From Heating and Cooling to electronics and appliances, it takes a lot of energy to power our daily lives.
Our Homes use 37% more energy today than they did in 1980 & Over the coming decades, the world will consume more energy than it does today.
The above numbers are only for our homes what about the commercial buildings e.g. business offices, banks, hotels, hypermarkets ………… etc. the energy consumption increases day by day.
Specially the Air conditioning takes over 35 – 40 % of energy consumption for Residential and Commercial Buildings
So, the Saving Energy Era is Now.
And this is one of the main reasons that brings the (VRF) to our world.
When did the new technology Vrf Systems start?
VRF comes from Variable Refrigerant Flow
VRF is a new sophisticated technology for air-conditioning systems where there are one outdoor condensing unit and multiple indoor units.
Actually this technology started about 30 years ago in Japan and Europe. As well the Korean Company LG in a parallel line has continuously enhanced its technological innovation and credibility. As a result of sustained improvement and Finally LG launched his first generation of MULTI V in 2006 and achieved significant development. With world’s top class compressor and innovative technology competency applied on every part, cycle and controlling solutions, it has evolved to be one of the world’s most efficient and reliable VRFs.
What is the Vrf System?
Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) is an air-condition system configuration where there is one outdoor condensing unit and multiple indoor units. The term variable refrigerant flow refers to the ability of the system to control the amount of refrigerant flowing to the multiple evaporators (indoor units), enabling the use of many evaporators of differing capacities and configurations connected to a single condensing unit. The arrangement provides an individualized comfort control, and simultaneous heating and cooling in different zones.
The number of indoor units that can operate under one outdoor unit can reach up to 60 units and this varies from manufacturer to another and this is due to the inverter-driven scroll compressor technology in the outdoor unit. The inverter compressor can change it speed to adapt and follow the variable loads of cooling/heating due to the condensing unit requirements and this is due to the expansion valve built in the indoor units
Multi-Split Systems
A multi-type air conditioning system operates on the same principles as a split type air- conditioning system however in this case there are ‘multiple’ evaporator units connected to one external condensing unit. These simple systems were designed mainly for small to medium commercial applications where the installation of ductwork was either too
expensive, or aesthetically unacceptable. The small-bore refrigerant piping, which connects the indoor and outdoor units requires much lower space and is easier to install than the metal ducting. Each indoor unit has its own set of refrigerant pipe work connecting it to the outdoor unit
Advantages of Multi-splits
Drawbacks
The question now: what is the difference between VRF systems and the Multi-split systems?
VRF system is similar to the multi-split system which connects one outdoor unit to multiple evaporators (indoor units). However, multi-split systems turn OFF or ON completely in response to one master controller, whereas VRF systems continually adjust the flow of refrigerant to each indoor evaporator. The control is achieved by continually varying the flow of refrigerant through a pulse modulating valve (PMV) whose opening is determined by the microprocessor receiving information from the thermistor sensors in each indoor unit. The indoor units are linked by a control wire to the outdoor unit which response to the demand from the indoor units by varying its compressor speed to match the total cooling and/or heating requirements.
So, it means the Multi split system is more suitable for small and medium buildings.
Different Types of VRF Systems:
The VRF system permits heating or cooling in all of the indoor units but not simultaneous heating and cooling. When the indoor units are in the cooling mode, they act as evaporators; when they are in the heating mode, they act as condensers.
Variable refrigerant flow systems with heat recovery (VRF-HR) system have the ability to simultaneously heat certain zones while cooling others; each manufacturer has its own proprietary design (2-pipe or 3-pipe system), but most use a three-pipe system (liquid line, a hot gas line and a suction line) and special valving arrangements. In this case, the heat extracted from zones requiring cooling is put to use in the zones requiring heating. This is made possible because the heating unit is functioning as a condenser, providing sub-cooled liquid back into the line that is being used for cooling. While the heat recovery system has a greater initial cost, it allows for better zoned thermal control of a building and overall greater efficiencies.
Pros and Cons of Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems
System Features (Pros)
VRF systems offer a number of benefits to designers, installers, and end-users. While it is best to peruse the manufacturer’s literature for a full list of benefits, a few of the common features include:
System Issues (Cons)
Some issues shall be considered from beginning while choosing the VRF system
And this why you shall consider an experienced installer
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