From Customer Requirements to Daikin Solutions

The project originated from an analysis of the customer’s specific requirements, which called for a solution capable of reducing overall energy consumption, improving air quality and control, and overcoming the limitations of the previously installed systems. In particular, there was a need to ensure more efficient climate control management, which could not be achieved with the radiant floor system alone, while also enabling more flexible zoning control and extending air treatment to areas that had previously been inadequately served. Another objective was to increase treated air capacity, especially in rooms where only two split units had been installed. To meet these requirements, two separate systems were designed and implemented, optimising efficiency, comfort, and operational flexibility.
The first system was installed in the conference hall, which can accommodate approximately 400 people. In this space, a system consisting of an EWYT-B heat pump using R-32 refrigerant was paired with an air handling unit from the Professional range. The entire system delivers a total capacity of 115 kW and a maximum airflow rate of 144,000 m³/h. To comply with the requirements of the Italian Superbonus scheme, the AHU was configured with an enthalpy heat recovery system and a capacity of 117 kW. The existing internal ductwork infrastructure was retained, reducing the need for invasive works and optimising installation costs.
The second system was dedicated to the dining hall, a large area spread across three levels. In this case, the previous system was completely replaced with two EWYT-CZ R-32 small chillers providing a total capacity of 128 kW. Previously, the space had been served exclusively by a radiant floor heating system operating only in heating mode. The new hydronic air-to-water solution now enables both heating and cooling through the use of ceiling-mounted split terminals. The building, constructed in the 1980s and already equipped with insulated roofing, allowed for an effective installation without requiring significant interventions to the building envelope.
Discover how Daikin heat pumps deliver high efficiency, low-carbon heating, and the use of next-generation refrigerants.

Daikin Products Supporting the Project

The project was made possible through the implementation of high-efficiency Daikin units designed to deliver optimal energy performance while reducing the environmental impact of heating and cooling systems. The EWYT-B heat pump has been engineered to provide maximum application versatility. With an operating capacity range from 80 to 1,220 kW, this unit is ideal for a wide variety of installations, including residential buildings, hotels, offices, and industrial applications, helping to improve indoor comfort and overall system energy efficiency.
From a technical standpoint, the unit delivers high reliability thanks to the presence of one or two independent refrigerant circuits, a configuration that ensures operational continuity and enhanced safety even during maintenance activities. Condensation control is optimised through continuous fan speed modulation, enabling precise management of airflow and operating temperatures. In addition, the unit integrates a partial heat recovery system using a dedicated plate heat exchanger for each refrigerant circuit, further improving the overall energy efficiency of the installation.
The EWYT-CZ unit using R-32 refrigerant was selected for this project due to its high efficiency and application flexibility. This Daikin inverter scroll compressor air-to-water heat pump has been designed for small- and medium-sized buildings, providing both comfort conditioning and support for process applications. The unit offers a capacity range from 16 to 90 kW and features full inverter technology, ensuring high performance and optimised energy consumption even under significant load variations.
Finally, the Professional unit was selected: an air treatment solution with heat recovery designed for tailor-made applications and complex HVAC environments. This highly flexible and customisable unit can be precisely adapted to the specific requirements of each project while ensuring cost optimisation and efficient production standardisation.
With an airflow range from 500 to 144,000 m³/h, the Professional unit covers a broad spectrum of applications, from medium-sized environments to large commercial and industrial complexes. Each configuration is developed based on the customer’s actual needs, selecting the most suitable components to achieve the best balance between performance, energy efficiency, and investment costs.

One of the system’s main strengths is its plug-and-play control, which ensures outstanding operational flexibility and ease of management. The electrical panel, factory-installed and pre-wired, incorporates a complete and advanced Direct Digital Control (DDC) system. This system communicates with integrated temperature, humidity, and CO₂ sensors, enabling precise and continuous monitoring of both air quality and thermo-hygrometric conditions.
Through the control system, mixing dampers, heat recovery wheels, water valves, filter and fan pressure switches, as well as fan motors and their associated inverters, are managed in a coordinated manner. This allows the unit to modulate its operation in real time, optimising both energy consumption and performance.
Improve comfort and efficiency: discover Daikin air treatment solutions for a wide range of applications and learn more by watching the webinar available on our dedicated webpage.

Project Partners

The project was carried out by Free Energia S.p.A., an independent Italian energy operator active in the electricity and natural gas markets since 2007. Leveraging extensive experience in sourcing, trading, and energy supply, the company led the initiative with a strong focus on efficiency, sustainability, and value creation for the end customer.
A key role was also played by Avant House, a company specialising in technical and commercial consultancy for the design and supply of air conditioning and heating systems. Through the contribution of Avant House—which managed the design activities and technical coordination—Daikin Italy acquired and developed the project, delivering advanced, high-performance technological solutions.
The synergy between energy expertise, engineering know-how, and technological innovation represented the true added value of the project, ensuring an efficient, reliable solution fully aligned with the customer’s requirements.

New Range of HVAC Solutions with Natural R-290 Refrigerant

More recently, Daikin has also introduced natural R-290 refrigerant technology. The new platform includes EWA/YK-CZ monobloc units from 20 to 85 kW and EWYK-QZ modular heat pumps, configurable in multi-array systems up to 2,000 kW, providing a consistent, scalable solution suitable for a wide range of HVAC applications.
Learn more about the complete range of natural refrigerants, enabling designers to effectively address decarbonisation projects.
These two units are manufactured at the state-of-the-art Daikin Applied Europe S.p.A. facility, established in 2021 through a significant investment aimed at strengthening the company’s European innovation and production capabilities. With an ever-evolving portfolio that includes next-generation refrigerants such as R-454C and R-290, Daikin continues to develop high-efficiency climate control technologies for small- and medium-capacity applications.

Heat Pumps vs. Boilers: Why Choosing a Heat Pump Is a True Decarbonisation Strategy

Switching from a gas boiler to a heat pump is not only a way to improve energy efficiency; it is also a decisive step towards the decarbonisation of heating systems. Unlike traditional boilers—which burn fossil fuels and generate direct CO₂ emissions—heat pumps operate without combustion, enabling an immediate and significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. For this reason, they are considered among the most effective solutions for reducing the carbon footprint of residential buildings.
Discover our comprehensive guide to choosing the ideal heat pump for your installation, whether it is small, medium, or large in scale.
According to The Future of Heat Pumps report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), modern heat pumps achieve a coefficient of performance (COP) of approximately 4. This means that for every unit of electricity consumed, they can generate four units of heat. As a result, they are three to five times more efficient than gas boilers, delivering substantial energy savings while providing a genuinely low-emission heating solution.
Find out more: visit our Heating Solutions page and discover the solution best suited to your needs.