Design of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system

Abstract

Air conditioner has become a very integral part of the modern society. The popularity of the air conditioner has only peaked ever since it’s invention. However, it has been one of the noted reasons for the increase in Global Warming. This is due to the contribution of Refrigerants in the increase of greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere. It also uses a lot of energy. To save the environment from degradation as well as to save energy we need to keep upgrading the air conditioning appliance to provide more efficiency and use less refrigerant so as to cause less air pollution. Normally the air-conditioner used is either split AC or centralized system however we are using Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system which is a type of HVAC system combining both the types and providing the benefits of both. The design is for commercial office situated in Maharashtra at longitude of 73o50’ and latitude of 18o 31’ with an elevation of 560m from sea level for a total airconditioned space of 5113 sq. Ft and other office at longitude of 72° 52’ and latitude 19° 5’, 14 m above sea level situated in Andheri, Mumbai. The purpose is to achieve 24oC DBT and 17oC WBT from outside design conditions of 36oC DBT and 22oC WBT using standard data books.