VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
(OP)
Off late I have come across manufacturer after manufacturer coming out with VRV /VRF system and aggressively .It is being marketed for most of the applications.I have found the economics does not work out in favor of the VRV /VRF compared to Chilled water system.
Even in VRV/VRF digital scroll as well as VFD driven compressors are in competition. At least in the INDIAN context where predominantly only cooling is required chilled water systems are economical and reliable.
Can any one throw light and let me know the strengths and limitations of VRV/VRF system especially where only cooling is needed.
Further when we use the VRF/VRV most of the indoor units are standard product having 2 row cooling coils and does not dehumidify to the extent is neeeded for coastal climate like Madras /Bombay
Even in VRV/VRF digital scroll as well as VFD driven compressors are in competition. At least in the INDIAN context where predominantly only cooling is required chilled water systems are economical and reliable.
Can any one throw light and let me know the strengths and limitations of VRV/VRF system especially where only cooling is needed.
Further when we use the VRF/VRV most of the indoor units are standard product having 2 row cooling coils and does not dehumidify to the extent is neeeded for coastal climate like Madras /Bombay





RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
Also the condensing unit does nto have low ambient control, it trips at 23 degF ambient. (which may not be a problem in India, but is in Northeast USA).
As for ventilation, we had AHU's providing ventilation, and the VRV units were conditioning the spaces loads (it was a high computer load space).
We didnt use chilled water because it was a renovation space, and was confined by the 10" ceilings, and a Mitsubishi unit was able to accomodate.
I did not do a payback review.
I too used it for cooling only, but I do recall a heat recovery mode that is available. It works somehat like a condenser water loop, but you need a somewhat balanced system, so when half is heating in the winter about half need to be cooling
Good luck
knowledge is power
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
Also keep in mind ASHRAE 15, the mfr. reps did not initially remind me about that. It turns out that if you have a lot of small confined spaces served by one big VRF condensor, you either need to transfer to larger spaces or provide refrigerant detection alarms. Any point of leakage could release the whole system refrigerant volume into that one space with the leak. A Daikin employee at a local ASHRAE chapter meeting offered that tidbit during his presentation.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
And the head of facilities had some reservations about the whole system. He didnt like the fact it was R-410 (becasue it uses higher pressures than R-22). I told him all the greener refrigerants are higher pressure, but he didnt care.
We looked at putting isolation valves in the refrigerant system, but upon further review, we decided against it. One reason was the connection of the valves would add additional possible points of leaking. So we kept them out.
Make sure to do the pressure test st 600 psig, and hold for 24 hours.
knowledge is power
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
Dehumidification issues can be dealt with by having a dedicated unit to treat the fresh air
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
Then, for any maintenance on these systems you need a guy with a refrigeration ticket, and you also need to watch local Codes for quantity of refrigerant in the system, leak detection, and ventilation requirements. You also have to deal with the original supplier/manufacturer - if it's a Mitsubishi system, you are locked-in for all the system components and accessories. You can't use Daikon stuff in a Mitsubishi system. One may also need a higher class of building engineer/facilities operator (Class 4 engineering ticket or better) to deal with these if it's a large system due to the higher quantity of pressurized refrigerant. As others have mentioned, there are strict limitations on the pipe lengths from the condensing unit to the furthest fan-coil.
In my opinion, a well designed water source heat pump system using the small ceiling mounted water-to-air heat pumps would be very close in energy performance, but gives one a much wider range of flexibility for systems components, controls, maintenance, and operation. Besides, you get a leak with a water source heat pump system, you have water at maybe 50 psig leaking. The VRF systems typically operate in the 300-400 psig range...fine, if it's a transient occupancy like a grocery store, but do you really want to have 300+psig refrigerant piping running above office workers who are there 10 hours a day?
I think the VRF systems may have a place for retro-fits to older buildings, but as long as the designer and Client understand the limitations and maintenance issues, it is a reasonable option. Me, I'm still going to recommend 4-pipe fan-coil or water source heat pumps before VRF systems.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
Make sure the capital cost for the VRF system includes everything, including pipe insulation and the DOAS (Dedicated Outdoor Air System) controls to be fairly costed against your radiant and/or 4-pipe fan-coil.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
As with the chilled water system the Chiller required shall be as low as 60%to 80 % of the Peak load as long as the Low side equipments are designed for the Peak Load.The above flexibility is not available in any other system including VRV.
Apart from the above in this part the qualified technical skilled person are scarce and for VRV site work is critical as we have found failure rate are very high.
None of the manufacturer or contractor do not suggest the refrigerant leak detection alarm nor even raise about it.
Another key issue is Pressure testing upto 600 PSI is rarley done by any contractor.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
I used the Mitsubishi system, and did some training. The contractor had to be "certified", meaning they went to training. And the manufacturer provided a commisioing list, and one of the steps was pressure testing. This was also a requirement of a project. I was lucky to have a contractor thaty cared about the project, and left the pressure testing over the weekend.
