2018 is set to be a huge year for Hitachi with a long list of product releases planned in coming months. CCN talks to Temperzone brand manager, Damien Walsh, about what Australian customers can expect locally.
CCN: Before we begin can you tell us a little about Hitachi's history in the Australian market?
Walsh: It has been almost 10 years since Temperzone became the sole distributor of Hitachi Air Conditioning products in Australia and New Zealand. Prior to Temperzone taking over distribution, Hitachi Air Conditioning had been in the Australian market for about 25 years.
CCN: How does the partnership work?
Walsh: The relationship between Temperzone and Hitachi has perfect synergy. It provides a wide scope of products and solutions to the Australian and New Zealand market place via Temperzone's large network of sales offices and warehousing through branches in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and dedicated distributors in Newcastle and Hobart. It means that as a business we can offer a wide range of products from high wall split systems, ducted split systems, rooftop package units, to water cooled and chilled water products.
Our range extends from a 2.5kW Wall mounted split system to a 1400kW Chiller and everything in between. It is one of the most comprehensive ranges of air conditioning product available in Australia and NZ. It works particularly well when we can supply both brands in a single project. A great example of this are warehouse and administration projects where Temperzone rooftop units are used in the warehouse while Hitachi VRF is used in the administration areas, or projects using Temperzone chilled water fan coil units with Hitachi screw chillers.
CCN: So what can expect in the year ahead?
Walsh: We have an extensive range of new products being released and we are also focusing on marketing and support tools like the development of new mobile applications for both our residential and commercial customers.
New product releases in 2018 will include: a completely new VRF range, a new R32 high wall split range, new R32 mini cassette and ducted units, a completely revised modular chiller range and new inverter ducted systems. On top of this there are a range of new controls for virtually all the equipment.
First up is Hitachi's new Set free sigma series. The new VRF range boasts increased single module capacity with the largest single module at 24HP. We have increased and improved the range of indoor units including several new ducted models.
Additional features include improved EER and inverter control, higher maximum pipe lengths and ambient temperature than the current models. There are also new multi branch boxes for heat recovery with one to 16 ports to allow for more design flexibility.
A major part of VRF applications is the controls. We are planning on launching the new EX Central Controller late this year.
It can manage up to Max. 2,560 IDU (Max. 2048 Group Easy to watch and easy to use by adopting 12.1 inch touch panel screen) Its operation data storage is on memory card (SD card or USB).
CCN: What are your plans for high wall split systems?
Walsh: During 2018 we are transitioning from our current high wall split range to two separate high wall split ranges. These are the 'E' and 'S' series of the Hitachi R32 product. This will allow us to meet more of our customer's needs. The 'S' series features a programmable motion sensor, nano titanium filter, auto restart after power failure, higher AEER, and an advanced remote controller with a weekly timer function and leave home functions.
Both the 'E' and the 'S' series can be controlled with an optional wall controller and with the new Hi-Kumo Wi-Fi application, which is also due to be released this year. The Hitachi app has a setup process that prompts the user with questions such as 'do you feel cold?' or 'are you home on the weekends?' and then automatically preconfigures some of the temperature and timer settings for you.
CCN: Will ducted systems and mini cassettes be covered as well?
Walsh: During 2018 we will also be launching a limited range of range of R32 ducted split systems and mini cassettes. The ducted systems will be 5-7kW with a height of 270mm. These will be perfect to consider for the apartment market or small commercial applications.
The mini cassette which has dimensions of 570x570mm is perfect for residential and small commercial applications. The mini cassettes will be available in 5kW and 6kW capacities. Both cassettes and ducted systems will have control features that are similar to the high wall products.
Towards the end of the year we are also planning to release a new range of Hitachi inverter ducted split systems with a capacity range from 7-28kW inverter. The new range will include 11 models from low height, low static to high static models and will come with new controllers that have zoning capability and many more features.
CCN: You also mentioned a revised chiller range?
Walsh: We recently launched our new R134A (AH2) chiller range which has its largest single module at 225kW. This range has improved capacity line up as well as improved design, service access and durability.
Hitachi has also changed the heat exchanger design to reduce pressure drop, which reduces site costs. Temperzone stock a range of air cooled chillers as we are aware many projects have critical lead times particularly in the replacement market.
CCN: How does Hitachi differentiate itself from the rest of the market?
Walsh: The Hitachi Air Conditioning Brand has the twin benefits of an exceptional product offering that is fully integrated into the Temperzone business system in both Australia and New Zealand. Dealing with Temperzone means you have product, sales and end to end support all under one roof.
Temperzone has over 60 years of HVAC industry experience and teams that have great commercial depth. We own and operate our own warehousing, which allows for greater stocking and delivery flexibility.
CCN: I understand your plans also include supporting contractors?
Walsh: Temperzone and Hitachi have an ongoing commitment to support contractors and all our trade channel customers.
Hitachi specifically is making a substantial investment in new product, data access applications, sales and marketing tools, new selection tools for commercial and residential contractors, as well as new partnership and loyalty programs.
CCN: Is the focus more on commercial or residential?
Walsh: We are committed to both the commercial and residential markets. As Temperzone is already well known in the commercial space, we will be structuring programs to support both markets and we are planning to expand more into the residential area.
CCN: Can we expect to see you at ARBS?
Walsh: We have plenty of things happening for ARBS. Our stand will have the new Hitachi high wall split systems, R32 ducted and cassette units as well as VRF and central control systems. We will also have some offers and a major prize to be won, not to mention coffee and plenty of great staff available for a chat. Come and check it out.