Evaluation of energy savings potential of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) from variable air volume (VAV) in the U.S. climate locations

Kim, Dongsu; Cox, Sam J.; Cho, Heejin; Im, Piljae

doi:10.1016/j.egyr.2017.05.002

Title: Evaluation of energy savings potential of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) from variable air volume (VAV) in the U.S. climate locations

Journal Article · 22 May 2017 · Energy Reports

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2017.05.002 · OSTI ID:1376433

Kim, Dongsu ^[1];

^[1];

^[2]

Mississippi State Univ., Starkville, MS (United States)
Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems are known for their high energy performance and thus can improve energy efficiency both in residential and commercial buildings. The energy savings potential of this system has been demonstrated in several studies by comparing the system performance with conventional HVAC systems such as rooftop variable air volume systems (RTU-VAV) and central chiller and boiler systems. This paper evaluates the performance of VRF and RTU-VAV systems in a simulation environment using widely-accepted whole building energy modeling software, EnergyPlus. A medium office prototype building model, developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is used to assess the performance of VRF and RTU-VAV systems. Each system is placed in 16 different locations, representing all U.S. climate zones, to evaluate the performance variations. Both models are compliant with the minimum energy code requirements prescribed in ASHRAE standard 90.1-2010 — energy standard for buildings except low-rise residential buildings. Finally, a comparison study between the simulation results of VRF and RTU-VAV models is made to demonstrate energy savings potential of VRF systems. The simulation results show that the VRF systems would save around 15–42% and 18–33% for HVAC site and source energy uses compared to the RTU-VAV systems. In addition, calculated results for annual HVAC cost savings point out that hot and mild climates show higher percentage cost savings for the VRF systems than cold climates mainly due to the differences in electricity and gas use for heating sources.

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Research Organization:: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-00OR22725

OSTI ID:: 1376433

Journal Information:: Energy Reports, Vol. 3, Issue C; ISSN 2352-4847

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Energy Modelling and Indoor Air Quality Analysis of Cooling Systems for Buildings in Hot Climates Shaikh, Zohaib; Nasarullah Chaudhry, Hassam Fluids, Vol. 3, Issue 4 https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids3040077	journal	October 2018
Energy use analysis of the variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system versus the multi - split unit using TRNSYS Yau, Y. H.; ‘Amir, M. Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 56, Issue 2 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00231-019-02726-7	journal	September 2019
Verification of Energy Reduction Effect through Control Optimization of Supply Air Temperature in VRF-OAP System Lee, Je; Yoon, Hyun; Im, Piljae Energies, Vol. 11, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.3390/en11010049	journal	December 2017
Modelling of a Variable Refrigerant Flow System in EnergyPlus for Building Energy Simulation in an Open Building Information Modelling Environment Torregrosa-Jaime, Bárbara; Martínez, Pedro J.; González, Benjamín Energies, Vol. 12, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.3390/en12010022	journal	December 2018

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Title: Evaluation of energy savings potential of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) from variable air volume (VAV) in the U.S. climate locations

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