Daikin makes the switch to R32

The platform is the seventh generation of Daikin’s VRV commercial air conditioning system, and is available in two outdoor unit types to support a wide range of project requirements.

It has a compact side-discharge design, with capacities from 11.2kW to 24kW.

VRV 7 R also features a top-discharge modular design, with capacities from 16kW to 67kW and the flexibility to combine modules for larger buildings up to 167 kW.

The units can be configured for either Heat Pump or Heat Recovery operation, providing flexibility across different building applications.

“We built this range around things that matter most to the commercial market right now, which is lower environmental impact, higher seasonal efficiency, and safety compliance that’s straightforward to manage,” says National Commercial Sales Manager at Daikin Australia, Scott Walker.

“It’s a meaningful difference for building owners watching their energy costs,” he says.

Daikin has embedded Shirudo Technology (R32 safety technology for VRV systems) into the platform.

R32 VRV systems fall under the flammable refrigerant safety provisions of AS/NZS 60335.2.40, alongside the installation requirements of the AS/NZS 5149 series. The standard limits how much refrigerant can serve an occupied space, calculated from room area, indoor unit installation height, refrigerant type and system configuration. Larger rooms allow higher charges, smaller rooms less. 

Where charge limits cannot be met, the standard permits installation with additional safety measures, including refrigerant leak detection, alarms, shut-off valves and ventilation.

National Consulting Sales Manager at Daikin Australia, Sunny Wong, says R32 introduces a new set of safety requirements around refrigerant leak mitigation, and managing those across design and installation can be simplified with Daikin’s Shirudo Technology.

R32 carries a higher refrigeration capacity per unit volume than R410A, allowing for improved seasonal efficiency with select models having a reduced piping size. Compared with Daikin’s R410A models, the company says VRV 7 delivers up to 35% improvement in cooling seasonal efficiency and 42% in heating seasonal efficiency, compared to previous models in the average zone classification.

An R32 Leak Detection Sensor is also installed inside the indoor unit. If a leak is detected, the wall controller triggers a built-in 65dBA audio and visual alarm. An optional ventilation and alarm interlock adaptor can also be deployed to activate a Daikin Heat Reclaim Ventilator (VAM) or compatible third-party equipment to safely dilute refrigerant concentration in the space.

The VRV 7 is available in Australia from November 2, 2026. Visit the Daikin website for more information.

Photos courtesy of Daikin Australia.

---