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Daikin launches VKM-JM, a next generation decentralised fresh air unit expanding its R-32 VRV portfolio

Brussels, 17 June 2026 – Daikin Europe N.V. announces the launch of the VKM-JM, a next-generation decentralised ventilation unit for commercial applications that combines fresh-air treatment, humidity control, and heat recovery in a single system. With airflow capacities ranging from 500 to 1,000 m³/h, the unit integrates heat recovery, humidity management, pre-cooling/heating, and filtration, while its compact design and automatic airflow adjustment, support flexible installation in space-constrained environments.

Designed for offices, retail and hospitality, VKM-JM supplies fresh air year-round while reducing the load on connected heat pumps or air-conditioning systems.

Integrated air treatment for consistent indoor conditions

At the core of VKM-JM are an integrated DX coil and humidifier, enabling post-treatment of outdoor air and control of both supply-air temperature and humidity, regardless of external conditions. This prevents overly dry indoor air during winter, and limits humidity peaks in warmer periods. The system therefore supports more stable indoor conditions while reducing dependence on downstream HVAC equipment. 

A paper heat exchanger recovers both thermal energy and moisture from exhaust air. Compared to the previous generation, VKM-JM achieves:

  • up to 10% higher enthalpy efficiency

  • up to 74% total heat recovery (VKM50, high fan speed, heating mode)

Improved airtightness further reduces energy losses. To further optimise performance in operation, the unit has:

  • night-time free cooling by using bypass operation to remove accumulated heat and reduce next-day cooling demand

  • an optional CO₂ sensor, enabling demand-controlled ventilation based on actual CO₂ levels

 

The new VKM covers all aspects of indoor air quality

Designed to address on-site installation challenges

VKM-JM is designed to simplify installation and ensure consistent airflow in real conditions. In practice, duct systems often deviate from the original design, which can lead to incorrect airflow levels and reduced performance. To address this, the unit features automatic airflow adjustment, which:

  • automatically selects the proper fan curve

  • maintains the target airflow despite changes in duct resistance

This reduces commissioning time and helps ensure stable operation over the system’s lifetime.

“Commercial projects require HVAC solutions that perform not only in design, but also in installation and operation,” says George Dimou, Section Manager Commercial DX Products. “With VKM-JM, we combine air treatment, control and integration in one unit, helping to reduce system complexity while maintaining consistent indoor conditions.”

Integration within Daikin’s VRV ecosystem

VKM-JM connects directly to VRV IV and VRV 5 systems, supporting a fully integrated approach to ventilation and air conditioning in commercial buildings. By combining fresh-air treatment with VRV-based temperature control, the system simplifies design and ensures coordinated operation across all components.

VRV 5 - Supporting low-carbon building solutions

The launch of VKM-JM further expands Daikin’s VRV 5 R-32 portfolio, developed to support the company’s long-term decarbonisation goals.

Daikin VRV 5 systems:

  • use R-32 refrigerant to reduce environmental impact compared to R-410A systems

  • align with the EU F-gas phase-down trajectory

  • support building certification schemes such as BREEAM, LEED and WELL through lifecycle transparency (EPDs)

Key features

  • All-in-one system - Integrated DX coil and humidifier for precise temperature and humidity control

  • Heat recovery and efficiency - Up to 74% enthalpy recovery and +10% efficiency improvement vs. previous generation

  • Indoor air quality control - Continuous fresh-air supply with demand-controlled ventilation and humidity settings

  • VRV compatibility - Direct connection to VRV 5 (R-32) and VRV IV (R-410A) systems

  • Simplified installation - Decentralised concept with Automatic Airflow Adjustment for reliable commissioning

  • Energy-saving operation - Night-time free cooling and CO₂-based airflow control

  • Controls and connectivity - Integration with Daikin Cloud Plus for monitoring and control

  • Compliance and future readiness - Support lower-GWP transition and complies with Ecodesign requirements

 

Air flow is automatically adjusted to match the actual duct resistance

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, the 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 employes over 103,500 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 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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