Benda University

Shoubra faculty of
engineering
Mech. Power
engineering

Variable Refrigeration
Flow (VRF) Air Condition
System
Under Supervision:
Dr. HANY ELSAWY
Directed By
125 ) MICHAEL ASHAM RIZK
Sec. Five

1jjhnpg. 0

Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, which

were introduced in Japan more than 20 years ago,
have become popular in many countries, yet they
are relatively unknown in the United States. The
technology has gradually expanded its market
presence, reaching European markets in 1987, and
steadily gaining market share throughout the
world. In Japan, VRF systems are used in
approximately 50% of medium-sized commercial
buildings (up to 70,000 ft2 [6500 m2]) and onethird of large commercial buildings (more than
6500 m2]).

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.

Cooling type VRF system

Types of VRF
VRV/VRF systems can be used for cooling only, heat
pumping or heat recovery. On heat pump models there are
two basic types of VRF system: heat pump systems and
energy-recovery.

Applications
VRF systems are generally best suited to buildings
with diverse, multiple zones requiring individual
control, such as office buildings, hospitals, or

hotels. A VRF system does not compete well with

rooftop systems in a large low-rise building such as
a big box retail store.

Energy Savings
All VRF systems provide energy savings by varying compressor
speed and matching the output of the system as closely as
possible to the load. In addition, VRF systems do not experience
the same energy losses as systems that move conditioned air
through ductwork. However, differences in design in the
available outdoor units will influence the efficiency level that is
achieved.

VRF ADVANTAGES
Comfort
The main advantage of a variable refrigerant
flow system is its ability to respond
individually to fluctuations in space load
conditions. The user can set the ambient
temperature of each room as per his/her
requirements and the system will
automatically adjust the refrigerant flow to
suit the requirement

VRF systems enable wide capacity modulation

and bring rooms to the desired temperature
extremely quickly and keep temperature

fluctuations to minimum. The technology

offers excellent dehumidification performance
for optimal room humidity regardless of
outside conditions.

VRF systems are capable of simultaneous

cooling and heating. Each individual indoor unit
can be controlled by a programmable
thermostat.
VRF systems can generate separate billing that
makes individualized billing easier

Reduced Noise Levels

Indoor and outdoor units are so quiet that they can
be placed just about anywhere, providing more
flexibility on how to use indoor and outdoor space.
Indoor ductless operating sound levels are as low
as 27dB (A) and ducted units sound levels are as
low as 29 dB (A). Outdoor units can even be placed
directly under
A window and quiet indoor units are perfect in
environments that require minimal disruption like
schools, places of worship, libraries and more.
When compared to the single split system, a VRF
system reduces outside noise levels by almost 5
dB@1m.

Maintenance and Commissioning

VRF systems with their standardized

configurations and sophisticated electronic
controls are aiming toward near plug-and-play
commissioning. Normal maintenance for a VRF
system is similar to that of any DX system and
consists mainly of changing filters and cleaning
coils.

Because there are no water pumps to maintain

or air ducts to be cleaned, less maintenance is
required compared to other technologies.

Size of Units
The size of the units selected must be considered for impact on
the design of the system; smaller units will provide flexibility of
zoning and require less piping and less refrigerant per system.