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Daikin launches Vertical DX AHUs for VRV & ERA

Brussels, Belgium, 6 February 2026 – Daikin launches the new Vertical DX series in its air handling unit (AHU) product portfolio, engineered to deliver high levels of comfort and outstanding energy efficiency in large indoor spaces. This plug-and-play, floor-standing air handling unit for direct expansion (DX) air conditioning systems is designed to operate in combination with Daikin VRV or ERA systems. The Vertical DX unit is in stock and available in right-hand and left-hand configurations, with a nominal cooling or heating capacity of 25 kW.

Plug-and-play air handling unit for large indoor spaces

Large indoor environments, such as sports halls, logistics warehouses, distribution centres, and multi purpose halls, have air treatment requirements that differ significantly from those of conventional commercial buildings.

Air conditioning systems for these applications must address large air volumes while ensuring adequate indoor air quality and energy efficiency under highly variable operating conditions. A key challenge is the combination of high airflow rates and fluctuating load profiles. Occupancy can vary considerably over time, with peak demand limited to specific operating periods or events.

These ventilation systems need to modulate airflow accurately, avoiding oversizing and unnecessary energy consumption during partial-load operation. Air distribution effectiveness is another critical aspect. Large floor areas and high ceiling heights make it difficult to ensure uniform air renewal in occupied zones. Poor air distribution can lead to thermal stratification, stagnant areas or draughts, negatively affecting comfort and overall system performance.

Installation constraints also play a major role, particularly in existing buildings. Limited technical space, the need to minimise invasive works and the requirement to maintain building operation often limit the feasibility of traditional centralised systems, especially in retrofit projects.

Within this context, the new Vertical DX air handling unit, designed for indoor installation and decentralised ventilation, offers an effective technical solution. A decentralised approach enables localised ventilation closer to occupied areas, reducing pressure losses and simplifying ductwork. Multiple small-capacity units allow precise modulation of airflow and energy use, operating only where and when required. In addition, the compact, floor-mounted design facilitates integration into existing buildings and partial retrofit projects, providing flexibility with minimal impact on ongoing operations.

Key technical reasons to choose the vertical DX air handling unit

Reason #1: Smart design for installation flexibility

The Vertical DX AHU is designed to maximise installation flexibility while reducing on-site work and simplifying the overall system layout. In many applications, the unit can be installed without any ductwork, making installation – particularly in existing buildings – much faster, easier, and more adaptable, while also allowing the unit to be relocated if required. However, when a more uniform and efficient air distribution is needed, the unit can also be connected to ductwork using dedicated accessories. It is available in three configurations – front grill, sides or top grille version – allowing adaptation to different air distribution strategies and space constraints. Additional flexibility is provided by the option to position connections on either the right- or left-hand side, simplifying integration into a wide range of technical layouts.

Reason #2: Integrated DX solution for high energy efficiency

A factory-installed and fully wired DX kit allows refrigerant to circulate directly within the air handling unit, eliminating the need for an intermediate water circuit. This results in improved overall system efficiency, reduced installation footprint and increased compactness, with no requirement for external components or additional piping.

Reason #3: Optimised performance across all seasons

Equipped with direct expansion coils and combined with Daikin VRV or ERA condensing units, the Vertical DX unit delivers high energy efficiency and reliable operation throughout the year. The system automatically adapts to varying thermal loads, ensuring stable comfort under a wide range of climatic and operating conditions. Its wide operating range and flexibility make it suitable for both new installations and retrofit projects.

Reason #4: Advanced control and scalable connectivity

Precise temperature control is ensured through a factory-mounted return air temperature sensor or an optional BRC1H remote controller, which can be installed locally or remotely. Z Control technology enables multiple Vertical DX units to be connected to a single outdoor unit, supporting scalable and flexible system configurations. Furthermore, the unit is fully compatible with centralised control systems, allowing seamless integration into existing building management architectures.

Reason #5: Reduced carbon footprint and retrofit readiness

The Vertical DX unit supports decarbonization strategies by promoting the adoption of high-efficiency direct expansion solutions in select applications. Compatibility with low-GWP refrigerants such as R-32, together with high system efficiency, helps to reduce environmental impact. Thanks to its flexibility, it is well suited for upgrade projects and partial retrofit interventions in existing buildings, integrating with current system configurations.

Reason #6: Plug-and-play installation

Delivered fully pre-assembled and factory-wired, the Vertical DX unit enables fast, plug-and-play installation with minimal on-site work. It can operate without ductwork or can be adapted for ducted applications using optional accessories. The control panel can be positioned on either side of the unit, providing additional flexibility during installation.

Comprehensive air handling unit (AHU) portfolio

Daikin offers a comprehensive portfolio of air handling units designed to cover a wide range of applications, from processing applications such as industrial and pharmaceutical, to comfort solutions for offices, residential buildings and hotels. The Daikin Professional Unit is a highly flexible and customizable AHU, ideal for industrial applications. It provides a tailored solution that helps reduce the total cost of ownership and carbon footprint, making it a smart choice for energy-efficient and sustainable building projects.

Daikin’s AHU portfolio includes the Compact range, comprising the Compact L, Compact R and Compact T units, each designed for specific installation needs and airflow capacities.

  • Daikin Product News • Compact L: Designed for false ceiling installations, optimising space in environments with limited floor areas, such as offices, shops and commercial spaces. Available in six sizes, it features a Premium Counterflow Heat Exchanger and supports airflow from 150 m³/h to 4,000 m³/h.
  • Compact R: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations, available in seven sizes. It features a heat recovery system with sensible and sorption heat wheel technology, handling airflow from 200 m³/h to 6,000 m³/h.
  • Compact T: Equipped with top-mounted duct connections, allowing easy integration of ductwork in spaces with lateral constraints or where side walls are occupied by other equipment, providing maximum installation flexibility.

Download the brochure

About Daikin Europe N.V.

The Daikin Europe Group is a leading provider of heating, cooling, ventilation, air purification and refrigeration (HVAC-R) technology in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Daikin Europe caters to a diverse customer base within this region by designing, manufacturing, and marketing an extensive range of products, maintenance services, and turnkey solutions tailored for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The company employs over 13,800 employees through 58 subsidiaries and operates 15 manufacturing sites in Europe (12), Turkey (1) and the Middle East (2). Daikin’s refrigeration products are available under the Daikin, Tewis, Zanotti, Hubbard, and AHT brands. Headquartered in Ostend, Belgium, for over 50 years, the Daikin Europe group is a subsidiary of the global group Daikin Industries.

About Daikin Industries Ltd.

Daikin Industries (DIL) is a global leader in heat pump, air conditioning and air filtration technology. The company employs over 100,000 employees worldwide. Founded in Osaka in 1924, it is the only manufacturer in the world that develops and manufactures heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, as well as compressors and refrigerants in-house. Daikin was named one of the world’s top 100 most innovative companies by Clarivate (UK) and LexisNexis (USA), recognized for its leadership in technology research and intellectual property patents. For its fiscal year 2024 Daikin reported a record sales result of € 28,98 billion sales (1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025).

Read more on www.daikin.eu and www.daikin.com.

Media Contacts Daikin Europe N.V.

Sofie Sap – T.:  +32 472 580482 Mail: sap.s@daikineurope.com

Daisuke Kakinaga – T.: +32 465 462321 Mail: kakinaga.d@bxl.daikineurope.com

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