Panasonic Corporation - Experts & Thought Leaders

Airzone Control, a provider of HVAC solutions for zoning, automation, and smart control, announces a revolutionary new integration with the full portfolio of Nest™ thermostats. The integration between the Airzone Aidoo Pro and Nest smart thermostats (Nest Thermostat™ and Nest Learning Thermostat™) enables seamless bi-directional communication between the Inverter/VRF and mini-split HVAC units that are soaring in popularity. Two Expanding Categories The Inverter/VRF solutions market is expected to reach $31.9 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 12.7% between 2021 and 2025. The global smart thermostat market is expanding in parallel and is expected to triple by 2028 as more users gravitate towards innovative solutions that provide control over a critical component of indoor spaces: heating and cooling. While these are two of the fastest-growing categories in the HVAC industry, there is a costly roadblock. The core problem arises from these two technologies growing and evolving in sole settings The core problem stems from these two technologies developing and evolving in isolated environments. These systems fail to communicate complex instructions effectively due to inadequate two-way communication. Without a solution in between, Inverter/VRF and mini-split solutions deployed with a smart thermostat are incompatible. The resulting communication breakdown between the two forces the HVAC system to revert back to single-speed operations, undermining the full potential and sophisticated features of the system. Inverter/VRF and mini-split HVAC systems Simplified, smart thermostats and HVAC units speak different languages. Since Inverter/VRF and mini-split HVAC systems are traditionally adjusted by means of their own communication protocol, and the output for the smart thermostat is a dry contact closure, the full picture is never effectively communicated back to the heating/cooling system and critical information is missing. Within this scenario, the smart thermostat is unable to provide information about how hard the system should be working or the deviation from the desired set point temperature. As a result, the system cannot modulate output to precisely match the temperature needs of an environment, and the air handling unit (AHU) becomes forced to operate at maximum capacity, creating inefficiency and discomfort. The Solution Backed By Expertise Airzone Aidoo Pro is an easy-to-install plan add-on that sits between HVAC system and Nest The Airzone Aidoo Pro is a simple-to-install system add-on that sits between the HVAC system and the Nest smart thermostat and serves as a conduit between the world of HVAC and IoT to preserve Inverter/VRF features, benefits, and functionality while meeting user demand for smart control. Airzone’s exclusive library of manufacturer-certified HVAC protocols enables full bi-directional communication between the Aidoo Pro, the HVAC solution, and the Nest Thermostat or Nest Learning Thermostat. The Aidoo Pro receives smart thermostat data, interprets it, and then sends the appropriate commands to the Inverter/VRF or mini split unit via system-specific, manufacturer-certified protocols. Inverter/VRF solution The Inverter/VRF solution continues to function at a variable rate, preserving the superior comfort and efficiency of the system. Airzone has spent decades cultivating privileged working relationships with the industry’s pioneering HVAC Inverter/VRF and mini-split manufacturers. The Aidoo Pro has manufacturer-certified HVAC protocols from all pioneering brands The Aidoo Pro has manufacturer-certified HVAC protocols from all pioneering brands, including Daikin, Fujitsu, Hitachi, LG, Mitsubishi Electric, and Panasonic. Now, with a dedicated integration with Nest, the industry’s most popular smart thermostat solutions can be connected to and properly control Inverter/VRF and mini-split HVAC systems using the Aidoo Pro. Author's quote “Our integration with the Nest smart thermostats through Aidoo Pro represents an unprecedented leap forward for our industry,” said Antonio Mediato, founder, and CEO of Airzone. “This brings together two of the industry’s fastest-growing sectors in a way that was previously thought impossible. With Nest as our valued partner, together we are setting a new standard for the industry and redefining what is possible in the world of HVAC and IoT.” Both Airzone and Google Nest will be at the upcoming AHR Expo taking place in Chicago January 22-24, 2024. For the opportunity to learn more about the Aidoo Pro/Nest integration in person, be sure to visit Airzone at AHR Expo 2024 at booth S8659 and the Google Nest Pro team at booth N1549.

