Abstract
The multi-functional variable refrigerant flow (MFVRF) system is a promising solution to meet the UE objective that all new buildings shall be nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEBs). In particular, it is a high-efficiency system able to supply space cooling, space heating and domestic hot water (DHW) production simultaneously in different zones allowing also for waste heat recovery. The aim of this work is to implement a novel dynamic model of the MFVRF in EnergyPlus 9.4 in order to assess its final energy consumption and to account for the heat recovered when working in cooling mode to be used for DHW production. The developed model is employed to compare the performance of a MFVRF system in a multifamily residential building of 858 m2 with that of a conventional solution. The simulations are performed for two different climate conditions in Spain and two different DHW consumption temperatures. The results show significant energy savings achieved with the MFVRF system and DHW being consumed at 60 ºC for both Madrid (63.82%) and Seville (51.8%). Additionally, energy savings were even further enhanced for DHW being consumed at 45 ºC for Madrid (73.69%) and for Seville (70.71%). It is concluded that part of the annual DHW energy demand is covered by heat recovery for Madrid (4.96%) and Seville (5.69%) at a DHW consumption temperature of 60 ºC and for Madrid (6.42%) and Seville (8.96%) at a DHW consumption temperature of 45 ºC.
Highlights
The construction and use of buildings are responsible for over one-third of global final energy consumption and nearly 40% of total direct and indirect CO2 emissions [1].The 2010 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) [2] and the 2012 Energy Efficiency Directive [3] are the main policies in the European Union that aim to achieve highly energy efficient and decarbonized building stock by 2050
variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system is an AC system composed of an outdoor unit (OU) connected to up to 64 indoor units (IUs) of different capacities located in each thermal zone of the building enabling individualized thermal comfort, simultaneous heating and cooling in different thermal zones and heat recovery (HR) from one IU to another
The present work describes a novel model of the multi-functional variable refrigerant flow (MFVRF) system in EnergyPlusTM, with the purpose of evaluating the energy consumption of this integrated solution in terms of heating, cooling and domestic hot water (DHW) production in a dynamic simulation environment
Summary
The 2010 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) [2] and the 2012 Energy Efficiency Directive [3] are the main policies in the European Union that aim to achieve highly energy efficient and decarbonized building stock by 2050. It is stated in article 9 of the EPBD that all new buildings must be nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEB). To do so, it is referred in article 6 of the EPBD that high efficiency alternatives shall be ensured in new buildings in order to reduce the final energy consumption in buildings.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
