Daikin launches its first ground source heat pump Daikin has launched its latest addition to the Daikin Altherma range: a new ground source heat pump, offering high seasonal efficiencies to help customers cut their energy bills while enjoying excellent levels of comfort. The Daikin Altherma ground source heat pump system features a compact indoor unit with a fully integrated heat pump module and hot water tank, plus either a deep or shallow collector to draw energy from the ground. It is easy to use too, with smart room temperature controls and an energy usage display, helping to reduce energy consumption, while ensuring high levels of comfort. Tapping into a natural and stable energy source A ground source heat pump uses naturally occurring thermal energy in the ground to provide space heating and hot water. This energy is at a relatively constant temperature all year round and is unaffected by outdoor temperatures, making it highly stable and almost limitless, even in the coldest of winters. The Daikin Altherma ground source heat pump uses either a ground probe, installed in a borehole between 100m and 200m deep (depending on the size of the heat pump), or a surface collector buried just 80 to 150cm below the surface. Both collectors are filled with a mixture of water and antifreeze (brine) which is used to transfer thermal energy to the heat pump. Maximum seasonal efficiency using inverter technology The Daikin Altherma ground source heat pump delivers excellent seasonal efficiencies, thanks to its inverter technology, which means it performs at its best when working at partial loads. Depending of the size of the home, the level of insulation and the local climate, up to 20% savings can be made, when compared with a standard ground source heat pump, which cycles on and off in partial load conditions. Inverter technology also means that the Daikin ground source heat pump requires less back-up heater support. The system operates most efficiently when outdoor temperatures are between 9ºC and 8ºC and particularly below 3ºC. Simple installation, commissioning and servicing The stylish and compact indoor unit (1,732 x 600 x 728mm) includes both the heat pump and domestic hot water tank, making it an ideal replacement for a conventional boiler. Installation is simple, as only six connections need to be made. All the connections are factory fitted and are on the top of the unit. The highly insulated tank means heat losses are just 1.4kWh/24h; around 50% less than a standard tank. Commissioning is also easy, as installers can configure settings remotely and then upload them to the indoor unit from a PC. This means less time on site, particularly for multiple installations with similar settings. When it comes to servicing, the last 20 errors can be downloaded by time and date, reducing system downtime. User-friendly interface As with all Daikin systems, the ground source heat pump comes with easy-to-use controls, so that homeowners can get the very best out of their system. Smart room thermostat functionality ensures temperatures are stable and comfort levels are maintained, while the energy usage display means homeowners can keep a track of system performance. Daikin Altherma ground source heat pump The Daikin Altherma ground source heat pump is a fantastic addition to the Daikin portfolio, with its ability to tap into a stable and almost limitless energy source, whatever the climate, while delivering industry-leading seasonal efficiencies. For homeowners for whom other Daikin systems, such as air-to-water heat pumps, are not a viable option, the Daikin Altherma ground source heat pump provides a highly reliable and cost-effective renewable energy alternative to traditional heating and hot water systems www.daikin.eu Editor’s notes: About Daikin Europe N.V. Daikin Europe N.V. is a major European producer of air conditioners, heat pumps and refrigeration equipment, with approximately 5,500 employees throughout Europe and 10 major manufacturing facilities based in Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey and the UK. Globally, Daikin is renowned for its pioneering approach to product development and the unrivalled quality and versatility of its integrated solutions. With more than 50 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of heating and cooling technologies, Daikin is a market leader in heat pump technology. Daikin VRV and Daikin Altherma are the most sold heat pump systems in Europe, with over 500,000 systems delivered to date.