The compressor is an essential component that consumes approximately 80% of an air conditioner’s electricity consumption. Swing compressors, which are a unique Daikin technology, achieve higher efficiency and a wider operating range than conventional “rotary compressors.”
Creating a compressor requires a wide range of knowledge including knowledge of structure, fluids, acoustics, heat, lubrication, materials, and basic experimental and analytical techniques.
TIC mechanical designers perform research and development with an inquisitive mind for the important components that support Daikin products since the need for precision in air conditioners rivals that needed in automobile engines.
CHALLENGE TO
CARBON NEUTRALITY
Towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, we will lead the industry in environmental efforts by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout the product lifecycle, while fulfilling our social responsibilities.1. Reduction of Power Consumption During Product Use
Accelerate inverter (Inv) adoption globally and lead the industry with eco-friendly products (energy-efficient equipment).
➢ Room air conditioner Inv adoption rate: 2019: 75% → 2021: 79% → 2025 target: 93%
➢ Develop and expand sales of detailed system energy-saving technologies.2. Expansion of Heating and Hot Water (H/P) Business
Europe: Aim to be the market leader in major countries and launch new products using R290.
North America: Accelerate sales of Inv and H/P unitary product “FIT.”
China: Expand sales of H/P floor heating systems.
Japan: Increase sales of EcoCute and high-heating H/P for cold regions.3. Refrigerant Initiatives Supporting the Air Conditioning Business
Choose the most suitable refrigerants for each region, promote natural refrigerants, and scale up mass production.
➢Promote R32 adoption globally—expand R32 use for VRV systems in Japan and Europe.
➢Develop equipment using natural refrigerants and conduct risk assessments.
➢Develop next-generation refrigerants (for automotive and air conditioning applications).
4. GHG Emission Reductions in Manufacturing, Development, and Office Operations
Strive for net-zero GHG emissions across all factories (excluding chemicals) by 2030.
➢ Achieve net-zero emissions at Sakai and Rinkai factories ahead of schedule by FY23.
➢ Achieve net-zero emissions at major domestic offices by FY25 and globally by 2030.
5. Challenges in New Businesses for a Carbon-Neutral Society
Strengthen initiatives in negative emissions and power-related activities.
➢ Expand micro-hydropower sales and explore opportunities in power-related businesses.
➢ Pursue technologies for CO2 capture and utilization (DAC1, CCU2).
*1. DAC: Direct Air Capture of CO2 from the atmosphere.
*2. CCU: Carbon Capture and Utilization.6. Circular Economy Initiatives
Accelerate the global construction of a refrigerant eco-cycle (recovery and regeneration).
Strengthen circular economy efforts for other materials by promoting recycled materials and improving durability.
➢ Establish refrigerant recovery and regeneration networks in regulated regions (Europe, Japan, North America).
➢ Material initiatives beyond refrigerants (plastics, metals, etc.):
・Utilize recycled plastics, aluminum horizontal recycling (*3), and reduce rare earth usage.
*3. Horizontal recycling: Recycling where used products are returned to raw materials and then reborn as the same type of product.
Accelerate inverter (Inv) adoption globally and lead the industry with eco-friendly products (energy-efficient equipment).
➢ Room air conditioner Inv adoption rate: 2019: 75% → 2021: 79% → 2025 target: 93%
➢ Develop and expand sales of detailed system energy-saving technologies.2. Expansion of Heating and Hot Water (H/P) Business
Europe: Aim to be the market leader in major countries and launch new products using R290.
North America: Accelerate sales of Inv and H/P unitary product “FIT.”
China: Expand sales of H/P floor heating systems.
Japan: Increase sales of EcoCute and high-heating H/P for cold regions.3. Refrigerant Initiatives Supporting the Air Conditioning Business
Choose the most suitable refrigerants for each region, promote natural refrigerants, and scale up mass production.
➢Promote R32 adoption globally—expand R32 use for VRV systems in Japan and Europe.
