“DVM S2’s efficient yet powerful performance exhibits how Samsung’s exclusive WindFree Cooling technology continues to advance,” said Young June Choi, Head of Air Solution Biz Group of the Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “This AI-controlled system is Samsung’s most advanced climate control solution yet, set to bring WindFree comfort to apartment blocks, small to midsize office buildings, and commercial buildings everywhere.”

DVM S2, Samsung’s sixth-generation Digital Variable Multi air conditioner, incorporates an outdoor-installed system for enhanced flexibility and functionality. It enables connection with up to 64 Samsung indoor air conditioning units for optimal comfort without unpleasant cold drafts. Compatible with Samsung’s 1Way, 4Way, 4Way 600×600, and wall-mounted models, DVM S2 is currently available in Europe and slated to be available in China in July 2021, followed by the Middle East, North America, and select markets in Asia.

Wider Frequency Range for Better WindFree Performance

The DVM S2 features innovative technologies including a more advanced scroll compressor with Advanced Flash Injection (AFI) technology, an enlarged heat exchanger with optimized refrigerant flow, a multi-serration fan, and an enhanced power module.

The more advanced AFI motor control technology allows for a wider frequency range of 10~180Hz. The new low of 10Hz (compared to the previous model’s 14Hz) making the system more stable at low frequencies, leading to better WindFree performance for draft-free, comfortable temperature control. The new high of 180Hz ensures more powerful cooling performance.

Bigger Heat Exchanger and Multi-Serration Fan

Compared to the same capacity models in the current DVM S series, the heat transfer area of the heat exchanger in all the new models are significantly larger. The new unit’s hybrid path is designed to optimize the refrigerant flow corresponding to the airflow profile. Moreover, its unique multi-serration fan minimizes the turbulence of the air vortex, applying different serration, considering the air velocity of the edge and the inside of the blade, respectively. Moreover, the highly efficient Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) reduces the loss of conducted electricity.

DVM S2’s new design is more aerodynamic and allows quieter operation, compared to previous generations. It has a more robust frame and reinforced structure with an upgraded exterior cabinet for reliability. The cooling operating range and external static pressure have been extended for flexibility in design, along with an upgrade on the emergency operation mode. Moreover, DVM S2 also features an on-device inverter check for better maintenance. Advanced technology for refrigerant sub-cooling control and installation condition analysis allowed for a smaller liquid pipe, which provides a 28% reduction in the amount of additional refrigerants used during installation compared to its predecessor.

AI Capabilities for Smarter, Faster Cooling

Thanks to its AI capabilities, DVM S2 detects indoor climate conditions to deliver optimized cooling and heating performance. AI Low Pressure Control learns the patterns of cooling operation and reaches the target temperature more rapidly, ensuring users in the room feel more at ease at the desired temperature. Meanwhile, AI High Pressure Control maintains the optimal high pressure by making adjustments based on the installed environment. AI Defrost Control provides the best timing for defrost operations, and hence offers increased comfort during heating. In addition, DVM S2’s advanced AI algorithms can detect refrigerant leaks in real-time and send alerts immediately so users can monitor and manage their units quickly without compromising comfort.

Broadly speaking, commercial buildings make use of two types of AC systems, namely: central air-conditioning systems, which control overall indoor temperatures, and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, which provide temperature control for individual rooms and spaces. The former provides a type of ready-made air conditioning, while the latter offers a more adaptive, tailor-made system.

With the addition of in AC products designed for family use, central air-conditioning and VRF systems comprise the top three global AC markets.

Recently, traditional VRF systems have received a further boost in the form of an improved network, enhanced functions and a range of sensors that all create more customizable Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, while at the same time decreasing overall energy consumption.

Samsung Electronics intends to provide the air-conditioning industry with a further boost by delivering innovative products that meet the demands of global consumers, especially in the commercial sector.

“As we enter the era of the Internet of Things (IoT), the industry will begin upon a new phase of practicality whereby construction, communication and other services will merge to offer customers the best ground-up experiences,” said Charles Park, Vice President of Samsung Electronics’ Digital Appliances Business.

Park added, “Samsung has the ability to link its leading communication devices with innovative air-conditioning products, including HVAC solutions. That puts the company in a great position in terms of embracing the opportunities ahead.”

Samsung’s new 360 Cassette units operating at a duty free shop in Korea

Since October last year, Samsung has hosted a series of global roadshows, taking in 117 cities to showcase its air conditioning product range, inviting more than 9,000 B2B customers from 50 countries. Samsung met approximately 4,500 partners, winning a favorable response for its new high-end products, including the 360 Cassette unit.

“The 360 Cassette model guides air to form a complete and comprehensive, 360-degree horizontal dispersion, and preventing direct airflow onto individuals in the room. It also ensures fast, even cooling throughout interior settings,” said Park. “It has a very stylish design, so we are receiving a lot of orders from large franchisors like chains of cafés and luxury retailers.”

Conventional 4-way cassette systems, often used in coffee shops and hospitals, usually require wind deflectors to minimize cold air drafts. The 360 Cassette, on the other hand, eliminates the drawbacks of its predecessors, making a meaningful difference for indoor environments.

Although Samsung is something of a late bloomer in the AC market—one that boasts a century-long history—the company is rapidly emerging as an industry leader by applying unmatched technological innovations to its products.

At Milan’s Mostra Convegno Expocomfort 2016 (MCE), the largest HVAC exhibition in Europe, Samsung showcased its innovative AC solutions at work in real-life applications over 800 square meters of floor space—the biggest display at the expo—from March 15-18.

Samsung showcased its new AC range for four different locations—retail businesses, hotels, residential spaces and offices—as well its Smart Home solution at MCE 2016.

