The new Daikin McQuay Applied Development Center (ADC) has opened its doors in Plymouth, MN. Activity at the site will be devoted to research and development of innovative, high efficiency HVAC technologies that support the environment and provide reliable solutions for customers worldwide. The purpose of the new center is to develop and test advanced chiller, compressor and other HVAC technologies to reduce energy consumption and ultimately the carbon footprint of the buildings where they will be used.
The 49,000 sq.ft. research center, located at McQuay world headquarters, is the world’s most advanced facility for HVAC research and development, according to McQuay sources. The facility includes six test cells, with space for two additional cells in the future, that will facilitate the development of air- and water- cooled chillers, compressors and heat pumps as well as new air-conditioning systems. Included are a worldwide range of electrical voltages/frequencies, capacities for testing up to 1,800-ton systems (a measure of cooling load), and a range of procedures for testing ambient conditions (temperature and humidity).
“The Applied Development Center can simulate building, electrical and climate conditions of any location throughout the world, allowing the basic design development of new products to be centrally located in this facility,” says Takenori Miyamoto, general manager of the Applied Development Center. “These ‘global models’ are then arranged into a suitable design to match market requirements at our existing regional development centers throughout the world.”
LEED® Silver Certification
McQuay officials have applied for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for the ADC. With more than 90 percent of the building’s energy generated by process loads (e.g., hot and cold water for chiller and compressor tests), energy savings are realized primarily by recovering 75 percent of that energy and diverting it back into the system. Other environmental features include water-efficient landscaping, recycled construction waste, use of recycled content for interior surfaces, low-emitting sealants and locally purchased materials.
Boost to Area
The new building has created 70 professional-level jobs for electrical and mechanical engineers and managers. “Locating this new facility in North America and in the Minneapolis area provides access to a significant pool of experienced and highly educated engineers,” said Miyamoto. “We considered locations throughout the world for the new research and development center, and ultimately decided that Minnesota’s work ethic and McQuay’s established position as a leader in applied HVAC systems made it the best place for this new global effort.”
Adds Ron Hanlon, chief operating officer of McQuay Americas, “This is an exciting and concrete example of Daikin’s commitment to growth in the applied HVAC market worldwide, and McQuay’s North America business in particular. The products developed in this facility support our continued efforts to provide the highest efficiency solutions for our customers to conserve energy and help preserve the environment.”