➢Develop equipment using natural refrigerants and conduct risk assessments.
➢Develop next-generation refrigerants (for automotive and air conditioning applications).
4. GHG Emission Reductions in Manufacturing, Development, and Office Operations
Strive for net-zero GHG emissions across all factories (excluding chemicals) by 2030.
➢ Achieve net-zero emissions at Sakai and Rinkai factories ahead of schedule by FY23.
➢ Achieve net-zero emissions at major domestic offices by FY25 and globally by 2030.
5. Challenges in New Businesses for a Carbon-Neutral Society
Strengthen initiatives in negative emissions and power-related activities.
➢ Expand micro-hydropower sales and explore opportunities in power-related businesses.
➢ Pursue technologies for CO2 capture and utilization (DAC1, CCU2).
*1. DAC: Direct Air Capture of CO2 from the atmosphere.
*2. CCU: Carbon Capture and Utilization.6. Circular Economy Initiatives
Accelerate the global construction of a refrigerant eco-cycle (recovery and regeneration).
Strengthen circular economy efforts for other materials by promoting recycled materials and improving durability.
➢ Establish refrigerant recovery and regeneration networks in regulated regions (Europe, Japan, North America).
➢ Material initiatives beyond refrigerants (plastics, metals, etc.):
・Utilize recycled plastics, aluminum horizontal recycling (*3), and reduce rare earth usage.
*3. Horizontal recycling: Recycling where used products are returned to raw materials and then reborn as the same type of product.
- Energy Saving Technology
- Refrigerant Development
- Heat Pump Heater & Expansion Of Hot Water Supply
- Energy Creation Technology
ENERGY SAVING TECHNOLOGY
It is important to reduce power consumption of the motor used to drive the compressor, which consumes the largest amount of power in air conditioners, and it was necessary to commercialize a new motor type to improve the efficiency of the motor, especially in the medium and low speed range of the compressor. In power saving, it is important to [reduce motor current and power loss] and [increase motor speed without decreasing motor efficiency]. Conventionally, it was thought to be impossible to achieve both of these goals.
Energy-Saving Technologies: Compressors
Goals
Refine our unique technologies for the important components of compressors and motors.
Increase the leading position that Daikin air conditioners have in the world.
Increase the leading position that Daikin air conditioners have in the world.
Related article
Energy-Saving Technologies: Motors
The air conditioner motor powers (1) the compressor, which is the heart of an air conditioner, and (2) the fan, which delivers comfortable air to people.
(1) Typical compressor motors rotate only by the force of permanent magnets, but we have achieved an industry first with the practical application of a motor with an embedded magnet structure that also uses the magnetic force attracting iron. This contributes to energy savings in residential and commercial air conditioners.
We are also working to reduce the amount of heavy rare earths used in permanent magnets.
(2) For fan motors, we are contributing to the reduction of fan energy with development of the industry's first outer rotor type permanent magnet motor that can be integrated with a fan.
(1) Typical compressor motors rotate only by the force of permanent magnets, but we have achieved an industry first with the practical application of a motor with an embedded magnet structure that also uses the magnetic force attracting iron. This contributes to energy savings in residential and commercial air conditioners.
We are also working to reduce the amount of heavy rare earths used in permanent magnets.
(2) For fan motors, we are contributing to the reduction of fan energy with development of the industry's first outer rotor type permanent magnet motor that can be integrated with a fan.
Goals
While aiming for further energy savings and motor miniaturization, we will also confront resource and environmental issues.
・Halve rare earth usage in the magnets used for rotors in compressor motors.
・Replace copper wire with aluminum wire for use in the fan motor stator.
・Halve rare earth usage in the magnets used for rotors in compressor motors.
・Replace copper wire with aluminum wire for use in the fan motor stator.
Related article
Energy-Saving Technologies: Inverters
Inverters are electrical circuits that control motors, such as those for compressors, and are a key device that contribute to energy savings in air conditioners and hydraulic equipment.
