Most owners of traditional air conditioning systems are familiar with the requirement that the doors and windows must be closed during the operation of this equipment. Otherwise, not only the room will be cooled, but also the corridor, and the split system will be very difficult to cope with this task. What to do in those cases when on a hot summer day a favorable microclimate is required to be created not only in rooms or offices, but also in the corridor. Installing an air conditioner in each room is unrealistic and disadvantageous. In this case, the best option is to install a multi-zone system.
What are multi-zone air conditioners
These are climatic installations that are able to create a favorable microclimate not in one apartment or room, but in several, for example, in an office or high-rise building. In other words, such equipment is installed in office buildings, hospitals, large offices or enterprises, hotels and so on.
Note: not every multi-zone system is capable of cooling, heating all rooms at once; this possibility directly depends on the manufacturer and the particular model taken.
Similar air conditioning systems are VRV type and VRF:
- the first Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV), in the translation "variable refrigerant volume", was released and patented by TM Daikin at the end of the last century (1982);
- the second system, Variable Refrigerant Flow or VRF, translates as "variable refrigerant flow." In fact, it is similar to the first, but since the abbreviation VRV is already registered for the specified company, other manufacturers that produce similar equipment are forced to indicate this very abbreviation on it.
Multizone VRV / VRF conditioning involves the use of a common freon line from pipelines. Indoor units are equipped with a thermostatic valve, the task of which is to control the amount of refrigerant coming from the pipeline main, taking into account the required load. Due to this, these air conditioning systems are characterized by high accuracy and evenness in maintaining a comfortable temperature in comparison with traditional air conditioners, where the temperature can cause temperature differences due to adjustment when switching on or off.
Features of VRV and VRF air conditioning
If before, a central air conditioner was used to create a favorable microclimate in large buildings, today this problem is solved with the help of a chiller-fan coil system. This is beneficial in terms of saving electric energy and in creating a technical project. This air conditioning system surpasses it in value. Moreover, a similar conditioning method, in addition to properties such as cooling or heating, can significantly reduce indoor humidity. The function is performed offline using a special program. Units can perform self-diagnostics in case of power outages and independently shut off in emergency situations.
The air conditioning control system allows you to control and adjust the operation of the units due to forced intervention by remote control panels, a computer or a central control panel. The standard circuit is able to work even at very low temperatures (-2000C), although today there are models that can work properly even at -3500C.
But the most basic possibility of this installation is the ability to create different temperature conditions in different rooms, and no traditional air conditioner can cope with this task. This is the main argument to consider VRV and VRF air conditioning systems as a great breakthrough and achievement in the field of HVAC equipment, which combine maximum microclimate control in each individual room or office.
Advantages and disadvantages of using this equipment
A significant advantage of using VRV and VRF air conditioning systems is the ability to centrally control all systems at the same time thanks to the microprocessor installed in the equipment. It automatically distributes the power of each module connected to the air conditioning system in the desired mode. This is the main competitor of the Chiller Fancoil system, as compared with it, it is endowed with a number of advantages:
- profitability. Despite the high cost of equipment, during operation, these units can significantly save energy, while the performance of the modules remains high and most accurate;
- comfortable microclimate. The range of modes makes it possible to choose the most optimal temperature indicators taking into account the needs and preferences of the user;
- low noise. The design is designed in such a way that the noise level during the operation of the unit is minimal;
- long term of operation. Due to the fact that manufacturers simplify the design as much as possible, its service life is at least 10 years;
- scale. You can connect several dozen external ones to one external unit. For reference! In traditional air conditioning - only a few pieces;
- appearance of the facade. This system uses only one external unit, to which all the others are subsequently connected. In traditional air conditioning, each apartment needs to be installed separately, and this spoils the appearance of the facade, especially if it is a beautiful architectural building;
- ease of installation and cost. Due to the fundamental technical difference, in comparison with other air conditioning systems, a common freon line is used here, and not separately. This fact significantly affects the cost and ease of installation. Moreover, you can expand the system at any time without sacrificing the capacity of internal modules.
Disadvantages of using VRV and VRF conditioning:
- the most significant and significant drawback is the high cost. If we are talking about a residential apartment, where there are only 3 or 5 rooms, then in this case these blocks are not rational to use. Another thing is when you need to equip a favorable and comfortable microclimate in multi-room houses: a hotel, a treatment center or a large company, then the use of these systems is more than justified and justified.
Service VRV / VRF conditioners
Any air conditioner is a special type of climatic equipment and it needs maintenance systematically. Failure to comply with this requirement may lead, at best, to interruptions in work, and at worst, to failure. Therefore, you need to monitor these regularly, even if no obvious violations are detected in the work. You should also not do it yourself, since there is no shortage of masters and SCs today.
It is strictly forbidden to mount these systems on your own, as the development of the project and the installation process are complex and painstaking work that must be performed exclusively by professionals who understand the equipment and installation.With a proper approach and thoughtful actions, the result will surely exceed expectations.
