What is a VRF system and how does it work?

What is VRF?

VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems refer to the variable flow of fluid in the internal panels of the cooler and are one of the advanced HVAC systems that were first introduced in 1982 by the Japanese company Daikin. These systems are one of the most modern and at the same time most sensitive air conditioning systems that provide cooling and heating for the building at the same time. VRF systems are usually used in office buildings, hotels, and large commercial buildings.
VRF systems are similar to air conditioners with several indoor units, which indoor units can be installed inside the building and in different areas, and the outdoor unit (condensing which consists of a condenser and compressor) can be installed in the open environment and roof of the building. VRF systems such as splits use R410A refrigerant gas for cooling and heating, the refrigerant gas is circulated in a circuit by an external panel between several internal panels. Due to the sensitivity of VRF systems, their implementation should be done by experts so that the entire system does not suffer in case of the smallest defect in the design or implementation.
Click to view brands, models, and different types, find out the price, and buy a VRF system.

Different parts of the VRF system

• Compressors
• Subcooler converters
• Oil separator
• HOT Gas control valve
• Safety valves
• Expansion valves
• Accumulator

Types of VRF systems based on function

VRF systems are divided into three categories in terms of function:

Cooling VRF system: These systems are the simplest type of VRF system, which only has the ability to cool, and these systems cool the building space only in the summer season through the indoor unit.

Heating and cooling VRF system: The difference between this type of system and the cooling VRF system is that it can be used for heating the environment in the winter season and a heat pump is used to generate heat. The operation of this type of system is such that when the external unit is in cooling mode, all the internal panels can only cool the space and it is not possible to use both cooling and heating modes simultaneously. These systems are also known as two-pipe or heat pump systems.

VRF system with heat recovery: these systems are more advanced than the two types of systems mentioned and simultaneously provide the possibility of heating and cooling all zones of a building.

Types of VRF systems based on energy consumption

According to the type of energy consumed, VRF systems are divided into two categories: EHP and GHP:

EHP system (Electric Heat Pump) or electric VRF system that works with three-phase electricity and there are one or more electric motors in the external unit of this system.

GHP system (Gas Heat Pump) or gas VRF system that works with natural gas energy. In the external unit of this system, there is a combustion engine that rotates one or more scroll compressors, and the compressor is responsible for condensing the refrigerant gas and rotating it, and it works with the internal combustion engine, and the heat of the compressor engine through A combustion engine is injected into the VRF duty cycle. In this way, the efficiency of the VRF device as a heating system increases.

Damatajhiz; The best prices and brands of building installation equipment

How does a VRF system work?

The VRF system is almost similar to the compression chiller system, but with the difference that in the VRF system, instead of using water in its circuit, the refrigerant gas is used between the indoor and outdoor units. In these systems, the refrigerant gas is sent directly to the fan coils inside the building to heat the air in the cold season and cool the air in the hot season.
The outdoor units are installed on the roof of the building and are connected to the indoor units or fan coils through copper pipes to perform both heating and cooling.
It is recommended to use the GHP-type VRF system if you intend to use these systems to cool the building in addition to heating. In this case, electricity consumption costs will be reduced to cool the building in the summer season by using city gas.

Advantages of using the VRF system

• Being smart is one of the main features of these systems and it provides the possibility to control the temperature separately in any environment and choose different temperatures using an external unit.
• VRF systems are equipped with automatic troubleshooting and the entire system is automatically checked by Line error and its faults are identified.
• These systems will help preserve the environment and cause no pollution due to the use of R410A refrigerant gas.
• These systems have low energy consumption and high efficiency.
• VRF systems can be used in all types of weather conditions and will not lose their efficiency in areas with high humidity.
• In VRF systems, the external unit is installed on the roof, so there is no need for an engine room for the installation of VRF systems.
• Ease of installation and easy transportation are other important features of these systems because these systems have very little weight and are produced in different sizes and can be installed easily without the need for a crane.
• The low noise of VRF systems is due to the proper type of fan and compressor used.
• VRF ventilation systems do not need additional equipment such as pumps, piping circuits, air channels, steel piping, etc., and the cost of primary equipment is low.
• In these systems, the indoor unit is installed centrally on the roof, which does not take up much space for their installation, besides, the installation of external units does not occupy the useful space of the building.
• VRF systems can connect 64 indoor units. Each indoor unit can be controlled separately.
• The advantage of using inverter compressors in these systems is that the number of revolutions of the compressor can be controlled intelligently and according to the needs of the consumer and in heating and cooling mode, which saves energy.

Disadvantages of using the VRF system

• The impossibility of operation in high towers
• High repair costs
• Specialized installation and commissioning
• The economic inefficiency of the heating mode of VRF systems means high electricity consumption
• The possibility of refrigerant leakage that causes environmental and human damage

VRF system price

In the price of VRF systems, the type of system brand, and the capacity of the internal and external units is effective. For internal units, the price range is about 450 to 700 dollars, which is determined according to the number of external units and the dimensions of the building. The price of the external unit also varies from 875 to 1100 dollars per ton of refrigeration (3.5 kW).
It should be noted that the listed prices will be different for different brands. VRF production brands are divided into three categories:
Japanese brands: Daikin, General, Mitsubishi Electric, Toshiba, and...
Korean brands: Samsung, LG
Chinese brands: Media, Gray, Hisense, ...

You can also read the article VRF/VRV SYSTEMS for more information.

Final speech

If you want to get more information and get advice, you can contact the experts of the air conditioning unit of Demathaghiz during office hours.

Related Articles

In order to get more information, it is recommended to read the articles related to the article What the VRF system is and how it works.

• Inverter air conditioners or regular air conditioners؟
• How to choose the right ducted split
• Solving the problem of air conditioner noise
• Advantages of inverter in a split air conditioner
• When should the ducted split be used?

We are waiting for your call and look forward to meeting you at the DAMATAJHIZ group

By sharing the above article on social networks, let your friends know about its important content.