Danfoss australia help “change the game” in commercial HVAC

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Actron Air, Australia’s leading Air conditioning manufacturer have been able to set new standards in highly efficient Australian-made air conditioners with the help of the Danfoss inverter scroll package.

“Changing the Game” is what Actron Air, Australia’s leading Air conditioning manufacturer, is doing in the market today. Actron have been able to set new standards in highly efficient Australian-made air conditioners with the help of the Danfoss inverter scroll package. The new Hercules range using Danfoss VSH and VZH offers unmatched seasonal efficiency and capacity modulation, leading to impressive energy savings, comfort levels, control and reduction in the carbon footprint in the commercial category. The Hercules™ range reaches an IEER of 5.45* that is up to 50 % more efficient than the minimum Building Code Australia (BCA) compliant system. 

This is a first for an Australian manufacturer. Australia has for many years only had inverter technology from the large Asian manufacturers in residential and VRF technology. Actron Air has recently released a reverse cycle 170kW rooftop packaged unit built to perform in the harshest climate on earth.

“The Actron philosophy is to be the best in class” says Kevin Mundy Technical Director at Actron Air. Danfoss is selected as the Compressor technology partner for its latest generation of inverter compressors which provides energy performance far beyond average inverter compressor. The inverter range for commercial applications has a turndown ratio of four to one, meaning a 25-100% capacity range to optimize the seasonal efficiency and comfort. Another benefit is the minimal in-rush current and high inbuilt power factor. “To most people, this may only be a small feature, but to new building owner or developer, this could potentially save thousands of dollars in unnecessary transformer upgrade costs, not to mention the extra cabling involved” Mundy adds.

The journey started about 4 years ago with the VRJ inverter compressor for residential and light commercial applications implemented in the ducted split with reverse cycle. 
The company launched Hercules™ in front of their top 100 Platinum Dealers last August and the unit is already specified in major Australian projects, the manufacturer confirms. 

“We now in Australia have the large majority of all Air conditioning manufacturers using or sampling a Danfoss variable speed compressor. The VZH range gives us the edge and the game has just begun” says Steve Huckle, Danfoss Australia’s Business Development Manager. 

* rating conditions AHRI Standard 1230 in kW.