www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I June 2023 23
Feature
RETROFITTING BUILDINGS WITH VRF : BENEFITS AND CONSIDERATIONS
As the demand for energy-efficient and sustainable building solutions continues to rise , retrofitting buildings with Variable Refrigerant Flow ( VRF ) air-conditioning systems has become a popular option .
VRF systems provide an alternative to traditional chilled water and DX systems , with many benefits for building owners and occupants . Byron Taylor , sales engineer of Service First Group , distributor of Trane systems , spoke to RACA Journal about the benefits of VRF systems and the considerations that need to be taken into account when retrofitting buildings with them .
“ In my opinion , there ’ s been something of a market shift from the traditional VRF systems of the past to a growing demand to convert or retrofit buildings from either a chilled water system or DX system to an air handling unit ( AHU ) hybrid VRF system . The primary reasons are , number one , the overall building efficiency can be improved with VRF ; and number two , the payback period is usually shorter should you decide to go for a VRF hybrid system as opposed to a chilled water or DX system . Especially with a client looking for a Green Star rating , we are finding that the TVR Hybrids are typically a better solution for those clients . There are obviously exceptions where chilled water systems are essential .
“ It ’ s not a quick fix , but a cost-effective way to upgrade your HVAC system where , perhaps , you may have old air handling units ( AHUs ) that still comply in good condition , that can be converted , refurbished and connected to a VRF condenser to create an AHU Hybrid system . That ’ s an attractive option because it reduces lead times and can be done in stages rather than shutting down the entire building . That means there ’ s no downtime in the building which is better for employees . On the efficiency side , if you get the correct control systems in place , the power consumption reduces dramatically .
“ With multiple VRF Hybrid systems , you are able to provide heating and cooling to different areas of a building at the same time , with each area controlled individually . This helps reduce energy consumption as only the areas that require heating or cooling are targeted . VRF systems also have inverter technology , which allows them to adjust their output to match the required heating or cooling demand . This ensures that the system is not wasting energy by running at a constant high capacity when it is not needed ,” says Taylor .
“ The improved energy efficiency of VRF systems translates into cost savings for building owners . The lower energy consumption of VRF systems means that electricity bills are lower , which can lead to significant savings over the lifetime of the system . In addition , the payback period for a VRF system is generally shorter than for a traditional chilled water or DX
Service First Group Service First Group Service First Group
An air handling unit .
Byron Taylor , sales engineer of Service First Group , distributor of Trane systems .
The Trane in evolution .
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I June 2023 23