JAPAN – Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) have announced that, beginning in early March, they are to progressively launch three new series of air-conditioners for residential use, 17 models in all, into the Japanese market. The new SS Series will consist of 6 models featuring an outstanding annual performance factor (APF), designed to show annual energy consumption efficiency, while the functionally advanced RS Series will now  include 5 models equipped with automatic filter cleaning and the standard TS Series will incorporate 6 models.

MHI have revealed that all of the models across all three series will be equipped with their powerful “JET” and “WARP” operating modes. The JET mode is designed to deliver an especially large airflow, while the WARP mode is better for rapid cooling or heating. An “Automatic Airflow” function also comes as a standard option, which automatically controls the airflow volume and direction with the goal of achieving uniform temperature throughout a room. The company hope that these new functions will ensure maximum comfort in all home settings.

MHI also disclosed that the new TS Series models have been engineered with a special focus on environmental performance and feature a new refrigerant, R32, with a global warming potential (GWP) approximately one-third that of R410A.

The company stated that the SS Series models are fitted with a motion sensor function that detects the level of ambient human movement and automatically controls the room temperature accordingly. If the sensor detects that no one is present in a room, the unit reduces the capacity to prevent unnecessary cooling or heating, similarly if no one is in the room for a lengthy period, the operation will be stopped automatically. However, when someone subsequently enters the room, the unit then restarts the operation. MHI believe that this function will result in the SS Series models significantly helping to save energy.

It is also possible to use the SS Series air conditioners in tandem with the 4 models in the SHK Series of hybrid evaporative warm-mist humidifiers. In this case, the humidifier will start or stop operating automatically in accordance with signals it receives from the air conditioner, based on information detected by the air conditioner’s humidity sensor.