R32 unit wins eco prize

JAPAN: The new Mitsubishi Electric range of air conditioners running on the low GWP refrigerant R32, has won the top energy efficiency prize at Tokyo’s Eco-Products 2013 exhibition.

In addition to the environmental benefits of R32, the company’s wall mounted Z series, launched in November, features a new inverter and compressor. It also has the ability to detect room occupancy, body temperature and activity of the occupants, controlling its output accordingly.

There are 11 models in the range in cooling capacities from 2.2kW to 8kW.

R32, with its GWP of around 650, is now virtually confirmed as the refrigerant of the future in Europe for small splits. On Monday, European MPs and member states agreed revisions to the F-gas regulations which will see HFCs with a GWP of 750 being banned in all single splits containing less than 3kg by 2025.