Daikin Industries globally develops distinctive inverter products, including low-cost inverter air conditioners that use electrolytic capacitors, and inverters are developed as a core technology at TIC. Additionally, inverters are a technological field supported by industry-academia collaborative innovation and industry-industry collaborative innovation, and we will continue to promote technological development specialized for applications while valuing collaborative innovation.
Daikin Industries globally develops distinctive inverter products, including low-cost inverter air conditioners that use electrolytic capacitors, and inverters are developed as a core technology at TIC. Additionally, inverters are a technological field supported by industry-academia collaborative innovation and industry-industry collaborative innovation, and we will continue to promote technological development specialized for applications while valuing collaborative innovation.
Goals
Promote advancement of application-specific inverter technology
Create new value while improving energy savings and cost.
Create new value while improving energy savings and cost.
Related article
Energy-Saving Technologies: Magnetic refrigeration
Compared to conventional vapor compression type refrigeration, magnetic refrigeration is better for the environment since it does not use refrigerant and may even prove superior in performance due to the technological advances being made. Once it becomes practical, magnetic refrigeration is expected to be a significant technology.
In aiming for practical application in the future, investigation is being done on the feasibility of a magnetic refrigeration heat pump that is suitable for the high-performance magnetocaloric materials currently being
In aiming for practical application in the future, investigation is being done on the feasibility of a magnetic refrigeration heat pump that is suitable for the high-performance magnetocaloric materials currently being
Future goals
Identify potentiality of an optimum system for high-performance magnetocaloric materials.
Obtain development guidelines for high-efficiency, non-fluorocarbon heat pump air conditioners.
Obtain development guidelines for high-efficiency, non-fluorocarbon heat pump air conditioners.
REFRIGERANT DEVELOPMENT
Structure of Refrigerant Eco-Cycle
In 2018, we established our Environmental Vision 2050, aiming to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. This vision has been incorporated into our strategic management plan, Fusion25, and is being actively promoted. At TIC, we are working towards this goal by expanding the application areas of heat pump technology and contributing to the promotion of inverter adoption to reduce power consumption in the air conditioning, refrigeration, and freezing sectors.
Our efforts also include proposing and implementing refrigerants with low Global Warming Potential (GWP) in air conditioning products, developing technologies to quickly detect refrigerant leaks from air conditioning systems, and collaborating with stakeholders on the recovery and regeneration of used refrigerants, all aimed at achieving net-zero GHG emissions.By leveraging IoT, AI, and open innovation, we strive to address global environmental challenges, meet the world's air-related needs, and provide safe and healthy air environments.
Contribute to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by developing and promoting technologies and solutions that transition to refrigerants with lower global warming potential and prevent the release of refrigerants into the atmosphere, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the entire lifecycle.
Refrigerant Development-Refrigerant-Saving Technologies
A heat exchanger is an important component for cooling and warming air by circulating refrigerant through a pipe to exchange heat with the air.
Daikin utilized its own technology to incorporate the heat exchanger typically used for an automobile air conditioner (for cooling only) and adapt it for its unique “micro channel heat exchanger,” which was installed in an air conditioner outdoor unit for both cooling and heating to achieve a world’s first in 2012.
Compared to conventional cross fin heat exchangers, it weighs less due to its all-aluminum construction, provides higher performance by its smaller tube size, and reduces the amount of refrigerant, a cause of global warming, in addition to reduced size.
The manufacturing process and equipment have been renovated, and Daikin has rewritten 50 years of cross-fin history to take the global lead in heat exchanger technology through its worldwide adoption of its microchannel heat exchanger to its air conditioners.
Daikin utilized its own technology to incorporate the heat exchanger typically used for an automobile air conditioner (for cooling only) and adapt it for its unique “micro channel heat exchanger,” which was installed in an air conditioner outdoor unit for both cooling and heating to achieve a world’s first in 2012.
