Hitachi Air365 Max VRF air conditioning solution: Energy-saving technology combined with independent zone control

In the context of rising electricity costs and the demand for personalized comfort in office buildings, hotels, luxury apartments, and shopping malls in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam, Hitachi VRF systems – especially the Hitachi air365 Max series (Top Flow inverter R410A) – are considered a superior energy-saving solution with independent Zone Control. With its proprietary SmoothDrive 2.0 technology, this system not only handles varying heat loads but also significantly reduces electricity bills in part-load mode (low load, which accounts for most of the actual operating time).

The Hitachi air365 Max VRF system boasts superior energy-saving technology.

SmoothDrive 2.0, Hitachi's proprietary direct power control technology, operates more smoothly, efficiently, and stably than older compressor generations. Instead of constantly switching the compressor on and off like traditional systems, SmoothDrive 2.0 continuously monitors the actual temperature difference between the room and the set temperature, then adjusts the compressor scroll frequency with extreme precision, down to 0.1 Hz/step or 0.1°C. This ensures the system maintains a nearly perfectly stable room temperature, virtually eliminating the phenomenon of the room becoming too cold or too hot. With older compressor types, the entire system would shut off completely once the room reached the set temperature. When the temperature rises slightly, the compressor has to restart from 0 to 100% power, leading to extremely high power consumption during startup, faster mechanical wear of the compressor, and significant room temperature fluctuations (2–3°C), causing discomfort for users.

Therefore, SmoothDrive 2.0 completely solves this problem by keeping the compressor running at a low, smooth power level instead of shutting off completely. The results are proven through Eurovent tests and certifications:

• Up to 39% reduction in energy consumption in part-load mode (low load – accounting for the majority of actual operating time)
• Significantly reduced compressor on/off cycles, increasing equipment lifespan
• More stable room temperature, providing continuous comfort
• Reduced noise and vibration during operation

Hitachi's Scroll compressor temperature monitoring and frequency adjustment technology supports precise temperature monitoring through a sensor system that closely tracks even the smallest temperature changes and uses an inverter to change the compressor's rotation speed. If the load is heavy and the room is crowded, the compressor rotates faster; conversely, if the load is partial and the room is only occupied by one person, the compressor rotates very slowly but does not stop completely.

Part-load operation is extremely important because, in reality, air conditioners rarely run at 100% capacity (except when first switched on). Most of the time, the unit runs at 30-60% to maintain a stable temperature. This is what "part-load" means. Hitachi air conditioner technology optimizes power consumption by over 39% in this maintenance mode, avoiding energy waste from constant restarts. This helps stabilize the temperature even when the compressor runs continuously at a low level, and the cool air flow is very even, preventing the feeling of alternating between freezing cold and stuffy conditions.

The Hitachi air365 Max VRF system boasts best-in-class energy efficiency, with a Cooling EER of up to 5.50 (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and a Heating COP of up to 5.12 (Coefficient of Performance).

Independent Zone Control for Each Zone

Hitachi VRF systems (especially the air365 Max series) are superior to traditional central air conditioning solutions due to their independent zone control capability – allowing each zone in the building to be controlled completely independently, providing a personalized and comfortable experience without wasting energy.

Completely independent zones – Each room, each area is a world of its own, as each indoor unit (wall-mounted, 4-way cassette, 1-way cassette, ducted, ceiling-mounted, low-ceiling cassette, etc.) operates as an independent unit, capable of adjusting its own set temperature (e.g., meeting room 24°C, waiting room 26°C, reception area 22°C). Individual operating modes can be selected: cooling, heating, fan, and drying. Furthermore, the airflow speed and direction can be adjusted individually (automatic, manual, or non-direct airflow mode).

Independent Zone Control prevents situations where one room gets too cold and another gets too cold, or where another room gets too hot and the entire system has to run at full capacity. Everything is customized to the actual needs of each area, ideal for open-plan offices, hotels (each with its own guest room), shopping malls (food court vs. shopping area), or high-end apartments. This is achieved through a superior flexible connection system with up to 200% capacity (allowing for double the capacity of multiple indoor units compared to outdoor units).

