustained energy efficiency.
Learn more and get the Daikin Smart Control System presentation and discover how to enhance HVAC efficiency and performance.
The new framework of EPBD IV
EPBD IV aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of the European building stock, introducing mandatory measures for the digitalisation and active management of technical building systems (TBS). The Directive establishes clear criteria for the implementation of Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS), particularly in non-residential buildings.
According to the updated provisions, BACS become compulsory for:
- New or significantly renovated buildings equipped with HVAC systems above 290 kW of total rated output, and
- Existing buildings undergoing major upgrades, where energy performance can be improved through control, automation, and continuous monitoring.
The Directive also reinforces the need for data-driven management, requiring that energy consumption and system performance be tracked, stored, and periodically assessed. For designers and operators, this represents a major step forward — from static compliance to dynamic verification, where the building’s operational behaviour becomes the true benchmark of efficiency.
Smart control as a strategic response
Daikin’s Smart Control System (SCS) directly addresses these new expectations by providing a turnkey, fully integrated solution designed to monitor and optimise the performance of entire HVAC plants. Unlike conventional building management systems that require extensive configuration and third-party integration, SCS is specifically engineered around Daikin equipment and logic, ensuring plug-and-play interoperability across chillers, heat pumps, air handling units, fan coils and auxiliary components. The system’s native connectivity and standardised structure enable a consistent and scalable approach to automation — one that fits both new-build applications and revamping projects.
Through a simplified commissioning process, SCS delivers:
- Centralised control of plant equipment with unified communication protocols
- Real-time data acquisition and visualisation through an intuitive interface
- Automated alerts and trend analysis for predictive maintenance and fault detection
- Energy performance tracking to demonstrate ongoing compliance with EPBD-driven requirements.
A key strength of the Daikin Smart Control System lies in its ease of adoption. The system is delivered as a ready-to-use package, configured and validated by Daikin engineers. By providing standardised data structures, pre-tested communication modules, and integrated dashboards, SCS drastically reduces both installation time and commissioning uncertainty. It also ensures that energy reporting and performance documentation align with the monitoring and verification obligations of EPBD IV.
For engineering consultancies and facility managers, this means a measurable and verifiable method to document energy performance over time — a crucial factor as Member States translate EPBD IV into national regulations.
Moreover, the SCS platform supports seamless integration with Eurovent-certified Daikin equipment, adding an additional layer of reliability. While certification continues to serve as an important baseline for component performance, SCS ensures that such performance is sustained in real operating conditions — closing the loop between design, verification, and operation.
Smart Control System configurations and product coverage
Smart Control System is offered in three main configurations, allowing for scalability in hardware, license and price. Each version can manage up to 4 chillers or heat pumps with a total cooling capacity of up to 500 kW and additional equipment as follows:
- Light (up 500 datapoints): up to 20 fan coil’s zones or 10 Air Handling Units (AHUs)
- Medium (up 1250 datapoints): up to 70 fan coil’s zones, or 10 AHUs + 50 fan coils’ zones
- Full (up 2500 datapoints): up to 120 fan coil’s zones, or 10 AHUs + 100 fan coils’ zones
A fan coil zone can consist of up to 30 fan coils, managed via a dedicated controller, also developed and supplied by Daikin.
SCS is available to manage plants composed of the equipment as follows, offering flexibility to cover many different applications and installations.
- Chillers & heat pumps: EWAT-CZ air-cooled chillers and EWYT-CZ air-to-water heat pumps, with Daikin inverter scroll compressor and using R-32 refrigerant, available from 16 to 90 kW;
- Air handling units for decentralized ventilation systems: Compact T available in 5 sizes and covering from 200 to 4200 m3/h air flow rate; Compact L, ideal for floor ceiling applications, available in 6 sizes from 150 to 4000 m3/h air flow rate;
- Fan coil units of Cassette, Ducted, Floor-standing and Flexi types
FAQ -Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Daikin Smart Control System simplify system design compared to a traditional BMS?
