HFC-32 is a refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone layer, has a global warming potential (GWP) about one-third*1 of that of the conventional refrigerant R410A, and improves energy efficiency of air conditioning and heat pump equipment. Furthermore, being a single component refrigerant, recovery and reclamation are less complicated than blended refrigerants. HFC-32 thus reduces the amount of new refrigerant produced. The refrigerant itself is readily available and easy to obtain.
In the Kigali Amendment*2 to the Montreal Protocol in 2016, an agreement was reached to gradually reduce the effects of HFC refrigerants on GWP, and this amendment became effective in 2019. Countries that have ratified the Kigali Amendment are switching to lower GWP refrigerants, and in
VRF is an air conditioning and heat pump system mainly for commercial buildings and residences that connects multiple indoor units to one outdoor unit. Because of its excellent energy conservation and convenience, demand for VRF systems has recently increased in
In 2011, Daikin granted free access to developing countries for 93 patents relating to air conditioners that use HFC-32 and extended free access*3 to these worldwide in 2015. In 2019, it also extended its 'Pledge for Non-assertion of Patents' to subsequently filed patents. In 2021, pledged patents were further expanded, and many other companies are now able to develop and sell air conditioners that utilize Daikin technology. Currently, more than 160 million residential and commercial air conditioners using HFC-32 are sold worldwide in 100 countries*4.
A list of the pledged patents and the specifics regarding the pledge are available at (https://www.daikin.com/patent/r32). Once listed, a pledged patent will not be removed, and the Pledge will not be withdrawn against a party unless that party triggers Daikin's right of defensive termination by, for example, filing a lawsuit or other legal proceeding alleging patent infringement against single-component HFC-32 equipment provided by Daikin or one of its group companies.
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