Compared to conventional cross fin heat exchangers, it weighs less due to its all-aluminum construction, provides higher performance by its smaller tube size, and reduces the amount of refrigerant, a cause of global warming, in addition to reduced size.
The manufacturing process and equipment have been renovated, and Daikin has rewritten 50 years of cross-fin history to take the global lead in heat exchanger technology through its worldwide adoption of its microchannel heat exchanger to its air conditioners.
Goals
Rapidly apply our unique microchannel technology worldwide and to indoor units.
Contribute to reduction of environmental impact by saving refrigerant and improving energy savings with development to indoor units
Contribute to reduction of environmental impact by saving refrigerant and improving energy savings with development to indoor units
HEAT PUMP HEATER &
EXPANSION OF HOT WATER SUPPLY
Improved performance for low-ambient zones and low-noise technology
to accelerate conversion from combustion type
to heat pump type heating systems
to accelerate conversion from combustion type
to heat pump type heating systems
While combustion systems, which emit large amounts of CO2 emissions, represent the main market in Europe and North America for heaters and hot water supply, Daikin is working to reduce CO2 emissions by accelerating the widespread adoption of highly energy-efficient heat pump type heating and hot water systems, an area of Daikin expertise.
As outdoor temperatures drop in winter, frost can form and accumulate on the heat exchanger surface of the outdoor unit during the heating operation of a heat pump type air conditioner. That frost can prevent air from blowing to the air conditioner and degrade performance. In that case, the heating operation stops and warm refrigerant flows to the outdoor heat exchanger to melt the frost (defrost operation).
This is the biggest challenge in replacing combustion heating with heat pump heating, and to solve this problem, we are developing technology to desorb condensation generated in the outdoor heat exchanger during heating in the form of droplets from the heat exchanger before it turns to frost.
Market needs for low noise are extremely high, particularly in Europe. This is why we are developing technologies to reduce blower noise from fans and other components by identifying the source of the noise through fluid simulation and analyzing airflow around the fan to optimize fan shape to suppress vortex generation, a cause of noise.
As outdoor temperatures drop in winter, frost can form and accumulate on the heat exchanger surface of the outdoor unit during the heating operation of a heat pump type air conditioner. That frost can prevent air from blowing to the air conditioner and degrade performance. In that case, the heating operation stops and warm refrigerant flows to the outdoor heat exchanger to melt the frost (defrost operation).
This is the biggest challenge in replacing combustion heating with heat pump heating, and to solve this problem, we are developing technology to desorb condensation generated in the outdoor heat exchanger during heating in the form of droplets from the heat exchanger before it turns to frost.
Market needs for low noise are extremely high, particularly in Europe. This is why we are developing technologies to reduce blower noise from fans and other components by identifying the source of the noise through fluid simulation and analyzing airflow around the fan to optimize fan shape to suppress vortex generation, a cause of noise.
Goals
Achieve “non-stop heating operation” to maintain comfort even for heat pump heating.
Contribute to the global environment through the widespread adoption of heat pump heaters.
Contribute to the global environment through the widespread adoption of heat pump heaters.
ENERGY CREATION TECHNOLOGY
Energy Creation Technologies: Micro Hydropower Generation
High-efficiency power generation is controlled by applying the motor and inverter technologies cultivated in the development of air conditioners and hydraulic equipment to control rotation speed and torque. Even with a general-purpose pump turbine, it is now possible to efficiently generate electricity that enables recovery of investment at 100 kW or less, which had been difficult in the past. It can be installed even in narrow underground pits by adopting a general-purpose vertical inline pump. (1/2 compared to other companies)
Number of installations: 46 locations (as of January 2024).■A startup from TIC. From "energy conservation" to "energy creation
DK-Power, Ltd. | About Micro Hydro Power Generation
Number of installations: 46 locations (as of January 2024).■A startup from TIC. From "energy conservation" to "energy creation
DK-Power, Ltd. | About Micro Hydro Power Generation
Goals
Aiming to introduce at 100 locations by 2025
