RACA Journal I February 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 19
VRF
Most training( 61 %) is online, while on-site sessions( 39 %) are hosted at Shunde( five sessions) and Chongqing HQ( two sessions) with more than 2 000 participants. Besides, we also held four regional VRF training sessions in the MEA region and the Asia Pacific region with more than 100 participants. The programme emphasises technical expertise for HVAC solutions, prioritising eco-friendly R290 technologies and advanced VRF systems.
Beyond product innovation, Midea places strong emphasis on ensuring that VRF systems perform reliably in the field – an area where installation precision, site conditions and environmental factors often create challenges for contractors and engineers. To address these realities, the company has developed a range of technologies and design features aimed at improving installation flexibility, safeguarding system components and enhancing overall performance.
As global refrigerant regulations shift toward lower-GWP alternatives, manufacturers are increasingly required to meet stringent safety standards, particularly when working with mildly flammable A2L refrigerants. Midea has focused on aligning its VRF product development with these evolving requirements, incorporating enhanced safety functions and control strategies to ensure secure operation in all applications.
“ Product design strictly adheres to international standards such as EN60335-2-40, addressing the characteristics of A2L refrigerants with the integration of intelligent leakage detection and refrigerant leakage shutdown technologies, ensuring the safe use of A2L refrigerants.”
As buildings become more digitally interconnected, seamless integration between HVAC equipment and modern building management systems( BMS) has become essential for achieving optimal performance, monitoring and control. Recognising the challenges that arise from compatibility differences, installation complexity and varying functional requirements, Midea has prioritised the development of VRF platforms that communicate easily across multiple protocols while offering enhanced cloudbased management capabilities.
“ BMS systems typically face several issues: 1. device compatibility, 2. functional scalability, 3. installation complexity. Midea’ s VRF systems support various industry-standard communication protocols such as BACnet, Modbus and KNX, ensuring seamless integration with BMS from different manufacturers. We are not only providing a gateway to support the protocol but also integrating the protocol into our central controller. Meanwhile, Midea supports cloud control and monitoring, providing customers with our own iBuilding platform, enhancing the system’ s flexibility and manageability through data synchronisation and remote control.
Stable operation, high efficiency, energy saving, environmental protection and smart control are the eternal goals of air-conditioning systems.“ Midea has established 38 R & D centres globally, including 16 domestic R & D centres and 22 overseas. By integrating local resources, Midea achieves localised development and establishes a global R & D scale advantage. Midea implements the‘ user-centered’‘ Three Generations’ R & D model,‘ develop one generation, reserve one generation, study one generation’, to ensure the company has innovative products and technology reserves in the short, medium and long term, to ensure continuous, high-quality satisfaction of user
MS Aircon custom air handling unit( Petra) in its showroom.
needs. Through a vertical three-level physical R & D organisation, horizontal three-level technology committee and digital operation platform, the high-quality implementation of the three generations is ensured.”
Besides, the newly launched Shanghai Midea Global Innovation Park will take on the global R & D and innovation mission of Midea, gathering thousands of high-end talents and becoming a powerful engine for the deep integration of technology and industry.
TOSHIBA R & D DRIVES THE NEXT GENERATION OF SMART, SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE VRF TECHNOLOGY
Toshiba’ s latest R & D efforts highlight a comprehensive push toward smarter controls, safer refrigerants and more reliable VRF performance. The following overview explores innovations pointing to a future where VRF systems deliver higher efficiency, improved safety, reduced downtime and a far more streamlined user and technician experience.
Naas Massyn, national sales manager Toshiba, says:“ Toshiba R & D is focusing on smarter, advanced inverter compressor control and refined EEV algorithms for precise refrigerant and oil management. Moreover, model-predictive and AI controls that sequence compressors, outdoor units and heat-recovery branches to maximise part-load efficiency in cooling, heating and mixed mode operation. Furthermore, Integration with BMS for demand-response, predictive maintenance and migration to lower-GWP refrigerants for sustainability.”
He adds that Toshiba has already addressed the low-GWP transition with the SHRM-Advance VRF, an innovative VRF operating on R32 and can work as a heat pump or heat recovery system.“ Regulation challenges are being addressed, including refrigerant charge limits, mandatory leak-detection and ventilation requirements to meet A2L safety classifications.
“ Toshiba R & D is focused on optimised refrigerant distribution, enhanced leak-detection algorithms and regulatory compliance with emerging safety standards while maintaining top VRF performance.
“ Sensor and IoT technologies are reshaping VRF development by enabling fast data collection for predictive diagnostics, remote commissioning and AI-driven adaptive control algorithms that continuously optimise system operation. Cloud connectivity supports real-time performance tracking and preventive maintenance.
Supplied by Petra feature
RACA Journal I February 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 19