In addition, four of Samsung’s new air conditioning products were recognized for their excellence. Samsung’s 360 Cassette and DVM Chiller were acknowledged for their “Efficiency & Innovation Path (Percorso Efficienza & Innovazione),” while the DVM S 30HP and 8-pole Inverter (UG9AJ3090FER) were recognized in MCE’s “Beyond Class A (Oltre la Classe A)” initiative in their respective categories.

“While it has only been about a decade since Samsung started engaging in the VRF AC system business, our buyers believe that our products will be the industry trendsetters,” said Park. “This rings especially true when it comes to our 2016 products, including the 360 Cassette indoor unit and the DVM S, which has the highest capacity in its class.”

In addition, four of Samsung’s new air conditioning products were recognized for their excellence. Samsung’s 360 Cassette and DVM Chiller were acknowledged for their “Efficiency & Innovation Path (Percorso Efficienza & Innovazione),” while the DVM S 30HP and 8-pole Inverter (UG9AJ3090FER) were recognized in MCE’s “Beyond Class A (Oltre la Classe A)” initiative in their respective categories.

“While it has only been about a decade since Samsung started engaging in the VRF AC system business, our buyers believe that our products will be industry trendsetters,” said Park. “This rings especially true when it comes to our 2016 products, including the 360 Cassette indoor units and the DVM S, which has the highest capacity in its class.”

Going forward, VRF products will work in tandem with IoT technology to create intelligent AC systems that can deliver precise cooling, heating and ventilation tailored to the needs of people in individual rooms.

Through the development of its Smart Vertical Solution, an intelligent AC system, as well as general IoT-ready VRF products, Samsung remains one step ahead as it prepares to develop smart building systems in the near future.

Said Park, “We are hoping to create a growth opportunity in the global commercial AC systems market by applying industry-leading innovation to our products, and combining these with intelligent AC solutions.”

Samsung is equipping its VRF AC products with Internet connectivity features. Included are (from left): the 360 Cassette, the DVM S 30HP and the DVM S Eco.

Why Smart Buildings?

HVAC and lighting facilities generally account for about 70 percent of the total power consumption in a building. And much of that is because of the centralized HVAC systems, which can only turn on and off for the entire building. This is where Samsung’s Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air-conditioning (AC) products and SVS can step in, turning conventional buildings into intelligent ones, cutting down on energy waste and making our lives more convenient.

Samsung plans on concentrating supplying VRF and SVS systems to five major types of buildings, including offices, retail shops, hotels, campus buildings and residences. Once installed, the SVS analyzes and controls the HVAC system, lights, power supply and machinery in a building to maximize energy efficiency.

The SVS also allows large coffee and fast-food franchises to remotely monitor the HVAC environment in all their independent shops, setting the temperature or turning the lights on and off at their discretion, depending on the season or opening hours of each shop. Should trouble occur in the HVAC system at any shop, the SVS can immediately detect it and allow the user to take responsive measures.

For hotels, the SVS gives guests convenient access to HVAC, lighting, and door-lock controls through the smart TV in their room. This solution also provides the hotel staff an easy way to check the empty rooms, which can save up to 30 percent on energy usage.

Making Smart Buildings a Reality

The smart building is not a concept for the distant future. Samsung has already engaged in collaborations with global hotel chains and franchises, and is conducting on-site tests and inspections to ensure its SVS system will soon be fully functional.

Samsung is also preparing to implement smart facility management for large-scale stadiums and other buildings. The company has signed a contract to supply a customizable HVAC system based on VRF technology with smart facility management for the Brussels Eurostadium, which is now under construction and is scheduled to host several matches in UEFA Euro 2020.

In addition, Samsung is looking to use IoT-based solutions to create smart super-large buildings. The company is applying smart-building solutions to the Warsaw Spire, a 220-meter-high skyscraper due to be completed in 2016. The building will be a next-generation smart building, offering occupants the latest and best conveniences while saving energy through the intelligent analysis of machinery operations and power consumption, as well as the HVAC system and lighting.

The Warsaw Spire, due to be completed in 2016.

Maximizing Synergies Within Samsung

The smart HVAC system works for organic, flexible structures that are fully networked throughout the building’s lighting and electronics—including TVs, mobile devices and computers—to form an intelligent control system. As Samsung has a comprehensive ICT business portfolio that includes HVAC solutions, TVs and digital appliances, mobile devices, network systems and semi-conductors, the company is putting maximum efforts into bringing together its diverse lineup and deep knowledge across a range of electronics to take the lead in the evolution of HVAC systems.

For example, Samsung is supplying Hospitality Management Solution (HMS), offering TV sets and HVAC solutions in a package to gain a larger presence in the hotel market—which is also one of the main targets of the SVS. Because HMS easily turns the typical hotel room into a smart one, it is gaining much popularity among global hotel chains. As Samsung is also the world leader in TV sales to hotels and in commercial displays, the potential for additional synergies with smart HVAC systems is seen in the years ahead.

An employee introduces Samsung’s Integrated Facility Controls at MCE (Mostra Convegno Expocomfort) 2016.

The Warsaw Spire is another example of Samsung bringing together the R&D capabilities of its different businesses to create an intelligent building. Samsung’s project team is developing a smart building platform which connects everything in a building with IoT technology, and the Warsaw Spire will be the first showcase embracing Samsung’s new platform.

“Conventional HVAC systems, which have lasted for several decades, will completely transform into intelligent ones through IoT technology from this year,” said Brian S. Kim, Director of Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “Combining our innovative products and IoT capacity, Samsung will take the lead in making buildings more intelligent with a variety of tools, including the new SVS and smart building platform.”