If you own it in the spec, they are responsible. Whether they actually do it, depends on how much you check up on them
knowledge is power
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
My understanding of the reduced first costs comes primarily from the installation (5/8" copper pipe compared to 4" chilled water mains). There's some reduced control complexity (no humidity reset required) that also play a factor.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
You can't simply superficially compare a "4 inch" chilled water pipe to a 5/8" copper tube - look at the distribution mains sizes for the VRF, and compare fairly to a decent chilled water delta T with right-sizing the diversity of the CHW system piping. Even assembling 2.5 inch and 3 inch Schedule 20 or Schedule 40 chilled water piping can't be that much more than the cost and labour involved in high pressure all-brazed or sil-fossed refrigerant pipe.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
End product in chiller chilled water does not get affected by the chiller as it is factory made and tested, where as the VRF/VRV is connected at site where the quality of pipe used, quality of brazing, pressure testing evacuating can affect the VRF/VRV system.
Control system for chilled water can be attended by any control vendor unlike the VRF /VRV where each vendor has different protocol and many times even with the vendor only few guys are trained.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
I think it depends on application. For existing high rise construction, especially while occupied, the reduction in penetrations and fire proofing, often substantially lower asbestos impact, and elimination of large water filled lines around electrical and teledata equipment has substantial benefits. I've been looking at it for stacks of teledata closets going through seven floors, and chilled water is not an economic alternative (existing chilled water plant is about 200 TR short, and constant primary/constant secondary distribution). For unoccupied, vertical stacks in an occupied building with probable asbestos, I can't think of a better alternative, and have been talking to others that have installed Daikin (as well as the local rep). We have used smaller Daikin systems, they have worked very well, and the O&M shops are very happy after one year.
At the same time the customer wants to renovate 20 single story buildings, adjacent to two production wells out of service for eleven years of plume modeling. Initial scope was replacement in kind with DX units. I wouldn't even think of VRV for that application, it will be a GSHP, preferably with dedicated MOAU. You play with the cards you are dealt.
I wouldn't trust chilled water controls to just anyone, as what I am currently working on is the result of letting just anyone work on controls. If you have ever seen a 1-1/2" line supporting a 3" and 2" line (because the chilled water line was there, the assumption seems to have always been capacity exists) because the scope said to connect to existing chilled water distribution, you would know what I mean. If you are going to connect to existing chiller plant, you still need to verify capacity and distribution is present, that you don't have just any person sizing valves, and that you don't have secondary or tertiary controls defeating the system control. May sound ludicrous, but I am seeing that on a current job.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
knowledge is power
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
Economics: their strength is when you have cooling/heating at the same time since it reuses that heat well. If you have mostly cooling only, or heating only... a chiller may be better. You really have to run a Trane TRACE simulation to evaluate economics. As a rule of thumb havingmany core zones, possible a server room will make a VRF economical when you need heating too.
Write and enforce really tight refrigerant leakage specifications. Refrigerant leaks are the Achilles heel. Obvioulsy a chiller is beter in that respect.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
but rules of thumb don't get you LEED points
I think LEED 3.0 requires energy simulations. However, only two can simulate VRF systems. Trane TRACE is really good and also a design tool. EnergyPro is based on the DoE 2.1 engine from the stone ages. that really is not a good tool. You migth as well use the (free) eQuest. A Daikin salesman once recommended EnergyPro. then I bought TRACE because of all the chiller, boiler, ventialtion details it can calcualte. He then told me I made a mistake. Soem months later I met him again and he told me they (not sure if just his office, Or DAIKIN) tested it and found it not suitable for VRF. This tells me much about salesman recommendations
I'm digressing.. but you should consider a good software. Like with all HVAC, there is no perfect system that fits all.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
- VRF is cheaper.
- VRF is more energy efficient than air cooled chiller plant.
- VRF is less efficient than water cooled chiller plant.
- VRF is 'plug and play' and simple to install
- VRF controls are simple and don't need to be programmed as per BMS systems.
- VRF FCU are limited to standard selection. Will required outside air preconditioning for high humidity/high outside air quantities.
- Check warranties if using VRF for 24/7 computer rooms. Daikin warranty is void if used for computer rooms!
- VRF systems are limited to the whomever supplied the original system. What happens if you need to replace a FCU in 10 years time? Not an issue with chilled water.
- VRF systems probably won't last as long as chilled water systems.
Generally I would say if an air cooled chiller is proposed, then a VRF system is probably a suitable alternative, especially for office applications (and using outside air preconditioning.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
VRF where space is available in condenser room, rooftop chillers for separate short stack runs occur.
Now just have to have asbestos surveys.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
I have one 400 ton install that was originally designed as a small chilled water plant, but during schematic design the VRF beat it out on first cost. That install was an anomaly, and in other designs in this tonnage range the chilled water killed the VRF in LCC.
As for efficiency, yes a well designed chiller plant will generally beat out a VRF system, but the chilled water app falls on its face under 100 tons. The VRF does great in this range.
Also, I have a LEED v.2 for Schools project right now that I managed to hit 8 points on EA Credit 1 using DOAS with energy recovery wheels and Daikin VRV with oversized condensing units. This was about 60 tons total (small private school). Try that with chilled water at that tonnage!
