MINNEAPOLIS — The new Daikin McQuay Applied Development Center has opened its doors in Plymouth, Minn. According to the companies, the purpose of the new center is to develop and test advanced chiller, compressor, and other HVAC technologies to reduce energy consumption and ultimately the carbon footprint of the buildings where they will be used.

“In 2006, McQuay International became a member of Daikin Group, creating a tremendous synergy to serve residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) markets as the industry leading solution provider globally,” said Katsuhiko Takagi, senior executive officer, Daikin Industries Ltd., and chairman and CEO of McQuay International. “This Applied Development Center will allow the Daikin Group to fully leverage these strengths and accelerate the development of applied products that support the environment, energy savings, innovation, leadership, and the best customer comfort.”

The 49,000-square-foot research center, located at McQuay world headquarters, is an advanced facility for HVAC research and development, according to McQuay. The facility includes six test cells, with space for two additional cells in the future, that will facilitate the development of air- and water- cooled chillers, compressors, and heat pumps as well as new air conditioning systems. Included are a worldwide range of electrical voltages/frequencies, capacities for testing up to 1,800-ton systems, and a range of procedures for testing ambient conditions (temperature and humidity).

“The Applied Development Center can simulate building, electrical, and climate conditions of any location throughout the world, allowing the basic design development of new products to be centrally located in this facility,” said Takenori Miyamoto, general manager of the Applied Development Center. “These ‘global models’ are then arranged into a suitable design to match market requirements at our existing regional development centers throughout the world.”

McQuay officials have applied for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for the facility.

For more information on Daikin, visit www.daikin.com. For more information on McQuay, visit www.mcquay.com.

Publication date: 06/01/2009