Calling all plumbers and installers of heating systems! The highly anticipated Installer Show is back, and Panasonic is excited to be a part of it once again. From June 27th to 29th, 2023, make sure to visit Stand D20 at the Installer Show 2023, which is taking place at NEC, Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK), where Panasonic will be showcasing the latest innovations in low carbon heating and cooling technology, smart building monitoring tools, and PRO Partner benefits. Panasonic’s latest innovations at Installer Show 2023 At the Installer Show 2023, Panasonic has prepared a series of expert-led, short 15-minute talks At the Installer Show 2023, Panasonic has prepared a series of expert-led, short 15-minute talks that attendees wouldn’t want to miss. Starting from 10:30 am and continuing every hour until 3:30 pm each day, Panasonic’s team of specialists will cover a wide range of topics specifically designed to simplify the process of specifying, installing, and maintaining heating, cooling, and hot water systems. Here’s a sneak peek of the Expert Talks: 10.30 am - Air to Water Smart Cloud: Join them for an overview of Panasonic's Smart Cloud and Service Cloud IoT solutions. Discover how this app enables remote control and monitoring of heating, cooling, and hot water functions. It's an advanced cost and energy-saving tool that will benefit both installers and homeowners. 11.30 am – Get Wiser with Panasonic: Learn all about Panasonic's collaboration with Wiser, a smart energy monitoring system. Gain valuable knowledge on how the Panasonic account can seamlessly integrate with the Wiser home app. This integration will display the heat pump status and help homeowners save energy and costs throughout their entire home. 12.30 pm - Panasonic Aquarea L series Heat Pumps: Be the first to witness the launch of Panasonic's new Aquarea L series of air-to-water heat pumps in the United Kingdom (UK). These pumps utilize the natural refrigerant R290 and are perfect for retrofit applications and renovating homes with existing radiators. 1.30 pm – Benefits of Panasonic PRO-Partner membership: Discover everything that is needed to know about the Panasonic PRO Partner scheme, specially designed to support installers. Learn how to become a PRO Partner and unlock a complete range of benefits, including extended warranty, design tools and software, business support, and reward points, among many other exciting perks. 2.30 pm – TOTAL CAPACITY: Air-to-Water T-CAP Heat Pumps: Panasonic's experts will dive deep into the Aquarea T-Cap, a must-have for high-quality heating and cooling performance even in extreme outdoor temperatures. Whether working on retrofit projects or new builds, learn how the Aquarea T-Cap air source heat pump can deliver outstanding results. 3.30 pm - ECOi-W R290 Reversible Air-to-Water Heat Pump: Panasonic will also unveil their brand new ECOi-W range of air-to-water heat pumps, specifically designed for larger commercial applications that utilise the low GWP R290 refrigerant. Discover the reliability, quality, and full customization options that make this solution ideal for meeting customers' unique needs. Panasonic’s Technological innovations and smart building tools Jose Alves, the UK Country Manager for Panasonic comments: “Don't miss out on these invaluable insights! Join us at Stand D20 and participate in our expert-led talks at the Installer Show 2023.” He adds, “Let Panasonic empower you with the latest technological innovations, smart building tools, and partner benefits, making your job of specifying, installing, and maintaining heating, cooling, and hot water systems as simple as possible.”

Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions is enhancing its range of air conditioners with the new, wall-mounted TZ ZKE, which has the air cleaning nanoe™ X technology built-in as standard. Designed to fit in the smallest spaces of any home, the TZ offers smart comfort in a compact unit with an energy efficiency rating of up to A++ for both heating and cooling. New TZ ZKE featuring nanoe™ X technology Panasonic’s innovative nanoe™ X technology produces hydroxyl radicals, which are abundant in nature Panasonic’s innovative nanoe™ X technology produces hydroxyl radicals, which are abundant in nature and have the capacity to inhibit five types of pollutants and allergens, including certain viruses and bacteria, as well as odors, so as to clean and deodorize hard surfaces and soft furnishings. nanoe™ X works independently from the heating and cooling operation, when the unit is in fan mode, thus improving protection and the indoor environment, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Wall-mounted indoor units feature compact design The wall-mounted indoor units come in a compact design with a width of just 779 mm. This allows for greater flexibility with more installation possibilities, for example the limited space above a doorframe. The unit’s chassis and parts have been specifically designed for simple installation and servicing. For the ultimate comfort, the TZ features Panasonic’s Aerowings: two independent blades that concentrate airflow to cool a room down in the shortest time possible and which help distribute the air throughout the room evenly. Aerowing blades ensure control over the direction of airflow The two Aerowing blades allow for more control over the direction of airflow The two Aerowing blades allow for more control over the direction of airflow, in order to ensure no spot is subject to a continuous icy blast. It also operates at a super quiet level at down to just 20dB (A) to ensure minimal distraction in the home. The air conditioner has built-in Wi-Fi that allows easy connection to the internet and features advanced smart control and voice control, compatible with leading voice assistants in the market, improving user experience. Compatible with Panasonic Comfort Cloud app TZ is compatible with Panasonic Comfort Cloud app, which is designed to easily manage all system functions via a smart device. It allows for increased energy efficiency and cost-savings thanks to the ability to remotely control air conditioners and monitor energy consumption. The units are available in 7 capacities from 2kW to 7kW for single split combination. The indoor units are compatible with Panasonic Multi Split.

