Variable Refrigerant Volume System

Also referred to as a vrf system variable refrigerant flow is a technology that circulates only the minimum amount of refrigerant needed during a single heating or cooling period.

Variable refrigerant volume system. When daikin launched the vrv air conditioning system in 1982 it introduced the world s first use of variable refrigerant volume control. Variable refrigerant volume system vrv s are a multi split type air conditioner for commercial buildings which use variable refrigerant flow controls to provide customers with the ability to maintain zone control in individual rooms and floors of a building. Vrv is a technology that alternates the refrigerant volume in a system to match a building s precise requirements. Like ductless minisplits vrfs use refrigerant as the cooling and heating medium.

The advantages of vav systems over constant volume systems include more precise temperature control reduced compressor wear lower energy consumption by system fans less fan noise and additional passive dehumidification. The vrv vrf systems can achieve high efficiencies through heat recovery and accurate temperature control. Only a minimum amount of energy is required for a system to maintain set temperatures and ensure that it automatically shuts off when no occupants are detected in a room. Unlike constant air volume cav systems which supply a constant airflow at a variable temperature vav systems vary the airflow at a constant temperature.

The variable refrigerant volume systems vrv vrf is basically a large multiple split system. Variable refrigerant flow also known as variable refrigerant volume is an hvac technology invented by daikin industries ltd. Unfortunately the design of vrf systems is more complicated and. This refrigerant is conditioned by a single or multiple condensing units and is circulated within the building to multiple indoor units.

They operate quietly and provide the user full control of the environmental temperatures. As a technology leader in the hvac industry daikin had registered the vrv term which stands for variable refrigerant volume 1 as an official trademark. Daikin variable refrigerant volume vrv the variable refrigerant volume hvac system is a relatively new technology developed by daikin the world s leading hvac manufacturer. All other companies use vrf variable refrigerant flow 2 for their similar hvac systems.

Eventually vrf is the more common term for these types of systems and this is the term that will be used for the rest of the article. The system can comprise of several indoor fan coil units matched to one or more outdoor condensing units. Variable refrigerant volume vrv system so other manufacturers use the term vrf variable refrigerant flow. New vrv systems offer high levels of energy efficiency as well as flexibility.

Vrf systems unlike conventional chiller based systems allow for varying degrees of cooling in only certain areas reducing energy consumption. In essence both are same. Variable air volume vav is a type of heating ventilating and or air conditioning system. Variable refrigerant volume systems.