The European decarbonisation goals aim to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve full climate neutrality by 2050. Heat pumps play a crucial role in achieving these goals, as they operate using electricity, preferably sourced from renewable sources, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels and supporting the energy transition in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
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Daikin has extensive experience in manufacturing multipurpose units, built on a foundation of continuous technological innovation and in-depth industry knowledge. This enables the company to deliver highly reliable, efficient and versatile solutions that can meet heating, cooling and domestic hot water demands simultaneously within a single unit. Four-pipe units, also known as polyvalent or multifunctional units, are an advanced HVAC solution because they can provide simultaneous heating and cooling with the added benefit of heat recovery, significantly reducing operating costs. Four-pipe systems are characterised by their ease of installation and ability to address a wide range of system design challenges, at only a modest additional cost compared to traditional heat pumps. However, despite their potential, these technologies are not a one-size-fits-all solution. When designed and applied properly, they can deliver high levels of comfort and energy savings. Conversely, improper application may result in performance that is no better than, or even worse than, that of alternative technologies, but with a higher initial cost.
Discover Daikin’s EWYS-4Z multipurpose unit, where innovation meets sustainability.
Explore our case study on Daikin’s Inverter Screw solution for an office building in London.
Advantages of Daikin multipurpose units
The Daikin EWYS-4Z polyvalent unit is engineered for exceptional efficiency and flexibility. It features advanced single-screw compressors equipped with variable frequency drive (VFD) and variable volume ratio (VVR) technologies. With a capacity range of 400 to 800 kW for both cooling and heating, and a Total Energy Efficiency Ratio (TER) of up to 7.89, the EWYS-4Z delivers exceptional performance across an operating temperature range of -18°C to +50°C, providing chilled water temperatures of between -8°C (with a water/glycol mixture) and +20°C and heating water temperatures of between +30°C and +60°C. VFD regulation and VVR control ensure efficient modulation of unit capacity under part-load conditions by precisely matching compressor operation to system demands, thereby minimising energy losses. Start-up currents remain consistently below the current absorbed in the maximum operating conditions (FLA) with no spikes, while the unit maintains a high displacement power factor of over 0.95, thereby reducing electrical losses and avoiding penalties. The EWYS-4Z also rapidly achieves comfort set points and requires minimal water content, switching seamlessly between air-to-water and water-to-water modes in under a minute. This combination of innovative features enables fast response times and optimal performance using the same water volume as conventional cooling-only inverter chillers. From energy efficiency to acoustic comfort, the EWYS-4Z is built to meet the demands of modern multi-use buildings, delivering powerful performance exactly where it is needed.
Find out here how a multipurpose unit works and when it's the right choice for your project.
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Daikin refrigerant-cooled technology
Daikin’s refrigerant-cooled VFD technology delivers exceptional reliability by remaining unaffected by environmental factors, including ambient temperature, altitude, and air quality. Additionally, Daikin’s VFD reduces operating costs under any conditions. The single compressor, equipped with an integrated Variable Volume Ratio (VVR), further enhances efficiency by precisely adjusting the compression ratio to match system demands.
Click here to explore how Inverter technology enhances HVAC performance and discover the key benefits it brings.
Multipurpose units: technological overview
Thanks to expert design and extensive knowledge, Daikin’s single-screw compressors distribute mechanical loads efficiently, significantly reducing stress on components to enhance durability and reliability. This advanced engineering also minimises vibration and noise emissions for a more silent operation. Thanks to their outstanding volumetric efficiency, these compressors are perfectly suited to variable-speed applications and feature optimised geometry to maintain performance even at high speeds.
Click here to explore the key role of compressors in heat pumps.
A polyvalent unit can deliver both cooling and heating through two separate and independent hydraulic circuits. These systems operate based on the vapour compression cycle and typically include at least two refrigerant circuits, each of which incorporates three heat exchangers:
- Cold exchanger: connected to the chilled water loop
- Hot exchanger: connected to the hot water loop
- Source exchanger: connected to the thermal source, which may be outdoor air or a water loop.
The unit can recover energy whenever there is a simultaneous demand for cooling and heating, significantly improving overall efficiency. The reversible source exchanger can operate as either a condenser or an evaporator and is used to dissipate excess thermal energy (hot or cold) generated during operation. The unit is designed for continuous, year-round operation and does not require any seasonal changeover. Cooling and heating production is dynamically regulated based on real-time system demand.
When the cooling and heating loads are balanced, the source exchanger is bypassed to allow maximum energy recovery. These units are particularly well-suited to applications involving constant, simultaneous thermal loads, such as large buildings with dual exposure, and mixed-use environments like hotels, shopping centres and hospitals. Polyvalent units operate based on two independent setpoints: one for the chilled water circuit and one for the hot water circuit. The system modulates capacity by staging compressors or adjusting their speed and automatically switches the operating mode of each circuit to efficiently meet the required thermal loads.
Ideal load profile for Polyvalent units
Frequently Asked Questions on Daikin Heat Pumps
Where are Daikin heat pumps & multipurpose units manufactured?
Daikin heat pumps and multipurpose units 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.
Click here to visit Daikin chillers product page.
Click here to visit Daikin heat pumps' product page.
How to purchase a Daikin heat pump?
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How to rent a Daikin’s heat pump?
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How to get support for Daikin heat pumps?
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How to buy spare parts for a Daikin heat pump?
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What compressor types are Daikin offering on heat pumps?
Check out our in-depth article on compressors for heat pumps to learn more or explore our dedicated sections on water-to-water heat pumps, air-to-water heat pumps, and multipurpose units.