Bosch launches VRF in the UK
13th January 2016UK: Bosch, the well-known German engineering and electronics company, has announced the launch of a range of VRF air conditioning units in the UK.
The launch this month coincides with similar launches in a number of countries across Europe, including Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Poland. The launch follows the joint venture with Chinese manufacturer Midea – first revealed by the Cooling Post last April.
The Bosch Climate 5000 VRF offers outputs from 8kW to 200kW. The heat recovery system boasts an EER of 7.0 at 50% load (8hp) and an SEER of up to 8.0. Each module’s ability to provide continuous heating whilst simultaneously performing a defrost cycle, ensures high performance in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 48°C.
The Climate 5000 VRF is available in a three-pipe heat recovery system, a two-pipe heat pump VRF system, and a mini heat pump system. The mini heat pump series can be upgraded to provide single zone control of an internal unit using just one outdoor unit with an attached switch box, making it the ideal solution for small residential houses, commercial buildings and small retail businesses.
The inverter-driven compressors within the RDCI (all DC inverter heat recovery) and SDCI (all DC inverter heat pump) series are said to maximise reliability and allow each system to operate with up to 1,000m of pipework.
Bosch also claims that its patented air cooling technology for the inverter module allows more effective cooling of electrical components for better all-round performance. The grille design combined with an increased heat exchanger area and transfer coefficient, means the control box can reach temperatures as low as 8°C.
In addition, what is described as a pioneering fan design on the larger units provides an overall performance boost with a 14.3% increase in air volume and a noise reduction of up to 4dB. The four-blade fan and three-blade fan offered by the entire RDCI range and SDCI modules from 12hp-18hp coupled with a night time function, is said to create the perfect solution for projects associated with domestic properties.
Along with the new VRF system, Bosch is also offering a centralised controller capable of controlling up to 1,024 units individually, and allowing energy consumption for every unit to be monitored using a smart phone, tablet, or PC. An SMS service linked to the system is also available, which will send a report text message should a unit fail.
Announcing the launch in the UK, business development director Geoff Hobbs said: “Those within the building services industry are increasingly faced with the challenge of recommending and installing flexible heating and hot water systems with the ability to maximise efficiency. With this in mind, we’ve taken the decision to introduce a VRF system which offers maximum heating and cooling comfort efficiently, and on a large scale.”
Geoff added: “Our decision to enter the UK air conditioning market means those working within the sector can rely on the expertise and experience of a global brand with a wealth of knowledge of the UK building services sector.”
Related stories:
Bosch enters VRF joint venture with Midea – April 1, 2015
GERMANY: Bosch has announced plans to establish a joint venture with Chinese manufacturer Midea to manufacture VRF air conditioners. Read more…