Daikin is proud to announce the launch of the new Vertical DX in its air handling unit (AHU) product portfolio, engineered to deliver high levels of comfort and outstanding energy efficiency in large indoor environments, such as warehouses, industrial buildings, exhibition halls, and sports arenas. The Daikin Vertical DX series is a floor-standing air handling unit for direct expansion air conditioning systems, designed to operate in combination with Daikin VRV or ERA systems.

This unit is in stock and available in right-hand and left-hand configurations, with a nominal cooling or heating capacity of 25 kW. Enquire now to learn more about stock availability and delivery times.

Plug-and-play air handling unit for large indoor spaces

Large indoor environments, such as sports halls, logistics warehouses, distribution centres, and multi-purpose halls, have air treatment requirements that differ significantly from those of conventional commercial buildings. Air conditioning systems for these applications must address large air volumes while ensuring adequate indoor air quality and energy efficiency under highly variable operating conditions.

A key challenge is the combination of high airflow rates and fluctuating load profiles. Occupancy can vary considerably over time, with peak demand limited to specific operating periods or events. Ventilation systems, therefore, need to modulate airflow accurately, avoiding oversizing and unnecessary energy consumption during partial-load operation.

Air distribution effectiveness is another critical aspect. Large floor areas and high ceiling heights make it difficult to ensure uniform air renewal in occupied zones. Poor air distribution can lead to thermal stratification, stagnant areas or draughts, negatively affecting comfort and overall system performance.

Installation constraints also play a major role, particularly in existing buildings. Limited technical space, the need to minimise invasive works and the requirement to maintain building operation often limit the feasibility of traditional centralised systems, especially in retrofit projects.

Within this context, the new Vertical DX air handling unit, designed for indoor installation and decentralised ventilation, offers an effective technical solution. A decentralised approach enables localised ventilation closer to occupied areas, reducing pressure losses and simplifying ductwork. Multiple small-capacity units allow precise modulation of airflow and energy use, operating only where and when required. In addition, the compact, floor-mounted design facilitates integration into existing buildings and partial retrofit projects, providing flexibility with minimal impact on ongoing operations.

Key Technical Reasons to Choose the Vertical DX Air Handling Unit

Reason #1: Smart design for installation flexibility

The Vertical DX air handling unit is designed to maximise installation flexibility while reducing on-site work and simplifying the overall system layout. In many applications, the unit can be installed without any ductwork, making installation—particularly in existing buildings—much faster, easier, and more adaptable, while also allowing the unit to be relocated if required. However, when a more uniform and efficient air distribution is needed, the unit can also be connected to ductwork using dedicated accessories.

It is available in three configurations—front grill, sides or top grille version—allowing adaptation to different air distribution strategies and space constraints. Additional flexibility is provided by the option to position connections on either the right- or left-hand side, simplifying integration into a wide range of technical layouts.

Reason #2: Integrated DX solution for high energy efficiency

The Vertical DX unit operates as part of a fully integrated Daikin system in combination with VRV and ERA solutions. A factory-installed and fully wired DX kit allows refrigerant to circulate directly within the air handling unit, eliminating the need for an intermediate water circuit. This results in improved overall system efficiency, reduced installation footprint and increased compactness, with no requirement for external components or additional piping.

Reason #3: Optimised performance across all seasons

Equipped with direct expansion coils and combined with Daikin VRV or ERA condensing units, the Vertical DX unit delivers high energy efficiency and reliable operation throughout the year. The system automatically adapts to varying thermal loads, ensuring accurate temperature control and stable comfort under a wide range of climatic and operating conditions. Its wide operating range and flexibility make it suitable for both new installations and retrofit projects.

Reason #4: Advanced control and scalable connectivity

Precise temperature control is ensured through a factory-mounted return air temperature sensor or an optional BRC1H remote controller, which can be installed locally or remotely. The unit is compatible with Daikin VRV IV (R-410A), VRV V (R-32), and dedicated AHU condensing units such as ERA (R-32). Z Control technology enables multiple Vertical DX units to be connected to a single outdoor unit, supporting scalable and flexible system configurations.

Furthermore, the unit is fully compatible with centralised control systems, allowing seamless integration into existing building management architectures.

Reason #5: Reduced carbon footprint and retrofit readiness

The Vertical DX unit supports decarbonisation strategies by enabling the replacement of fossil-fuel-based heating systems with efficient direct-expansion systems. Compatibility with low-GWP refrigerants, such as R-32, combined with high system efficiency, contributes to a lower environmental impact. Its adaptability makes it particularly suitable for system upgrades and partial retrofit applications in existing buildings.

Reason #6: Plug & play installation

Delivered fully pre-assembled and factory-wired, the Vertical DX unit enables fast, plug-and-play installation with minimal on-site work. It can operate without ductwork or be adapted for ducted applications using optional accessories. The control panel can be positioned on either side of the unit, providing additional flexibility during installation.

Daikin’s AHUs portfolio

Daikin offers a comprehensive portfolio of air handling units designed to cover a wide range of applications, from process applications such as industrial and pharmaceutical, to comfort solutions for offices, residential buildings, and hotels.

The Daikin Professional Unit is a highly flexible and customizable AHU, ideal for industrial applications. It provides a tailored solution that helps reduce the total cost of ownership and carbon footprint, making it a smart choice for energy-efficient and sustainable building projects.

Discover how Daikin contributed to the Grange University Hospital project, a landmark in modern healthcare design.

In addition, Daikin’s AHU portfolio includes the Compact range, comprising the Compact L, Compact R, Compact T, and Compact R units, each designed for specific installation needs and airflow capacities.

• Compact L: Designed for false ceiling installations, optimising space in environments with limited floor area, such as offices, shops, and commercial spaces. Available in six sizes, it features a Premium Counterflow Heat Exchanger and supports airflow from 150 m³/h to 4,000 m³/h.
• Compact R: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations, available in seven sizes. It features a heat recovery system with sensible and sorption heat wheel technology, handling airflow from 200 m³/h to 6,000 m³/h.
• Compact T: Equipped with top-mounted duct connections, allowing easy integration of ductwork in spaces with lateral constraints or where side walls are occupied by other equipment, providing maximum installation flexibility.

Learn more about Daikin's delivery of a complete HVAC solution for an office building in Germany.

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.