Your HVAC System can Manage its Own Energy Use: Advantages of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Zoning Systems

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VRF zoning heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems have been in use globally for 30 years. The key component is an inverter-driven compressor that uses only the energy needed to meet the heating or cooling load in the building. Since HVAC typically makes up over 40% of a building's energy use1 U.S. Department of Energy. 2011 Buildings Energy Databook, March 2012. D&R International, Ltd. (2011). http://buildingsdatabook.eren.doe.gov/docs/DataBooks/2011_BEDB.pdf. [Google Scholar], VRF zoning technology presents a significant opportunity to reduce a building's overall energy consumption. When weather conditions are less than extreme, which is most of the time in most of the U.S., the building is under partial load. The inverter compressor can ramp down its speed and save 50% of baseline energy use over conventional, fixed-speed, or two-speed systems2 Mitsubishi Electric HVAC Advanced Products Division. EnergyPro Building Energy Analysis, HVAC Energy Usage Savings: Hotel Building. (2009). http://www.mitsubishipro.com/media/226516/energypro-hotel.pdf. (50% HVAC system energy savings is dependent on climate and compared system.). [Google Scholar]. And this is the best part: The energy management system is built into the equipment!This article will address the most common concerns among designers and building owners: “Who should invest in VRF zoning technology?” “What is the ROI?” “Why is VRF zoning technology more efficient than other types of systems?” “How do VRF zoning systems fit into the whole building design and energy management strategies? Occupancy Control? Mobile devices? Tablets? Smart Grid?” This article will explain the concept of simultaneous heating and cooling through energy recovery and will highlight common applications and examples where VRF zoning systems were integrated successfully. Also, the advantages of having the building controls system built into the VRF zoning components will be discussed, such as the ability to add simple control for other systems in the building. This provides significant upfront cost savings in addition to the energy savings versus a traditional system with a third-party integration strategy.