Valerie Eacret for Zondits, June 21, 2015. Image credit: Picdream
Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems can use substantially less energy to heat and cool a building than conventional HVAC systems. The technology uses a refrigerant, conditioned by an outdoor condensing unit, to deliver space heating and cooling to multiple fan-coil units throughout a building. Because refrigerant has a higher thermal capacity than water, the volume of this fluid required is much less than the volume of water that would be required. This means that the piping required to deliver the heating and cooling can be much smaller than it would be for a comparable system using hot and chilled water. It provides efficient heating and cooling by taking advantage of temperature differentials between zones in a building. These systems function at peak efficiency in part-load conditions. Despite all of these advantages, VRF can still be made more efficient—this is the first VRF system that Zondits has heard of that uses solar power.
Gree unveils world’s first solar VRF air-conditioners in UAE
Khaleej Times, April 11, 2015
Gree air conditioners distributed by NIA Limited has launched the world’s first solar VRF air-conditioners in the UAE. This revolutionary product is aimed at energy generation and conservation and positions Gree as a market leader in the space of solar air-conditioners.
The solar VRF system is a hybrid solar-electric air conditioner which can work on zero power from Dewa. The traditional air conditioner can consume nearly three times more energy as compared to the solar VRF air conditioner causing the consumer to pay a higher electricity bill.