The year 2020 will forever be remembered for the global pandemic that transformed almost every aspect of our lives. COVID-19 impacted the HVAC market, as it did most other business sectors. However, HVAC also rose to a new level of prominence at the center of the pandemic, both as a potential cause of virus spread and as a source of solutions to fight the virus. This article will highlight the intersection of HVAC and COVID-19 based on articles published during 2020 at HVACinformed.com. Impact Of COVID On HVAC In an HVACInformed.com Expert Roundtable Discussion, several industry experts weighed in on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the HVAC market. Contractors were either not allowed to or were reluctant to enter people’s homes for sales and installation purposes, resulting in decreased demand and, ultimately, decreased sales. However, during extraordinary times, it was encouraging to see a renewed focus on something the HVAC industry has been delivering for years – comfort. Survey By Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) A survey by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) gathered insights on the effect the coronavirus pandemic is having on the HVAC industry. The survey in March indicated 65% of respondents expected COVID-19 to translate into long-term business viability concerns; 9% were concerned their businesses may not survive. HVAC industry employees were included among “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers as designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Roles Of Ventilation HVAC technicians and companies have risen to the challenges of social distancing and wearing masks There was increasing awareness of the role of air ventilation in fighting the virus. There has been renewed interest in air filtration, not to mention the benefits of UV-C to mitigate to mitigate germs circulating in the air. Furthermore, HVAC technicians and companies have risen to the challenges of social distancing and wearing masks as they are invited into customers’ homes and businesses during the pandemic. Resources To Maximize HVAC Systems ASHRAE developed resources to help maximize how HVAC systems can have a positive impact as the coronavirus spreads. The society recommends strategies such as dilution ventilation, laminar and other in-room flow regimes, differential room pressurization, personalized ventilation, source capture ventilation, filtration (central or unitary), and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) (upper room, in-room, and in the airstream). Ultraviolet Light 2020 saw an unprecedented surge in demand for germicidal solutions. UV-C light is a short-wavelength, ultraviolet light that kills germs by inactivating a microorganism’s DNA. Although UV-C is effective in killing other varieties of coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, scientists do not yet know about the impact of UV-C on COVID-19. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the power provider in the United States, is offering incentives to businesses and schools to install UV-C germicidal lights to fight germs in indoor air. Role Of HVAC In Virus Spread Whether HVAC could contribute to virus spread was a repeated topic of interest. One theory goes that air conditioning, by removing humidity from the air, may enable infectious droplets to linger longer than they would outdoors or in another space where humidity is higher. More humidity can weigh down viral droplets as they float through the air. Minimize The Spread Of The Virus ASHRAE opposes the advice and asserts that keeping air conditioners on during this time can help control the spread of the virus Does it make sense, therefore, to turn the AC off to minimize the spread of the virus? according to ASHRAE, which officially opposes the advice not to run residential or commercial HVAC systems. In fact, ASHRAE asserts that keeping air conditioners on during this time can help control the spread of the virus. Also related to virus spread, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on a case under the title “COVID-19 Outbreak Associated with Air Conditioning in a Restaurant, Guangzhou, China, 2020.” Research Trends And The Future The need for more research will continue after the pandemic. Broadly speaking, we know that crowded spaces with poor ventilation and/or low humidity levels tend to promote virus spread, that filtration can help to remove the virus, and that measures such as UV-C radiation can help to disinfect indoor air. More study is needed, and more time is needed to complete those studies and expand our base of knowledge on this important subject.  Preventing COVID Panasonic has conducted research that verifies that hydroxyl radicals contained in water can inhibit the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles are generated by applying a high voltage to moisture in the air. Here is a statement from the company, "While Panasonic makes a wide range of products that generate these types of free radicals, none of these products has been tested for efficacy in the inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on surfaces or in the air.” Innovative approaches to fighting COVID include HVAC-equipped smart, glass-paneled bus stop shelters that that help to prevent pandemic spread in the Seongdong district in northeastern Seoul, South Korea. Ventilation And Air Filtration As schools worked to reopen safely in the midst of a global pandemic, HVAC was at the center of the mission. Adequate ventilation and effective air filtration are critical elements to ensure safe indoor air quality for educational institutions. Many schools are housed in older buildings that may not have been adequately maintained. Transforming them to address the new challenges of minimizing exposure to the novel coronavirus is that much more difficult.