Daikin launched the VRV air conditioning system in 1982 and in doing so introduced the world’s first use of variable refrigerant flow control. This technology circulates only the minimum amount of refrigerant needed at any one time and enables individual climate control of air conditioning zones. The name VRV is derived from this technology – Variable Refrigerant Volume. Ever since Daikin has been the leading pioneer in VRF/VRV technology paving the way for other VRF manufacturers to try and mimic what Daikin has already accomplished.

True Zoning

Daikin VRV features true zoning utilizing many individual air handlers or “heads” to condition certain zones of a building. With a wide variety of heads (from concealed ductless, floor standing, or traditional ducted heads) each individual head is tailored to fit the particular zone it is conditioning. Each head receives the minimum amount of refrigerant at any one time to condition the appropriate amount of load the zone is calling for. Because all of the heads work in this manner Daikin VRV systems take full advantage of part load conditions or the exact amount of heating/cooling individual zones call for at any one time and not on the conventional system peak load designs where the system is designed to condition as if all areas are calling for worse case load removal. Not only does this decrease energy consumption but also better maintains the temperature set point continuously.

Extremely Quiet

Daikin VRV systems are extremely quiet. Advanced analytic technologies including CFD and FEM are utilized to optimize fan design and increase airflow rate and external static pressure without increasing operation sound. The average outdoor unit has a dBA range of 58-61 while the average indoor unit has a dBA range of 27-43 depending on the head selected. In addition because Daikin VRV systems have far less ductwork or are even ductless the possibility of noisy ductwork or bad design is substantially reduced.

Efficiency

The Daikin VRV-IV has an unheard of 28 IEER rating. Daikin VRV systems are extremely efficient because they take advantage of ‘part load’ conditions and not ‘peak load’ conditions like conventional systems. This means instead of the system being designed to work in it’s worse-case and wasting a lot of energy when the load does not require the system to do so (about 70-80% of the time) Daikin VRV systems modulate their capacity to meet the exact load conditions at any time. This also maintains a constant set indoor air temperature.

VRT Technology

VRV IV-S’ revolutionary Variable Refrigerant Temperature control automatically adapts to the unique requirements of your building and climate, significantly reducing seasonal operational cost compared to conventional systems. Customize your operation between Automatic Mode, High Sensible Mode or Basic Mode to suit the application’s needs. As outdoor temperature falls, the capacity of the system is adjusted by reducing the speed of compressors AND by increasing the evaporation temperature. This increases both comfort and efficiency by maintaining a constant indoor temperature (less than 1F swings) and lowers compression ratio/maintaining optimal compressor speed.

Simultaneous Heating and Cooling

Daikin VRV-IV equipment can simultaneously heat and cool at the same time. The system can heat certain heads or zones that are calling for heating while cooling other heads or zones that require cooling. This is generally referred to as “heat recovery”. Conventional systems can only be in a single mode at any one time. Daikin VRV systems “recycle” excess heat from one area and supply it to another area requiring heat. This constant recycling can increase the systems efficiency by 50% or more!

Architectural Design Flexibility

Because VRV systems cut out a lot of unnecessary duct work architects and designers have much more flexibility crafting their art. VRV applications are especially great for updating HVAC systems in historic buildings where the original integrity of the building is desired as well as modern homes that have very little to no attic space to run ducting thru.

Outdoor Unit Flexibility
VRV IV systems have the unique ability to bring the outdoor condenser indoors!

Very GREEN

Single or Three Phase Option

Depending if you would like to design your VRV system with single or three phase power Daikin has many options. The Daikin VRV-IVS series is Daikin’s answer to single phase VRF systems supporting a three, four, or five ton condenser. The Daikin VRV-IV series is Daikin’s three phase series which supports between six to 38 ton condensers.

  • To speak to one our engineers on VRV systems, contact email: residentialestimator@wolffmechanical.com or Call 480-968-8208 Ext. 134

VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) or VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) systems, like ductless mini-splits, use refrigerant as the cooling and heating medium. This refrigerant is conditioned by a single outdoor condensing unit, and is circulated within the building to multiple indoor units.

How do VRF and HVAC Systems Differ?

VRF systems vary from their counterparts in a few key ways. Where conventional HVAC systems heat or cool the air prior to distributing it throughout your ductwork and home, VRF systems send air directly to the air handler inside prior to conditioning. Once the air reaches the air handler it is then heated or cooled and dispersed directly into that zone. Because of the unique zoning technology, VRF systems have the ability to heat one zone while simultaneously cooling another.

The VRF systems also do not require ductwork, instead they utilize pipe systems to transport the refrigerant needed to condition the space. This gives VRF systems a tremendous amount of flexibility – far superior to the other systems in the HVAC industry. They are also much easier to install, design, and configure when adding on to your home or business space. Rather than finding out how to redesign the ductwork and redo load calculations, VRF systems require a simple change of adding another air handler to the new space.

Benefits of VRF Technology:

  • Quiet operation
  • Energy efficient
  • Minimal energy loss
  • Green technology
  • Multiple zoning options per outdoor unit
  • Simultaneous heating and cooling
  • No ductwork needed
  • Architectural design flexibility
  • Space saving: smaller outdoor unit

VRV systems were created by Daikin in 1982, this technology, while newer to the market, has been around and continually improved for decades. Daikin has improved on this system in order to help owners save space, energy, and money.

Would you like to know how much money, energy, and space you could save with a VRF system? Fill out the information below to find out or Email residentialestimator@wolffmechanical.com or Call: 480-968-8208 Ext. 134