Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions presents the new ECOi EX MF4 series with R32

Simultaneous heating and cooling with reduced refrigerant charge and greater installation flexibility

Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions expands its VRF portfolio with the new ECOi EX MF4 series using R32 refrigerant. Designed for commercial buildings requiring simultaneous heating and cooling, the three-pipe heat recovery system combines high seasonal efficiency, reduced refrigerant charge and compact dimensions with increased flexibility for complex HVAC installations.

 

Greater efficiency with less refrigerant

A key feature of the ECOi EX MF4 series is the optimized refrigerant charge. According to Panasonic, the use of R32 allows the system to operate with 41% less refrigerant than an equivalent R410A system, based on internal testing of a 12HP model with 80m of piping.

The reduced refrigerant requirement is combined with heat recovery, allowing different zones of the same building to be heated and cooled simultaneously. This makes the system particularly relevant to commercial applications where thermal requirements can vary significantly between spaces and throughout the day.

 

High seasonal efficiency across a wide temperature range

The series is designed to maintain performance under significantly different climatic conditions.

For the U-10MF4E8 model, seasonal efficiency reaches 308.3% in cooling mode and 171% in heating mode. The operating range extends from -20°C in heating to +52°C in cooling, supporting year-round use in locations subject to both low winter temperatures and demanding summer conditions.

The combination of heat recovery and broad operating limits allows the system to address projects where different orientations, uses and occupancy patterns create simultaneous heating and cooling requirements.

 

Compact dimensions and installation flexibility

The new generation also focuses on reducing the space required for mechanical equipment.

Depending on the model and configuration, the installation footprint can be reduced by up to 43% compared with previous generations. A lighter chassis facilitates transportation and handling, while the more compact dimensions can simplify integration into buildings where available plant space is limited.

For larger or more complex projects, the system supports a total piping length of up to 500m, allowing greater freedom in the positioning of indoor and outdoor units.

This flexibility is particularly relevant to commercial buildings where HVAC design must respond to multiple zones, long distribution routes and restrictions imposed by the architecture or existing technical infrastructure.

 

Safety and system integration

The ECOi EX MF4 series has been developed around the requirements associated with R32 refrigerant.

Panasonic states that its safety devices comply with the relevant requirements of CEI EN 60335-2-40 and EN 378 (ISO 5149), supporting the integration of the system into contemporary commercial applications.

The wider ECOi EX platform also provides different connectivity and control options, allowing HVAC systems to be incorporated into centralized or remote building management strategies.

 

Indoor air quality and comfort

Compatible air-to-air indoor units are equipped with Panasonic’s nanoe™ X technology, developed to support improved indoor air quality in conditioned spaces.

The system can also be combined with different ventilation solutions, enabling designers and installers to approach cooling, heating, ventilation and indoor environmental quality as parts of an integrated HVAC strategy.

With the ECOi EX MF4 series, Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions places the emphasis on the combination of energy performance, reduced refrigerant charge, compact equipment and system flexibility, addressing the technical demands of contemporary commercial buildings.

 

Panasonic