Heat Recovery (3-pipe) - Simultaneous Heat Recovery: The smartest energy saving with a 3-pipe system + CH-Box (Heat Recovery Box), zones can operate simultaneously for cooling and heating without conflict. Heat waste from the cooling area (e.g., a busy ground floor requiring strong cooling) is directly transferred to the heating area (e.g., a less crowded upper floor needing warmth or hot water heating). Maximize energy efficiency and significantly reduce electricity consumption compared to systems that only provide cooling or heating separately. This is an ideal choice for multi-purpose buildings such as hotels (heating bedrooms, cooling restaurants), hospitals, and convention centers – where heat loads vary by area.

Heat Pump (2-pipe) and Cooling Only – Flexible for Vietnam's Climate: The Heat Pump (2-pipe) system switches simultaneously to either cooling or heating, suitable for Northern Vietnam with its cold winters (requiring heating for offices and apartments). Cooling Only focuses solely on cooling, making it the optimal solution for Southern Vietnam with its year-round hot climate, where heating is not needed. Regardless of the mode, Zone Control operates 100% independently, ensuring each area receives its own comfort without affecting overall performance.

Independent Zone Control is not just a feature, but also the philosophy of Hitachi air365 Max, providing optimal comfort for each user while maximizing energy savings for investors. This is why Hitachi VRF systems are increasingly popular in commercial and high-end projects in Vietnam.

Practical Benefits and Applications of Hitachi VRF Systems in Vietnam

The Hitachi air365 Max VRF system is not only a high-end central air conditioning solution but also offers very practical benefits, especially suitable for the hot and humid climate and diverse usage needs in Vietnam.

Thanks to SmoothDrive 2.0 technology and high efficiency in low load mode (part-load – which accounts for most of the actual running time), the system significantly reduces electricity consumption. Many real-world projects in Vietnam have recorded greater energy savings compared to older VRF systems or conventional air conditioners. Simultaneously reducing CO₂ emissions contributes to the building's green and sustainable goals.

Room temperatures remain stable, eliminating sudden changes from excessively cold to excessively hot. Operating noise is extremely low (thanks to the Top Flow design and advanced inverter compressor). In particular, the airCloud Tap application (NFC connectivity) and the airCloud app allow for remote control via smartphone, scheduling, and monitoring electricity consumption by zone, making it convenient for managing large buildings or homeowners who want to control everything with just a few taps.

Installation and maintenance are easier as the Top Flow outdoor unit blows air upwards, making it easy to place on the roof or terrace without worrying about wind obstruction. System configuration is four times faster thanks to airCloud Tap; most initial settings can be completed with just a swipe of the phone. Maintenance is also simpler thanks to remote fault diagnosis and readily available genuine parts in Vietnam.

Ideal applications for common buildings in Vietnam:

• Open-plan offices: Each meeting room, workspace, and waiting area has its own temperature control, ensuring no one shares the same temperature.
• Hotels: Each guest room can adjust its own temperature for comfort, saving energy when rooms are empty or have few occupants.
• Shopping malls: Food courts, shopping areas, and cinemas have varying heat loads – the system remains flexible and efficient without waste.
• Luxury apartments, schools, and hospitals: Each separate, multi-functional space provides comfort and long-term savings.

With SmoothDrive 2.0 saving up to 39% energy at low load and independent Zone Control providing optimal personalized comfort for each zone, the Hitachi air365 Max VRF system is the most modern, energy-efficient, and sustainable central air conditioning solution available today. It not only significantly reduces monthly operating costs but also enhances the user experience for end users, while helping investors easily meet green and energy-saving standards in Vietnam.

Up.Tech is the official supplier and distributor of Hitachi VRF system products, including outdoor units, indoor units, genuine replacement parts (scroll compressors, EEV valves, refrigerant distributors, CH-Box Heat Recovery, sensors, control boards, etc.) and comprehensive support services. If you are planning to install or upgrade a Hitachi VRF system for your project in Ho Chi Minh City, don't hesitate to contact Up.Tech for a free survey, detailed quotation, and the best solution for 2026.

U.P. TECHNOLOGY AND TRADING CO., LTD.

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