www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I February 2025 25
All Images supplied by Daikin
Feature
FLEXIBLE COMFORT :
HOW VRF SYSTEMS ARE CHANGING THE HVAC LANDSCAPE
By Eamonn Ryan
Known for their energy efficiency and versatility , Variable Refrigerant Flow ( VRF ) systems have quickly become popular worldwide as a highly effective solution for controlling heating and cooling in large or multi-zone buildings .
VRF systems were first developed in Japan in the early
1980s , with the technology making its way to Europe by the late 1980s .
TECHNOLOGY IS FOCUSED ON R32 DEVELOPMENTS Daikin is making strides in advancing its Variable Refrigerant Volume ( VRV ) technology , focusing on the adoption of R32 refrigerant . Developed and introduced by Daikin nine years ago , R32 is rapidly replacing R410a ( in South Africa too , though at a slower pace ) due to its lower global warming potential ( GWP ). For decades , VRV systems have utilised the high-GWP refrigerants .
Current ranges in the South African market mostly use R410a . For Daikin the current R410a VRV systems supplied are imported pre-charged with a mix including reclaimed refrigerant . This means significant saving in virgin gas being produced each year . This forms part of Daikin ’ s ‘ LOOP ’ programme which aims to recover , reclaim and reuse refrigerants .
Daikin ' s efforts are done in view of the worldwide direction to reduce the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons ( HFCs ) officialised and formalised in the Kigali Amendment of the Montreal Protocol and also ratified by the South African government .
Nico van Heerden , Daikin consulting sales engineer , says that Daikin ' s plans include expanding its VRV range to incorporate R32
across various models . While R410a systems are today ’ s norm and will remain in use in South Africa over the next few years , the global shift toward R32 is undeniable , with the refrigerant already being offered in several projects in South Africa and further afield in the region . Current VRV 5 , R32 range covers the heat-pump , heat-recovery + mini VRV S range which is quite compact and perfect for smallest residential and office applications . The South African HVAC market is experiencing a growing demand for energy-efficient solutions , driven by rising electricity tariffs and persistent power shortages . Furthermore , the ratification of the Kigali Amendment underscores the global shift towards reducing the use of HFCs . In response , Daikin is broadening its VRV offering to include the R32 line-up , providing cutting-edge advancements in energy efficiency and more environmentally friendly refrigerants .
However , the VRV 5 R32 range is not merely a transition for the South African market but an additional tool in Daikin ' s portfolio . “ It enables us to fulfil our commitment to delivering the highest energy efficiency with the lowest environmental impact . That said , without significant regulatory changes , Daikin does not foresee an immediate market-wide shift to R32 . In specific cases , the R410a range remains a highly viable option . For example , the Daikin replacement VRV line-up based on R410a facilitates retrofitting of older R22 systems by reusing existing piping and certain indoor unit models . This approach significantly reduces installation costs and time while supporting sustainability objectives ,” says Van Heerden .
He says Daikin offers the full range of R32 products , including heat recovery systems . However , he cites the key challenge facing the transition to green refrigerants within the industry
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I February 2025 25