Daikin has introduced a complete R-290 (propane) product range covering capacities from 17 to 2,000 kW (approx. 58,000 to 6.82 million BTU/h). The portfolio includes two families: the EWA(Y)K-CZ monobloc units from 17 to 85 kW (approx. 58,000 to 290,000 BTU/h), available in heat pump and cooling-only versions, and the modular EWYK-QZ heat pumps, scalable up to 2,000 kW. The range is designed to support decarbonisation in residential, commercial and industrial applications using the natural refrigerant R-290 with ultra-low GWP. The EWYK-QZ will be available for orders from 1 April, while the EWA(Y)K-CZ will be available from mid-May.
Across the entire capacity range, Daikin applies its “Daikin Safety Shield” concept. The system requires an independent 230V power supply for all safety devices, provided by the customer, to ensure operation under all conditions, including failure of the unit’s main power supply. If the safety power supply is inactive or incorrectly connected, the unit will not start and remains in standby mode. The electrical switchbox is continuously pressurized and equipped with refrigerant leak detection, ATEX-certified ventilation, and visual and acoustic alarms. The R-290 refrigerant is factory-charged into dedicated storage tanks, and the circuit includes mechanical safety valves with controlled discharge to the outside if required. In case of a detected leak, the unit can shut down safely and a shut-off valve isolates the hydronic circuit.
The EWA(Y)K-CZ air-to-water monobloc range addresses applications up to 85 kW (approx. 290,000 BTU/h). The heat pump version can deliver leaving water temperatures up to 75°C (167°F) using vapor injection technology, supporting both new installations and boiler replacement projects without changing existing heat emitters. The cooling-only version provides a minimum chilled water temperature down to -15°C (5°F) with glycol. Units operate within an outdoor air temperature range from -20°C to +46°C (-4°F to 115°F). They feature Daikin-designed inverter-driven scroll compressors and inverter-equipped fans developed in-house, enabling modulation for variable load applications such as multi-family residential buildings, hospitality and small- to medium-sized enterprises.
For higher capacities, the EWYK-QZ range uses a modular architecture that enables multi-array configurations up to 2,000 kW (approx. 6.82 million BTU/h) operating as a single system. The units are equipped as standard with inverter-driven scroll compressors and EC brushless fans. Combined with modularity, this allows continuous capacity adjustment according to demand and supports part-load efficiency. Control is structured on two levels: a multiple unit sequencer manages base modules within a single array, while multi-array configurations are supervised by the Daikin Intelligent Chiller Manager (iCM), which optimises load distribution and sequencing.
Due to the use of R-290 refrigerant, installation is limited to qualified and authorised personnel. Commissioning must be registered via Daikin’s e-Care application to ensure traceability of start-up operations and alignment with the original design intent. According to the company, this structured approach supports safety, operational consistency and long-term system reliability throughout the lifecycle.
