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Launch of “D1 Series” High-efficiency Gas Engine Driven Heat-pump Air Conditioners
(Sep. 11, 2006)

Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. (President: Yasuhito Yamauchi; Headquarters: Kariya, Aichi) will release the “D1 Series” of world-class, high-efficiency gas engine driven heat-pump air conditioners (hereinafter referred to as “GHP”) jointly developed with Daikin Industries, Ltd. (President: Yukiyoshi Okano; Headquarters: Osaka) in October 2006.

Aisin Seiki concluded a cooperative business agreement with Daikin Industries in March 2005 aimed at collaboration related to product development, mutual supply and after-sales service, capitalizing on the two companies strengths in GHPs within the air conditioning system business. The new series to be introduced at this time combines outdoor units manufactured by Aisin Seiki and indoor units manufactured by Daikin Industries, and represents the first fruits of joint efforts for GHP system development and mutual supply between the two companies.

The new series is being developed based on three types of GHPs, namely, a “multi-unit type for building use” that is best suited for tenanted buildings, schools and hospitals, among others; a “multi-unit renewal type for building use” that can be reused without cleaning the existing piping; and a “package-unit type” that is the most suitable for large air conditioning areas such as factories and large-scale retail stores. In addition to these, 12 new “Mato multi-unit type” models are being developed, which are capable of a maximum output of 50 H.P. through a flexible connection with a pair of 16-25 H.P. outdoor units, thereby meeting needs for air conditioning on a larger scale.

A GHP, which uses a gas engine to drive the refrigerant coolant compressor, has received considerable attention for its potential to significantly contribute to the leveling of power demand during summer. Steady demand for GHP systems is expected to continue in view of such measures as a national policy in Japan entitling users to preferential tax treatment in order to promote the widespread use of gas-powered air conditioning. With GHP systems originating in Japan attracting increasing attention outside Japan in line with a tightening of the electricity supply in recent years, the GHP market is also expected to expand.

In the future, business expansion will be pursued by effectively utilizing both Aisin Seiki’s and Daikin Industries’ overseas sales bases and augmenting the appeal of GHP products.

1.	Product name:	GHP “D1 Series”

2.	Major features:	*(1) High energy savings with an average COP1 of 1.5 realized for both cooling and heating operations. Through the development of more efficient engines and refrigerant compressors that control one to four units according to the air conditioning load, high energy savings have been achieved for both cooling and heating operations (average COP of 1.5). (2) Industry-leading design flexibility and lighter weight enable easy use in large-scale buildings.** The refrigerant piping length, which refers to the distance between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit located farthest from each other, is up to 165 m in actual length (or up to 190 m in equivalent length). The refrigerant total piping length, which refers to the total length of all branched pipes, can be up to 520 m, the longest in the industry. This not only reduces initial costs but also increases the freedom and flexibility of design during installation. In addition, the number of indoor units that can be connected to a single outdoor unit has increased from a maximum of 24 to a maximum of 632 (within an outdoor unit capacity of 50-200%3), the top level in the industry. This enables a reduction in the number of outdoor units suited to the energy environment and desired ease of use of respective users and in turn provides for lower initial costs and greater freedom of design during installation. Furthermore, the GHP “D1 Series” can easily find more applications in large-scale buildings as a result of the industry’s highest outdoor unit weight reduction4 (580 kg for 8/10 H.P. models, 595 kg for 13 H.P., 885 kg for 16/20 H.P., and 890 kg for 25 H.P.). Loads to the building are considerably reduced even when multiple outdoor units are installed on the roof. (3) Automatic check function for faulty wiring ensures high quality installation* The system is equipped with an automatic testing function to automatically check for faulty connections in wiring and piping, thereby ensuring high quality installation. *(4) Industry-leading minimum maintenance with no engine oil replacement for up to 30,000 hours5 By using long-life engine oil, engine oil replacement is unnecessary up to 30,000 hours of operation, which is the best level of performance in the industry. Since the oil just needs to be replenished during periodic inspections, minimal maintenance is required. (5) A large variety of indoor units enable versatile selection suited to the application The product lineup includes a large variety of indoor units suitable for either individual air conditioning spaces, such as in general buildings, or large air-conditioning areas, such as in large-scale retail stores or factories. (6) Compatible with diverse building control needs as well as delivers a high degree of operational control** The high-speed transmission control system is applicable to a variety of advanced building control systems. Remote operation and control of the air conditioning systems from a PC is possible with a touch panel “ACS Controller” by using a “Web server function”6 with the aid of a browser program. 1 In the case of a 16 H.P. system: The COP refers to a coefficient of performance that indicates the ratio of the cooling or heating capacity of the GHP to the amount of gas or electricity required for running the GHP. The larger the COP value is, the greater the efficiency. 2 In the case of the multi-unit type for building use (25 to 50 H.P.) 3 The range for the Mato multi-unit type is 50 to 160%. 4 In the case of either standard or salt-air damage specifications of the multi-unit type for building use/standard series. 5 This refers to use of manufacturer engine oil specified by Aisin Seiki. The oil must be replaced after 30,000 hours of operation. *6 The Web server function is optional.

3.	Start of Sales:	October 2006

4.	Sales Target:	10,000 units per year (fiscal 2007)

5.	Sales Outlet:	Gas companies

6.	Suggested retail price (excluding tax):	Standard types (8 to 25 H.P.): Starting at 2.55 million yen Mato multi-unit type (32 to 50 H.P.): Starting at 9.08 million yen

GHP “D1 Series” Mato multi-unit type
AWGP710D1 x 2 units (equivalent to 50 H.P.)

(Reference)
Introduction to Aisin Seiki’s Air Conditioning System Business
Since releasing the first GHP in 1987, Aisin Seiki has continuously expanded its GHP business centering on small- and medium-scale models. Following the introduction of a large-scale model using R410A refrigerant in April 2005, our product lineup has grown to cover a wide variety of models ranging from 22.4-kW (equivalent to 8-H.P.) models to 71-kW (equivalent to 25-H.P.) models. Aisin Seiki sells more than 10,000 units per year and boasts the top share in overseas exports of GHPs.
Aisin Seiki is also promoting business expansion of its micro-cogeneration system, which makes use of its gas engine technologies.