USER EXPERIENCE: A R-32 MULTI-SPLIT SYSTEM TO IMPROVE OFFICE COMFORT

The association now includes a home for living, two social support services (SAVS) and two GEM-Clubs (Mutual Aid Group) for members wishing to break isolation, at sites in Marseille and Aix en Provence.

A faulty air conditioning system

For some time, employees at the Marseilles after-sales service offices had been complaining about the malfunctioning of the air-conditioning and heating system and were regularly falling ill.  Mr. Olivier Fantino, Director of the establishment and services since 2017, contacted the company in charge of maintenance to carry out an inspection. It turned out that the ducts distributing heat in the different offices were broken and in very poor condition. Repair was not possible and so a new system was needed.

The Espoir-Provence association depends upon public subsidies for renovation work and a detailed proposal, with three different estimates must be submitted to the Departmental Council for approval.

As an end-user, Mr. Fantino had found it difficult to get quotes for his old system from local companies and didn’t have the fully full regulatory knowledge, so contacted Climalife. The Climalife technical support team explained the impacts of the F-Gas regulation and the allowances in place, and suggested he did not use R-410A in a new installation. The importance of preventive maintenance with annual system cleaning was also discussed.

A multi-split solution with R-32

Mr. Eric Cianti, Director of IMD Froid, and a Climalife customer for many years, took a look around the installation with Mr. Porta, the Technical Director and Maintenance Manager of the association, confirming that a new system was needed.

Although the original R-22 chillers were replaced by R-410A chillers 10 years ago, the original ducts needed to be removed and replaced. As the unit was already old, the repair investment would not have been cost effective because the work would be so labour-intensive.

After analysing the heating and air conditioning needs of the offices, Mr. Cianti recommended switching to a multi-split system using R-32, a fluid developed by producers for those looking for a low-GWP solution for new air conditioning systems. It is worth noting that in many cases, the lower GWP comes with flammability. This is the case with R-32, classified as mildly flammable, with a GWP of 675 (IPCC5).  Due to its flammability, its use is restricted and subject to local regulations and its use requires specific materials and packaging. A number of quotations are drawn up in parallel and presented to the Departmental Council, which validates the new multi-split system with low environmental impact.

As the offices of the association are not classified for public use, there were no constraints in using this fluid.

DAIKIN’s multi-split system offers great flexibility in use, allowing each occupant to regulate temperature as he or she wishes using a remote control.

Mr. Cianti, convinced of the importance of regular cleaning of an installation to maintain its performance and minimise health risks, recommended Frionett^® branded cleaning products. The preventive maintenance of this installation will include disinfection and external cleaning with Frionett^® Activ RTU (ready-to-use spray).

The work was carried out at the beginning of July 2018 and the high summer heat proved in its performance that this solution was the right one. The occupants of the offices were satisfied with the new system, and after one year of operation, the association had noted a reduction in its energy consumption of more than 20%.

Solution : R-32 Refrigerant Fluid

• • GWP = 675.  Reduced environmental impact. Uses less quota than R-410A.

• • Use only in equipment designed to operate with this fluid.

• • Fluid classified as A2L class = low flammability.  Check precautions for A2L fluids before handling and read the MSDS.  Avoid all sources of ignition (such as welding and brazing).

• • Never retrofit equipment from R-410A with R-32 for safety reasons.

• • Packaging containing flammable fluids have a red collar and a left-handed thread valve that requires a specific adaptor.

• • Use specific equipment approved for use with A2L fluides (eg leak detectors and recovery machines etc).

Testimonial

«We are very satisfied with this installation, which after 18 months of operation, meets the needs of the users by improving working conditions and also by reducing our electricity bill». Mr Olivier Fantino, Director of Establishment and Services, Espoir Provence

Details of the air conditioning installation of the Association Espoir Provence