Article by Olivia Rabbi
In the world of indoor air–conditioning, product and performance certifications look at sustainability, healthiness and energy efficiency. And they help accelerate and stimulate research and technological innovation. As Samuele Fratini, Product Manager AC of HVAC Business at Samsung Electronics Italia, explains, «as a company we distinguish ourselves on the air conditioning market thanks to WindFree, our unique and patented technology which, through thousands of micro-holes, allows air to spread evenly, thus avoiding annoying direct air jets. Samsung has adopted various types of certifications for its WindFree air conditioners, both mandatory and voluntary.
The different certifications
«Among the mandatory ones, which are known to be much more stringent in Europe than in other areas, are safety–related certifications such as CE marking – Fratini says –. Regarding energy efficiency and sustainability, various certifications are adopted, such as ErP certification, which establishes minimum product efficiency requirements, promoting eco-design and efficient use of energy.
Energy labelling, on the other hand, ensures more transparent communication in the areas of efficiency, consumption and noise. Still in the area of efficiency, there are certifications relating to the environmental impact of products using fluorinated gases. They aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by requiring the use of refrigerants with a reduced global warming potential (GWP). Finally, the WindFree range is equipped with advanced air filtration technologies, such as the Tri–Care filter, with Intertek–certified efficacy. It filters out viruses, bacteria and allergens in the treated air».
The impact on design and production
«The certification process – Fratini explains – has an impact on the design and production of air conditioners. Particularly with regard to compliance with ErP and F–Gas regulations. R&D teams must develop innovative technologies and components, such as improving insulation and optimising the refrigeration cycle of machines, to meet minimum efficiency requirements, such as SEER and SCOP. Samsung’s investment of more than $19 billion per year in R&D demonstrates the importance of technological innovation for the company».
«Similarly – Fratini adds – the F-Gas regulation and ErP are pushing towards a reduction in the use of refrigerants with high GWP. Naturally, the different refrigerant impacts the entire product design, affecting the compressor and the machine’s safety measures». As Fratini points out, in the air-conditioning world, «these certifications have stimulated manufacturers to introduce variable frequency (inverter) motors, rather than the old on/off ones. Moreover, today’s compressors are much more efficient and quieter. As far as refrigerants are concerned, for some years now there has been widespread use of the refrigerant gas R32. It has a lower environmental impact (675) than its predecessor R410 (2088)».
