Daikin will present a new direct current (DC)-powered chiller concept for marine HVAC systems at SMM 2026. Designed for direct connection to onboard DC electrical distribution systems, the concept targets hybrid and fully electric vessels using architectures that can integrate batteries, fuel cells, DC power generation systems and, where applicable, renewable energy sources.
The new concept, presented as “A New Approach to Marine HVAC: Direct Current-Powered Chillers,” combines established marine refrigeration technologies with an architecture integrating DC/AC inverters and a pre-charge system. According to Daikin, the approach has the potential to reduce power conversion losses, increase overall HVAC system efficiency, simplify power quality management and enable more compact installations.
Daikin will also showcase its marine HVAC portfolio, including VZ inverter screw chillers with cooling capacities from 300 to 2,000 kW (approx. 85 to 569 tons) and hot water production up to 90°C (194°F). For higher capacities, DWSC centrifugal chillers with a single compressor cover 790 to 3,350 kW (approx. 225 to 953 tons), while the DWDC dual centrifugal compressor range extends capacity to 9 MW (approx. 2,559 tons).
The portfolio also includes J Series water-to-water heat pumps with hydraulic-side reversibility, available from 90 to 285 kW (approx. 26 to 81 tons). Overall, Daikin’s marine water-cooled chiller range spans 90 kW to 9 MW (approx. 26 to 2,559 tons), alongside DX solutions.
Daikin reports more than 300 MW (approx. 85,300 tons) of installed cooling capacity in the marine sector across applications including cruise ships, ferries, superyachts, offshore units and research vessels. The company also provides project support from initial design and Factory Acceptance Testing through commissioning, after-sales service and spare parts availability, with FAT available at dedicated production facilities in Italy for systems up to 10 MW (approx. 2,843 tons).
