HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Conceptualised and engineered for both residential and commercial uses, HVAC cleanses the air and keeps you warm and cosy in winters and fresh and cool in summers. HVAC has several other features that make it more reliable and flexible. To understand it well before buying, it is imperative to realise its working potential.

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF), a type of HVAC technology, is among those top-class air conditioning developments in the past years. Known for its high-ranking energy efficiency, VRF HVAC has both cooling as well as heating properties. Some models are even capable of providing both heating and cooling effects simultaneously to separate areas within your space.

VRF with the help of different units, each with their respective temperature controls can offer individualised temperature comfort for each user. This is one of the main reasons why VRF HVAC systems are in demand, especially in commercial spaces.

Working module

A VRF HVAC system provides better comfort, flexibility, and energy-saving, and much more. The working, as well as set up for these technologies, is extremely complex. VRF HVAC systems use inverter driven compressors to provide powerful heating or cooling for all indoor and outdoor units. In VRF systems, there is one or more outdoor condensing units connected with multiple indoor units. VRF also offers the flexibility to pick and choose the type and combination of indoor unit(s) based on application and or aesthetic requirement. As the term suggests, variable refrigerant flow is the system’s ability to control the amount of refrigerant that flows to the multiple indoor units. Their design approach allows for the use of several indoor units with different capacities and configurations, connected to condensing unit(s). This whole arrangement offers individual comfort control.

Why go for a VRF HVAC system?

Space-saving- VRF HVAC systems are the first choice of people having space issues for installation. Unlike traditional ACs, VRF HVAC does not need much space due to small individual units to suit each area.

Easy installation- Due to the flexibility and compact size of VRF HVAC, their installation is superficial. No maintenance room, service shafts, water pumps, distribution fans, or hefty pipes for the circulation of fluid are required to install such systems. Hence, they use less space and are easier to install.

Quiet operation- As the condensing units of VRF HVAC System have been installed outside, the indoor workplace environment remains calm and relaxed.

Energy efficient- It is one of the most significant advantages of VRF HVAC. Designed to offer the exact amount of cooling or heating required for a space, VRF HVAC is an energy-efficient system and therefore considered to be environment friendly.

Less downtime- A VRF HVAC system undergoes less wear and tear as it is designed to run only when needed and can efficiently operate at partial-load conditions. Thus, there will be lesser chances of breakdown of the complete system or the components of the system.

Zoned heating and cooling- One can adjust the temperature settings according to their need. A VRF system can also provide heated or cooled air to suit individual requirements.This way, it promises the important benefit of zoned heating and cooling.

About the author:

Naohiko Hosokawa is Director & Business Unit Head-Living Environment Division at Mitsubishi Electric India Pvt. Ltd.