VRV air conditioning systems: description, features, installation and feedback

The climate equipment segment is constantly expanding and is divided into narrower niches. Manufacturers depart from universal systems, replacing them with more productive and convenient in operation analogues. So there are specialized devices for humidification, air purification, ozonation and other functions. Preserves the urgency and the main direction of development, which improves traditional air-conditioners, although not all technologies survive in this group. VRV systems that entered the market more than 20 years ago can be referred to promising developments, but today they do not have a worthy alternative in the climate equipment market.

Features of multi-zone conditioning

In fact, the hardware components for the VRV system are nothing fundamentally new. The design is the same unit with the compressor, which is also used in monoblock systems. Technological features are associated with the approach to the placement of the elements of the complex and the nature of the interaction between them. But first you should consider the operational differences that the VRV-conditioning system has. What is this system from the point of view of the consumer? This is a complex multi-zone complex, which allows you to regulate the microclimate in several rooms. Theoretically, this configuration is suitable for office premises and for the arrangement of production facilities. In practice, this development is used mainly in the arrangement of public buildings and shopping centers.

What is the difference between VRV and split system?

One of the most notable features of VRV technology is the possibility of servicing several execution units due to one outdoor unit. But the same advantage is available and the classic split-system. It can be said that this is a common feature that unites two concepts. But even here everything is not unambiguous, since the internal block of the VRV-system can be represented by dozens of elements. In practice, there are about 40 segments located in different parts of the building. A split-system is also capable of providing an object with the same number of execution modules, but this will be irrational in terms of power consumption. For such systems, the number of indoor units usually does not exceed 8 elements - this is the best option for a country house, but not for a large shopping center. But there is one more feature of the VRV-technology. The fact that the outdoor unit provides for the possibility of power regulation, that is, it can control the state of the refrigerant.

System Design

At the first stages, specialists calculate the parameters of the refrain and the route of laying the pipelines in the conditions of a particular facility. In the development of the design solution, the optimal microclimate parameters, the parameters of the cold and thermal loads for each room are taken into account. With the help of special programs, energy consumption is also calculated and an optimal model of thermal regimes is formed. Next, a schematic configuration is made, according to which the VRV-conditioning system will be integrated - what does this mean in terms of documentary presentation? To date, traditional sets of technical documentation with schedules and drawings are still common, after acquaintance with which the future user gives approval or makes adjustments to the project. However, manufacturers of climate equipment, understanding the complexity of multi-zone systems, offer automated design systems in the form of software. Such systems allow you to calculate and design the optimal system by entering initial data, selecting the most suitable equipment for it.

Installation of VRV-systems

It has already been noted that such a system can include about 40 blocks. However, modern industrial units provide for 100 modules. Moreover, advanced complexes allow the possibility of connecting several bundles into one network, eventually forming a chain of 250 or more links. Accordingly, the installation is performed only by highly qualified specialists using self-diagnosis systems that detect errors during installation. Directly, each unit is separately assembled in the same way as in the case of conventional systems. That is, the outdoor unit of the VRV system is fixed to the wall from the side of the street with dowels and a power frame. Also, the internal module is mounted in the room itself, after which a route is laid between the two components, along which the refrigerant will pass with air currents.

Maintenance of VRV systems

The technological complexity of the equipment necessitates regular maintenance activities. As practice shows, such actions help not only several times to increase the operational life of systems, but also have a positive effect on reducing energy consumption. So, the maintenance of VRV systems provides for performance of verification activities, replacement and replenishment of consumables, as well as adjustment of operating parameters. As for the verification, this stage covers the revision of the functioning of the fans, the grounding system, the drainage system, the integrity of the units, etc. To update the consumables can be attributed to the replacement of filters and refueling of refrigerant. At the final stage, the working components of the system are calibrated, the temperature modes adjusted, and if necessary, the automatic mode of operation is adjusted.

System Manufacturers

In the VRV-system segment, not so many manufacturers are represented, as is the case with conventional air-conditioners. The leader in the class is Daikin, the developers of which at one time became the authors of the concept. At the moment, the manufacturer is releasing the third generation of such equipment, expanding its functionality, improving ergonomics and reliability. The Toshiba multi-zone VRV systems demonstrate their features. In particular, the company is working on optimizing the interaction schemes between the units, successfully increasing the performance for outdoor modules and taking the leading position in the development of intelligent refrigerant control systems. Interesting offers and Mitsubishi. Models of this company are distinguished by advanced control systems with infrared panels, centralized panels, and individual wired controllers.

Positive feedback on VRV-systems

The main advantage of the system lies in the overall optimization of the cost of equipment, reducing installation costs and minimizing the costs for the subsequent maintenance of air conditioners. Although the installation of multi-zone complex complex from the side seems rather problematic and even unrealizable, in practice, owners note that all primary labor and financial investments pay off in full. This is especially noticeable if we compare VRV systems with the same split units that take up more space, require additional space for communications and in general cost more.

Negative feedback

Of course, many users are deterred by the subtleties of design work and the nuances of maintenance. As the owners say, budget decisions of this type are especially capricious in terms of content, and, most importantly, the blocks depend on each other. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase more technologically advanced kits, but they are more expensive. In addition, the VRV system is not always suitable to install in cut-down versions - that is, to use for private houses and apartments, even with several points of installation of indoor units. For such purposes, manufacturers offer traditional split-systems, which are less developed functionally and technologically.

Conclusion

Technologies VRV-conditioning in many ways resemble the practice of using alternative energy sources. In the long term, they promise many benefits, including minimizing the financial costs of electricity consumption. But, as in the case of solar panels, VRV systems require a major initial input. And this applies not only to financial expenses. Almost every project of this kind can be characterized as a large-scale one. Even the objects for which 30-40 air-conditioning units are supposed to be installed require qualified and responsible work to create a technical solution and no less complicated execution of installation operations.