Latin America. Mitsubishi Electric announced the introduction of the M&P Series, specializing in HVAC systems for the residential and light commercial sector, which stands out mainly for its high efficiency.
We spoke with Marcelo Marchena, International Area Sales Manager at Mitsubishi Electric, who gave us details about this new technology.
ACR: What is the M&P series all about?
Marcellus: The M&P series is our selection of residential and light commercial HVAC systems, where M stands for Minisplit (formerly Mr. Slim) which is our lightest series in terms of capacity, but higher in efficiency with options of simple condensers, multi-zone and hyper-heating. And P stands for the professional series, which is more robust and is used for light commercial applications and in spaces where it is critical to keep the temperature constant. If we had to compare using car engine analogy, the M series is a turbocharged, capable and efficient V4 and the P series a powerful and reliable V8.
ACR: What are its main technical characteristics?
Marcellus: The M series has options of systems with heat pump and cold only, with Energy Star, AHRI, UL and non-UL certifications, 50 and 60hz at 220v (208v-230v), and a model (9 and 12) at 115v. Additionally a selection of 15 Minisplit models that vary between wall, cassette (1 and 4 ways), ceiling, floor, luxury (white, black and gray) and duct, with efficiencies between 16 to 33 SEER and wide Multi Split combinations for residential applications between 6 and 60 thousand btus up to 8 evaporators, and low sound levels of 19db in the evaporator. In FS models, the option of the 3D i-see sensor is standard, which has 8 rotary sensors that detect occupants, temperature fluctuations and create an almost exact comfort, absence alert and greater energy savings, as well as the double weather vane that allows personalized comfort with direct or indirect flow, and is able to generate a feeling of natural air in the area. All M Series models feature corrosion protection* applied to the heat exchanger for added protection and extended life.
The P series has 8 models for light commercial applications from 12 to 42 thousand btus, all UL and AHRI with heat pump and cold only options, however these allow refrigerant lines up to 75m (245Ft) of distance, operation for redundancy, relay for technical and more precise applications that require in critical spaces such as elevator rooms, systems or that require higher static pressure.
Both lines have operation managed by Inverter and LEV of 7th generation. Additional options of 3D I-see sensors, fresh air inlets, three layers of filtration and Kumo Cloud application for access and control from anywhere with signal accessible to your smart device, in addition to the multiple options of custom control and automated link for BMS. All our systems have joint envelope DC motors, magnetic flux vector sine wave impeller and pulse amplitude modulation, which guarantees a smooth, long, constant and extremely efficient operation. Additionally, a double covering barrier, which prevents dust and particles from accumulating inside the equipment, thus avoiding air flow problems and allowing an optimal service and extension of operational life.
ACR: How has the participation of this kind of teams been in Latin America?
Marcellus: Participation has been moderate and partly limited by the saturation of ultra-economical equipment options in the LATAM market, however we have seen a positive shift towards the acceptance of systems with better efficiency and quality components, adding regulations in certain countries have assisted demand. However, we have had successful penetration into niche markets, such as high-efficiency design specification requirements, 10-year extended warranty coverage, and customers who prefer high quality and a safe return on investment.
ACR: In what kind of spaces are they most recommended?
Marcellus: The most recommended spaces for our M series have been mostly high occupancy spaces such as homes or small entire offices, living rooms, main rooms, additions to homes with existing systems, areas with fluctuating temperature in the residential part. For the P series, applications vary between larger spaces such as commercial premises where airflow is more demanding, classrooms that require fresh air intakes, recording studios where the noise level must be minimal, as well as complementing a project of our City Multi commercial line in spaces not identified in the design.
ACR: How is this M&P series different from other similar competing teams?
Marcellus: This group of series differs in many ways when we compare similar systems, but to summarize, the three characteristics that stand out the most are the quality of the equipment, where 99% of the components are manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric, from the cards to the expansion valves, in this way we ensure the continuous operation that exceeds the expectations of our customers. Efficiency, since we handle the most efficient system on the market (33.1 SEER), however we do not pay our energy bills in SEER, so I invite you to compare electricity consumption of W where our consumption in 1 ton is 870w which is a consumption of only 7kwh (energy consumption of the system in 8 hours (1 useful day) of operation).
Warranty and support, our standard warranty on our entire M&P line is 5 in parts and 7 in compressor, with extended 10-year option when the equipment is registered and installed by a trained contractor. Additionally, we have distribution representatives in more than 20 countries and 38 points of sale in Latin America and the Caribbean with access to our elite service network DSG and Tiger Team. Established in Atlanta, GA facilitates our logistics with a capacity of more than 500 thousand square feet between our warehouses in which we maintain availability of parts in systems with coverage up to 10 years. They are part of the most complete after-sales service and support network on the market.
ACR: What benefits does the user get from deploying this class of computers?
Marcellus: In addition to the above, the benefits extend for many years in the operation of the equipment, being the return on investment the most notorious, we still receive orders for parts in systems with more than 20 years. Our systems are synonymous with reliability, with a percentage of 0.03% in malfunctions. This translates into peace of mind for the customer knowing that it has the most advanced, efficient and capable air conditioning system on the market. And since everything worthwhile costs work, our niche market is limited to the type of elite customer who recognizes these qualities and decides to invest in their comfort, a long-term decision. Being aware that the market is oversaturated with brands, offers and tricks to incite the consumer, Mitsubishi Electric focuses on full customer satisfaction and implements an extensive process of research, testing, design and quality control, doing everything possible to avoid a failure when entering your comfort zone, but in case a failure happens, there is an extensive support network that covers it for many years.
ACR: In what topics should technicians be trained to correctly install this kind of solutions?
Marcellus: Excellent question and one of our strongest corporate themes. The training of our installation and service technicians is one of the key components that ensure the proper functioning of the equipment. We strongly recommend that whatever the brand, install your equipment by a certified and reputable technician. It is useless to have the best system on the market if it is not properly sized, installed and given periodic service.
Our trainings offer guides to the contractor in general knowledge of our equipment, Installation and Service courses (essential, preventive and advanced), M&P series applications, management of our design tool (DSB), integration of basic and advanced controls, management of service tools, among others. These are available online, through our distributors and face-to-face classes at our training centers. We are currently working on fully virtual certified service classes available in September 2021. We invite you to learn about our equipment, technical documentation, system options and controls on our https://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/ and www.mylindrive.com pages.
