P R O J E C T O V E R V I E W
June 2012
This Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Overview discusses both the energy-efficiency considerations and the non-energy drivers for VRF systems, as well as information that was required for utility energy-efficiency incentives. Several case studies are included to demonstrate how these heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems benefited various buildings.
Background
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heating and cooling systems promise energy efficiency, flexibility and improved comfort in small to mid-sized commercial buildings. Traditional heat pumps have been evolving in Asia over the last thirty years, and VRF systems are now the preferred HVAC system for small and medium commercial buildings in both Asia and Europe.
It is estimated that VRF systems condition over 50 percent of Japanese commercial buildings less than 70,000 square feet, and 15 percent of larger buildings. VRF systems were introduced in the U.S. around 2002, and have been installed in many types of commercial buildings, including offices, hotels, luxury apartments, low-income multi-family buildings and universities. While VRF systems have the potential to save energy, very few have received utility energy-efficiency incentives in the Pacific Northwest, because of the difficulty quantifying and verifying VRF system energy savings.
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