Daikin has launched the Altherma 3 H HT, a turnkey air-to-water heat pump that uses the refrigerant R-32, operates down to -28 C and delivers a supply water temperature of up to 70 C for direct boiler replacement in existing radiator systems. The system reportedly achieves a coefficient of performance of 4.86.
Japanese heating system manufacturer Daikin this week launched a pre-engineered residential air-to-water heat pump that installers can reportedly connect to existing plumbing with minimal customization.
“The Daikin Aletherma 3 H HT offers a remarkably versatile, 3-in-1 ‘plumb-and-play’ solution, capable of providing heating, cooling and optional hot water – even at low ambient temperatures,” the company said in a statement. “Its exceptional adaptability makes it an excellent choice for replacing fossil fuel equipment such as boilers, furnaces and domestic hot water.”
The “plumb-and-play” configuration refers to a modular hydraulic configuration where the outdoor unit is connected to an indoor hydrobox and existing heating circuits with minimal technical complexity.
The system is built around a single outdoor unit that can be connected to various indoor configurations, including a wall-mounted hydrobox with an external domestic hot water (DHW) tank, an integrated stainless steel tank in 180 or 230 liter versions, and an integrated thermal tank available in 300 or 500 liter capacities, which can optionally be combined with solar thermal systems.
This modular approach allows installers to tailor the setup to specific requirements in terms of hot water demand, available installation space and zoning configurations, according to the manufacturer.
The system uses difluoromethane (R-32) refrigerant and is designed to maintain performance even in extreme climates, operating at ambient temperatures up to –28 C, making it suitable for electrification strategies in cold areas. The system is said to be able to deliver supply water temperatures of up to 70C, allowing direct compatibility with existing radiator-based heating systems without emitter replacement.
The heat pump uses inverter-controlled compressors and fans to maintain stable comfort while reducing energy consumption. It works in three main modes. In heating only mode it provides space heating and domestic hot water. In reversible operation, it provides both heating and active cooling, using fan coil units or underfloor heating systems. In addition, a bi-zone control option is available with integrated tank configurations, allowing independent temperature control over two separate heating circuits.
The outdoor unit measures 1,270 mm x 533 mm x 1,019 mm and is available in power classes 14 kW, 16 kW and 18 kW. It operates at approximately 38 dB(A) and can reportedly achieve a coefficient of performance (COP) of up to 4.86 under mild conditions and approximately 2.2 when used at very high temperatures.
“The system can be connected to radiators already in the home, such as baseboards or radiators, can be integrated with Daikin heat pump convectors, or can be combined with hydronic air handling systems and radiant loops in the floor,” says Daikin. “The Daikin Altherma 3 H HT operates as quietly as a noise in a low library, down to 41 dB(A), and is designed for peace and quiet. A low noise mode setting further reduces sound pressure, up to 35 dB(A).”
“The outdoor unit innovatively features an advanced concealed fan, which is shaped to minimize the contact surface with the air, thereby maintaining low noise levels,” said Edwin Reek, director of Water Heating Solutions at Daikin. “To absorb and isolate the sounds made during compressor operation, three layers of insulation surround the compressor, while double noise reduction plates are used between the base plate and the vibrating plate.”
This content is copyrighted and may not be reused. If you would like to collaborate with us and reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
