By milagan
Philippine buildings are getting a major upgrade in cooling technology. Hitachi has launched two revolutionary air conditioning systems that are specifically designed to tackle the unique space and efficiency challenges that Filipino property developers and building owners face daily. The SideSmart VRF system and the Set-Free Series aren’t just ordinary air conditioners; they’re smart solutions designed specifically for the unique challenges that Filipino builders and property developers face every day.
Why Philippine Buildings Need Better Cooling Solutions
Building in the Philippines presents its own unique set of challenges. Space is often limited, especially in busy urban areas like Metro Manila. Older buildings need updates, and new high-rise constructions must maximize every square meter. Traditional air conditioning systems often can’t handle these tight spaces or complex layouts. That’s where Hitachi’s new technology steps in to solve these real-world problems.
The Hitachi SideSmart system represents a completely new approach to cooling. It’s the first slim, modular VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system of its kind, meaning it can adjust its cooling power based on the actual needs of each area of a building. The result is cooling equipment that works efficiently in spaces where conventional systems would fail or perform poorly.
The Hitachi SideSmart Advantage
What makes the SideSmart system special is its incredibly slim design. At just 42 centimeters wide, these units can fit into spaces where traditional air conditioning systems simply won’t work. Think about those narrow alleys between buildings, small balcony areas, or tight utility spaces that are common in Philippine settings.
The side-discharge design is particularly clever. Instead of blowing air upward like traditional units, it pushes air out the front. This prevents a common problem called air short-circuiting, where the unit ends up cooling its intake instead of the building. For property owners, this means better performance and lower electricity bills.
One of the most practical features is that each unit is compact enough to fit in a standard elevator. This eliminates the need for expensive crane installations, which can be especially important in dense urban areas where bringing in heavy equipment is difficult or impossible. The time and cost savings during installation make the SideSmart system attractive from both practical and financial perspectives.
Also, its modular design means it can grow with your cooling needs. Starting from 8 horsepower for smaller spaces, the system can be expanded up to 72 horsepower by combining multiple units. For larger buildings, up to four outdoor units can work together to provide even more cooling capacity.
The system’s piping can extend up to 500 meters, so engineers can place the outdoor units wherever it makes the most sense; whether that’s on a rooftop, in a side alley, or distributed across different areas of a complex building.
The Hitachi Set-Free Series: Traditional Reliability with Modern Efficiency
While the SideSmart system focuses on space-saving innovation, Hitachi’s Set-Free Series provides a more traditional approach with modern improvements. This system uses the familiar top-blow design but incorporates the latest VRF technology for better efficiency and performance.
The Set-Free Series offers even more power options, ranging from 8 horsepower up to 96 horsepower. Like the SideSmart system, it can combine up to four modular units for larger installations. This makes it suitable for everything from small offices to massive commercial complexes.
What sets the Set-Free Series apart is its variety of indoor unit options. You can choose from ceiling cassette units for office spaces, wall-mounted units for individual rooms, floor-mounted options for special applications, ducted systems for hidden installations, and ceiling-suspended units for areas with specific architectural requirements. This variety allows every space in a building to have the right type of cooling unit tailored to its specific needs.
Smart Control & Management
Both systems work with Hitachi’s airCloud PRO management app, making air conditioning control more convenient with the use of any smartphone. You can easily monitor and control the entire cooling system from anywhere using your phone, computer, or dedicated wall panel. This remote access capability is particularly valuable in the Philippines, where property managers often oversee multiple buildings or large complexes.
The system provides real-time information about performance, energy usage, and maintenance needs. Instead of waiting for something to break down, managers can spot potential issues early and schedule maintenance during convenient times. This proactive approach reduces costly emergency repairs and keeps tenants comfortable.
For larger buildings, the H-Link communication system connects all the indoor units to a central control point. Whether you’re managing a single high-rise office building or an entire commercial complex with multiple structures, everything can be monitored and controlled from one location.
Energy Efficiency That Makes Financial Sense
The SideSmart system has already proven its efficiency credentials, winning the 2021 Energy Conservation Award in Japan. This recognition isn’t just about environmental responsibility as it translates directly into lower electricity bills for building owners and tenants.
In the Philippines, where electricity costs can be substantial, selecting an efficient air conditioning system makes sound financial sense. The VRF technology adjusts cooling output based on actual demand, so you’re not wasting energy cooling empty spaces or over-cooling occupied areas.
Hitachi: Perfect Timing for Philippine Development
These Hitachi innovations arrive at the perfect time for the Philippines’ construction boom. As cities continue growing upward and outward, developers need cooling solutions that can adapt to challenging spaces and diverse requirements. The combination of the space-saving SideSmart system and the versatile Set-Free Series gives the tools you need to create comfortable buildings without compromising on design or efficiency.
Indeed, Hitachi’s newest cooling solutions solve real problems with practical solutions while providing the reliability and performance that Hitachi is known for worldwide.