The Daikin Smart Control System (SCS) is a fully pre-configured platform for managing water-air HVAC systems, eliminating the need for external integrations. It uses standard Modbus/RS-485 architecture and automatic configuration through dedicated system selection software, significantly reducing design, setup, and commissioning time.
How does SCS help meet EPBD requirements for continuous control and monitoring?
SCS is designed in full compliance with the EPBD BACS requirements, offering integrated automation, real-time monitoring, and dynamic management of setpoints and sequences to ensure regulatory conformity and energy efficiency.
What are the criteria for choosing between the Light, Medium, and Full configurations?
Selection depends on the number of datapoints and connected devices — approximately 500 / 1,250 / 2,500 points, respectively. SCS manages up to four main units and approximately 120 fan coil units, with guided configuration through Daikin's setup software.
Can SCS be used in retrofit or revamping projects?
Yes. The system is suitable for both new HVAC installations and existing systems undergoing unit replacement or modernization, making it ideal for retrofit applications.
How does Daikin ensure SCS compliance with EPBD standards?
The SCS design fully meets the EPBD-mandated BACS functions, including automation, monitoring, and data logging, ensuring EPBD compliance and supporting sustainable building operations.
Does SCS contribute to the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) score?
Yes. Its automation, adaptability, and monitoring capabilities support a higher SRI score and promote building digitalization and smart energy management.
Is EPBD energy reporting available in SCS?
Yes. The system continuously records key energy parameters, enabling the automated generation of reports for energy audits and compliance verification.
What are the typical applications of the Daikin Smart Control System?
SCS is ideal for complex hydronic systems combining chillers, AHUs, and FCUs. Common applications include hotels, hospitals, universities, airports, retail centers, and commercial buildings.
How complex is the commissioning process, and how long does the startup take?
Commissioning is fast and simple thanks to automatic configuration via the selection software. The system offers plug-and-play installation with minimal calibration required during startup.
Can the SCS system simultaneously manage the production of hot or chilled water and the air handling units?
Yes. The Daikin Smart Control System (SCS) provides native coordination of hydronic circuits and air handling units through synergistic control sequences and shared sensors, ensuring fully integrated, energy-efficient, and intelligent HVAC management.
How does SCS support the Zero Emission Building (ZEB) 2050 goals?
SCS enhances system efficiency and enables smart control strategies for heat pumps and other HVAC components, aligning with the EU ZEB 2050 trajectory.
Is the Daikin Smart Control System already available on the market?
Yes. SCS is available for Daikin systems and can be implemented in both new installations and retrofit projects.
What makes SCS different from a generic Building Management System (BMS)?
Unlike generic BMS solutions, SCS is a dedicated Daikin vertical solution that integrates chiller, AHU, and FCU logic natively, eliminating the need for external BMS integration and simplifying design, commissioning, and operation.
Where are Daikin heat pumps manufactured?
Daikin heat pumps are manufactured in Italy, at the headquarters and heart of Daikin Applied Europe, located in Ariccia (Rome). This factory is dedicated to producing high-quality HVAC equipment, including two main types of heat pumps: air-source and water-source.
Visit the Daikin Chillers Product Page to explore our full range of high-efficiency cooling solutions.
Visit the Daikin Heat Pumps Product Page to explore our full range of high-efficiency heating and cooling solutions.
How to purchase a Daikin heat pump or a chiller?
Send us a contact request and get more support for your needs
How to purchase a Daikin chiller?
Submit a contact request to receive personalized support and expert advice for your HVAC needs.
How to get support for Daikin heat pumps?
Reach out to Daikin for personalized assistance, technical support, and solutions tailored to your heating and cooling projects.
How to get support for Daikin chillers?
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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.
Visit the Daikin Air Handling Units (AHUs) Product Page to explore our full range of high-performance HVAC 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?
Get in touch with Daikin by sending a contact request and receive tailored assistance, technical advice, and solutions for your heating and cooling projects.
How to get support for Daikin AHUs?
Contact Daikin to receive full support and expert guidance for all your HVAC needs.