VRV/VRF Overview
An Over View of VRV/VRF System
VRF/VRV is an air-conditioning technology, in which refrigerant is conditioned by single or multiple condensing units (which may be indoor or outdoor, water or air-cooled) and is circulated to multiple indoor units within the building.
It allows end user for individual control over temperature and airflow in different zones in building where it is used for air-conditioning purpose, which makes them a popular choice for large commercial and industrial buildings, such as office buildings, hotels, and schools.
It consists of an outdoor unit, which contains the compressor and condenser, and one or more indoor units, which contain the evaporator and fan. The refrigerant is circulated as per requirement between the outdoor and indoor units, where it is cooled or heated as needed.
Popularity of these system are growing in India due to its efficiency and flexibility.
The Indian market for VRV systems is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by increasing awareness of the benefits of these systems and growing demand for energy-efficient, flexible and sustainable cooling solutions. The construction and real estate sectors in India are also expected to continue growing, which will boost demand for VRV systems.
Video on VRF/VRV System :- VRF/VRV System
What is VRV and VRF ?
VRV - Variable Refrigerant Flow
VRF - Variable Refrigerant Volume
Both are two different name but technologies are the same, only naming difference due to manufacturer.
VRV is trademark of Daikin and other companies are using this technology with the name of VRF.
History
This technology is invented by a Japanese company named Daikin in 1982.
Daikin called this technology by the name of” VRV” i.e. Variable refrigerant volume and this name is a trademark of Daikin so other companies are calling this technology as “VRF” (Variable refrigerant flow). Both things are the same but their name is different.
It is also called multi-split type air conditioning because with one outdoor you can use multiple indoor units. We can use any type of indoor unit with a single ODU and can operate all IDU at different temperatures.
One of the the main benefits of VRV/VRF systems is their efficiency which is achieved by adjusting the quantity of refrigerant flowing to each area based on the cooling/heating needs of that space which help system to operate at its most efficient point, reducing energy consumption and costs.
Daikin, Blue Star, Voltas, Mitsubishi , Carrier (Toshiba & Midea) , Hitachi , LG, Samsung are the front runner Air conditioning the company who is selling their VRF machine in INDIA.
Type:-Based On Air Flow on Outdoor units,
1.Top Discharge
2.Side Discharge
In the air is discharged from the top in top discharge machine and in Side discharge airflow from the front side.
For residential purpose, side discharge unit best machines it takes less space and can be fitted in shaft or balcony.
Based on type of Condenser used
1. Air Cooled
2. Water-cooled
Which is best, VRV or Split AC ?
|
VRF /VRV |
Split AC |
|
1.Single ODU with multiple ODU. |
1.Single IDU with a single ODU. |
|
2.Power consumption is around 30 % (claimed) less than as compared to the Split system. |
2.Power Consumption is higher than the VRF System. |
|
3.VRF An HVAC system is designed to run only when needed and under partial-load conditions. |
3. It runs only on full load. |
|
4.It uses very less space because in this system many indoor can be connected with single outdoor. |
4. Uses higher space because in the Split system ODU numbers are the same as no indoor unit. |
|
5. Installation The cost is higher but the running cost is lower because it takes very little power as compared to the split system. |
5 . Installation Cost is lower but the running cost is higher it takes very more power as compares to the VRF system. |
|
6.Maintenance cost is higher because it requires a very skilled technician and requires regular checkup |
6. Maintenance cost is lower. |
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7. The entire system can be operated from one place using the central remote control. |
7.Central remote is not used because the individual remote is used for the individual units. |
Video on VRV V/s Split AC :- VRV V/s Split AC
VRF Circuit Diagram
In this system ODU consist of Inverter Compressor with condenser coil. The expansion valve is used with the
Indoor unit. Piping is distributed through the Refnet joint or Y Joint.
Refnet is used for indoor as well as outdoor.
In the indoor side, it will connect different type of indoor unit and on outdoor, it connects the outdoor unit of different capacity.
No of indoor and outdoor connected in one system is dependent on the type of manufacturer.
VRF Block Daigram
-No of compressor unit depends on outdoor unit capacity.
-OS (Oil separator ) used oil recovery.
-Accumulator used to avoid liquid refrigerant entry into the compressor.
Working of VRV/VRF System ?
- It uses the Inverter compressor which runs on various speeds as compare to another compressor which can run only at full speed.
- Multi-stage fan speed operation available.
- The entire system can be monitor from one location
- It uses a sophisticated Microprocessor which allows the compressor to run on multiple speeds as per load requirement. First AC supply passes through noise filter which maintains & filters the current (remove impurity) and gives it to Bridge rectifier which converts AC into DC supply. Capacitor bank stores the DC supply and inverter driven PCB to convert this DC supply into variable AC supply. And using this variable AC supply compressor speed is changing.
Advantages of VRV/VRF system
1.Energy savings (claimed up to 30 -35%)
When VRV/VRF based AC turned on, then compressor work to achieve this set temperature and once that temperature achieved, speed of compressor gets reduced.It run only to maintain that temperature.
And if you set temperature in normal split AC then your compressor will run to achieve this temperature and stop working when temperature gets achieved and again start if temperature increases.
And due to multiple on&off ,it draw more power as compared to VRV system.
2. High COP
3. Space savings
4. Long piping and centralize control.
5. Low noise.
6. Precise temperature control as per need.
7. Zonal comforts.
8. Diversity- In VRV system , we can reduce the outdoor capacity based on the usages of indoor system.
Eg.
Indoor Capacity - 10 TR
Outdoor Capacity- 8 TR with diversity of 125%.
at any point outdoor will deliver 8 TR only.
Disadvantages of VRV/VRF System
1.High Initial cost
2.Fluctuation in power supply may affect VRV system..l
3. Skilled technicians required.
4.Monopoly of manufacturer
5. Complex piping
6. Spare parts availability.
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