Air conditioning 1 VRF systems
Familiar system
given new shine
A crop of new product launches is taking VRF aircon systems a step further,
according to the makers. Ian Vallely looks at some technologies on offer
V
ariable refrigerant flow (VRF) air
conditioning systems have been around
since at least the 1980s and have captured
a significant slice of the commercial
market. VRF systems are used in about 60 per cent of
commercial buildings in the UK, according to research
body BSRIA. With this level of market saturation, you
might think that the technology had matured to a point
where further innovation was unlikely. Judging by the
latest crop of new launches from several leading air
conditioning manufacturers, however, this is far from
the truth.
Although a more traditional example of VRF
technology, Sanyo Air Conditioners claims its new
ECOi Series 6 air conditioning unit represents a big
step forward in both efficiency and performance. The
two-way system has been designed in accordance with
Sanyo’s three new product development priorities –
high efficiency, marketability and reduced size and
weight.
The final efficiency figures have yet to be confirmed,
but Sanyo expects the minimums to be an Energy
Efficiency Ratio of 4.0, a CoP of 4.4 and a seasonal
energy efficiency ratio of 6.0. The unit’s weight is
a third less than its predecessor, at 400kg, and the
required installation space has been cut by a fifth.The
range now extends up to 56kW in a single unit and
is connectable in a 3:1 combination system of up to
168kW.
The maximum length for refrigerant pipework has
been increased, from 300m to 1,000m, extending the
application and enabling its use in larger buildings,
says Sanyo. Units have been significantly redesigned,
enabling some outdoor units to be transported to range (11.2-33.5kW). MHIE has also introduced 15 new Samsung’s DVMplusIII.
building rooftops in lifts, rather than requiring indoor units to replace the outgoing KX4 range in a
expensive cranes or external lifting platforms. variety of capacities, making 77 models in total. KX6
Also, the external optimal static pressure for fans is said to achieve Class A ratings for energy efficiency,
has been significantly increased, therefore allowing with CoPs up to 4.33.
ductwork to be connected for internal plant room New compressors, heat exchangers and inverter
installations. controls contribute to the greater efficiency of the
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Europe (MHIE) has new KX6 models, the company says. Other claimed
also focused on higher efficiencies in its expanded KX6 improvements include a new refrigerant system
VRF range. Eight new ‘full size’ KX6 heat pump models control, more efficient DC fan motors, a redesigned
(33.5-68kW), which can be paired to configure systems three blade fan, and a compact integrated PCB, which
with capacities up to 136kW, join the existing Compact needs a smaller control box. >
www.cibsejournal.com March 2010 CIBSE Journal 43
CIBSEmar10 pp43-44,46_Aircon.indd 43 25/2/10 16:10:22
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