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
And I need to make a correction: I got 6 points on that project, not 8. Using a similar design on a renovation I anticipate 8 as per the model, but it has not yet been audited and accepted by the reviewers. Both projects had savings vs. the baseline model within 1% of each other, but the renovation scale gives more points.
On the renovation we are using Carrier's H.A.P. Both projects are v.2; they kicked off some time back then went on hiatus, but we registered both under the old rating system as the fundamental designs were set up to take advantage of the older point structure.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
- VRF is more energy efficient than air cooled chiller plant.
- VRF is less efficient than water cooled chiller plant.
Since some chillers are VRV, how are the direct VRV to air systems more efficient?
If forced air is used for heating, how do you integrate with a distributed VRV system? Don't they require their own proprietary air handlers without economizers, reheat, etc.?
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
Andrew
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
For a job I'm working on, there are twenty single story masonry construction buildings, with failed, 67-year old steam distribution loop from off central plant, and a production well nearby, idled for the last 12 years for plume modeling. I was thinking about a WSHP condenser loop to go along with VRF. Other option would be similar to Colt industries, water and refrigerant flow, but not too many American vendors or installs.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
We just priced out a Daikin system with water source condensers, 72 Ton was $302K. The largest water source condenser they make is 12T.
Our current belief is if you're going to use WSHP, just use WSHP. The VRF guys don't really have any benefit over WHSP, because there's heat recovery built into the WHSP. VRF seems to be a great option if the alternative is DX. WSHP with zone pumps and demand based control can easily match efficiencies, I believe, with a much less complex control and distribution.
Andrew
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
For the delivery side, water capacitance and possible storage would mask any advantage.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
http://www.hvacknoxville.org Repair Services.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
As one of main VRF advantages I allways considered expansion valves on each indoor unit (or connection box related to unit), which allows capacity modulating for each and every room.
In chilled systems you have on-off valves in vast majority of cases. Modulating can be achieved by zone valves for some partiuclar zones consisting of number of rooms.
That forces you to find coincidental summary of zone peaks to size chiller. In VRF you are finding coincidental summary of each room peaks, which can give you sensibly smaller size, depending on building geometry and distribution of room orientations.
The other advantage is on end-user level - on-off cycling in rooms is allways less comfortable than modulating.
In some restoration systems I designed literally cascades of pipe runs, which would not be possible with water pipes as air would be trapped everywhere.
Now, safety norm is introduced in my country officially, there is EU standard that is actually based on Japanese standard which gives exact, officially allowed refrigerant charge based of minimal room volume, applied only for rooms where sleeping can occur.
That limits these systems for many residential and hotel applications; other than that I find mostly advantages of VRF/VRV lately.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
Also disapointing is that these kinds of answers (VRF Vs CHW) ought be found in ASHRAE, but out "dear for-progit ASHRAE" does not like to put its money where its mouth is. At least volunteer an opinion.
No one mentionned tonnage application for this sytem, is this system applied to 100-plus tons? or are we talking about 40-80-ton kind of load.
I also do not see anyone considered modular air cooled chillers Vs VRF (at Part load, chillers are OFF, and nothing beats OFF). My take is that modular air-cooled offers a lot less headaches and it compares fairly well, so why go with an experimental system?
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
If you want a scientific LCC for one of these systems (as in you are considering one for a project) I would recommend you do the legwork yourself, and have a 1st person experience relevant to what you are working on. The manufacturer's reps are more than happy to inundate you with product info and selections. No 3rd party LCC is going to be a perfect match for your project.
And there is nothing experimental about VRF. These systems are new only to designers in the US. They have been around for upwards of 20 years in other more flexible markets.
www.ellisconsultingengineers.com
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
And as far as costs go, definitely be careful. The efficiency of scale has a big effect on these systems, each project needs to be evaluated individually to see if it makes sense.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
What I meant is that statements are made as VRF being cheaper without having performed an LCC.
One cannot take statements as energy efficient without having performed an LCC.
As for experimental: I am sorry to disagree with you but in the US, these systems are installed in a handfull of projects, so to obtain a qualified service technician, good luck.
I can even give you a true case in point from personal experience - I went green and bought a gas-fired tankless water heater for my house (yes, the bills were lower, endless HW, etc), trouble was, when I had to service the darn thing, there was no technician to be found within 100 miles.
So I lost out, I had to revert back to the old storage tank water heater. Even though Tankless water heaters have been a round for decades in Europe.
Just because they have been around in Europe does not mean they are good to begin with, it does not mean they are efficient neither. It just means that Europe has its way and the US has its own way of doing things.
One last thing, we are trying to help each other on this forum, let's refrain from being agressive from each other.
RE: VRV/VRF versus Chilled water system
In the 1st few VRF projects I did, factory training for the mechanical contractor and the end user was part of the spec. I also required an extra condensing unit of each tonnage to be delivered and kept stored on site for spare parts availability (having an entire assembly means no matter what component goes bad, you will have one available.)
It worked out well, and the installed cost of the VRF still came in under the 1st cost of the chilled H2O.
I am in a heavily populated area, and at this juncture there area host of qualified technicians who can work on the VRF systems. Quite frankly, aside from some circuit boards, they are pretty simple systems.
www.ellisconsultingengineers.com