MHI to Launch 6 Top-of-the-Line Residential-use Air Conditioners
Featuring Nano-mist and Ion Generating Functions and Motion Sensors
-- Sequential Operation Available with Company's Hybrid Humidifiers --

All models in the new SP Series satisfy the 2010 energy efficiency standard achievement target of APF with some model featuring more than 21% higher achievement. Their rated capacities span from 2.2 to 5.6 kilowatts (kW). No list prices are set by the manufacturer.

The units' nano-mist and ion generating function, newly developed by MHI, releases a nano-mist and plasma ions simultaneously - a combination that is effective in beautifying the skin and hair and in inhibiting viruses and bacteria. Moisture collected from ambient air is passed through a moisture-permeable membrane, and an extremely fine "nano-mist" - approximately 10-40 nanometers (nm: one billionth of a meter) in diameter, compared to the near 6,000 nm of conventional water vapors - is released. The nano-mist results in outstanding cell permeability that increases the moisture content of the skin and hair, making them more beautiful. Plasma ions, which are created by adding a plasma discharge to the hydrogen and oxygen in air, inhibit viruses and bacteria present in a room and also suppress unpleasant odors. The nano-mist and ion generating function can be operated independently even during seasons when room cooling or heating is unnecessary.

When used in tandem with the three models in the SHK Series of hybrid evaporative warm-mist humidifiers launched this month through Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioning & Thermal Systems Corporation, a wholly owned MHI subsidiary, the humidifier starts or stops operating automatically in accordance with signals it receives from the air conditioner, based on information detected by the air conditioner's humidity sensor.

The SP Series' motion sensor function detects the amount of ambient human movement and automatically controls the temperature accordingly. As this capability prevents excessive cooling or heating, it contributes to energy saving. Also, when the air conditioner detects that no one is present in the room, it reduces power usage by raising the temperature setting when operating in the cooling mode and lowering it during operation in the heating mode; operation automatically resumes at the original temperature setting when the unit again detects human movements. When it detects no human presence for a given amount of time, it automatically shuts off. In combination with operation in the "ECO" mode - which detects the temperature and humidity and controls the effective temperature - the motion sensor function always maintains a pleasant environment while simultaneously saving energy.

Indoor units of the new models feature an "ECO design" of uniform compact dimensions: 294 millimeters (mm) in height, 798 mm in width and 293 mm in depth.

Other main features of the new SP Series include: 1) an automatic filter cleaning system, ensuring a clean filter at all times; 2) "JET" and "warp" operation modes, providing power and speed to bring the room to a pleasant temperature quickly; 3) a choice of 16 area cooling/heating settings, enabling free control of the emitted airflow; 4) a heat alarm to warn of excessive heating; and 5) a "Look and See" function that allows the user to monitor actual operating conditions, to promote energy saving awareness.