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Variable Refrigerant Flow System Representative in the Carolinas

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology can make your life simpler – from more efficient buildings to consistently satisfied occupants to reduced maintenance expense. However, implementing a VRF system for your next project can be challenging without proper support from a qualified manufacturer’s representative. That’s why Hahn Mason is happy to supply VRF air conditioning and heating systems for facilities throughout the Carolinas. We’re able to provide a trusted solution for your application along with the knowledge of how to make it work for you.

Our team is here to work side by side with you and help you realize the benefits of installing a VRF system on your next project. We’re here to help you know where VRF can be applied for optimal flexibility, and how you can use it to reduce the operating expenses for the facility.

What is a Variable Refrigerant Flow or VRF HVAC system?

In the United States, variable refrigerant flow systems are considered relatively new by many. However, VRF systems have actually been around for decades. Throughout the world VRF HVAC systems, have been the HVAC system of choice for quite some time. Only over the last decade, has VRF technology become increasingly popular in the United States.

Similar to traditional central air conditioning systems used for residential and light commercial spaces, VRF HVAC systems are air-cooled and refrigerant-based, using condensing units outside and air handlers inside. With conventional systems, compressors run at zero or full capacity, so it is common to experience fluctuations in room temperature as the compressor stops and then starts again to maintain space set point.

In a VRF system, the speed of the compressor can be varied, allowing the compressor to operate continuously for longer periods, rather than cycling on and off.  By adjusting the required refrigerant flow supplied to the indoor fan coil and once the set point is reached, space temperature can be maintained smoothly with no fluctuation.

What are the Advantages of a VRF System?

  • Consistent comfort
  • Quiet operation
  • Energy efficiency
  • Installation flexibility, great for tight spaces
  • Heat & cool simultaneously
  • Zoned heating & cooling
  • State-of-the-art controls
  • Fewer breakdowns/less downtime

What Makes VRF the Right Fit for Your Next Project?

  • Controlled costs through efficiency
  • Planned and budgeted replacement programs
  • Sustainable green energy solutions
  • Affordable financing options
  • Extended warranty programs

Is a VRF System Right For Your Facility?

That’s why building owners, consulting engineers, and contractors throughout North Carolina and South Carolina come to Hahn Mason. Our highly trained team can help you determine whether or not this type of system would be beneficial for your facility.  No matter the type of application, we are here to ensure your VRF system performs efficiently, safely, and effectively.

For more information on Variable Refrigerant Flow systems, contact Hahn-Mason Air Systems today at (704)-523-5000.

What are the Design Considerations for VRF Systems?

  1. Load Calculations – Calculate individual zone loads (BTU/h) and airflow requirements (cfm).
    Indoor Unit Selection – Select appropriate type of indoor unit per zone based on:

    • Space Use (office, residence, corridor, conference room, etc.)
    • Aesthetic architectural considerations (ductless wall mount in room, or hidden ducted unit)
    • Physical space for unit (mounted in attic, ceiling plenum, mechanical room, etc) with considerations for install and service clearances
    • Capacity sizing and airflow requirements for space
    • Occupant preference
  2. Outdoor Unit Sizing – Select Outdoor Unit Size based on block load of zones served.
  3. Outdoor Unit Type – Select Heat Recovery (simultaneous heating and cooling/heat recovery) or Heat Pump (system all in heating or cooling).  This selection is based on how indoor units are grouped.
    • If zones share load characteristics year-round heat pump may be appropriate but caution should be given not using heat pump to serve zones with diverse load characteristics (e.g., one office will be calling for heating, another for cooling, causing occupant discomfort)
    • When using Heat Recovery systems, grouping zones with diverse load characteristics (for example zones on north and south sides of buildings) will maximize heat recovery and therefore energy efficiency.
  4. Outdoor Unit Locations – Determine locations of outdoor units based on space, aesthetic considerations, and optimal refrigerant piping paths.
  5. Multiport Boxes –  For Heat Recovery systems, determine optimal location, type, and size of heat recovery boxes
  6. Refrigerant Piping – Ensure that piping configuration meets manufacturers specifications including:
    • Overall pipe lengths
    • Lengths from first joint to farthest unit and other similar limitations
    • Vertical lengths from outdoor unit to indoor units and between indoor units
    • THESE LIMITATIONS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY CALCULATED BY INPUTTING LENGTHS INTO DESIGN SOFTWARE
  7. Refrigerant Concentration Limitations – Based on the smallest room volume served by a system ensure refrigerant limit concentration is not exceeded (per ASHRAE Standard 15 and 34)
    • a.  If limit concentration is exceeded, reconfigure system.
  8. Controls
    • a.  Select Individual Zone level control based on space use and occupant considerations
      • Simple or programmable?
      • Limitations on functionality
    • If required, select VRF Central Controller for group control.
    • If BAS connection required select appropriate accessories for BACnet or required protocol.
    • If occupant control via WiFi is required select appropriate accessories.
  9. Other Considerations
    • Ventilation air- Is outside air (OA) supplied through a separate system (DOAS or ERV) or will OA be introduced via a VRF DOAS unit?
    • Auxillary or Emergency heat required?  If so, select appropriate accessories.

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