Happy anniversary to the best HVAC system ever

10 years ago, Mitsubishi Electric’s Hybrid VRF (HVRF) system was launched.

It was and remains a true gamechanger.

F-Gas is changing our industry. Since the phasedown commenced in 2015, all major manufacturers have acquired Chiller businesses to manage the threat to the traditional VRF market.

In addition, VRF has become much more complex (with R32, Leak Detection, Pump Down requirements, etc).

10 years after the launch of HVRF, the industry is still struggling to find a compliant R32 VRF system that is available, flexible and meets future legislative and building requirements.

WTF? – What the Freon obviously!

Specifiers are desperate for R32 VRF to reduce the Global warming Potential / CO2 equivalent of installed systems. HVRF has been doing this for 10 years. The refrigerant exists only between the condenser and the HBC Box. R32 and less of it.

Specifiers are scratching their heads over leak detection. Is the current VRV5 compliant or not? HVRF has been compliant for 10 years. It doesn't require leak detection in an occupied space as the pipes carry water, not refrigerant.

Specifiers are caught between VRF and Chillers. Larger volume systems are swinging towards Chillers because there is less refrigerant but there is the complexity of lead times and the lack of flexibility with a chiller.

HVRF has been available for 10 years. It combines the best of both worlds. VRF style units and controls combined with low refrigerant charge and low GWP.

It is also available for delivery, off-the-shelf, exactly the same as a VRF. The outdoor condenser piped to the HBC is, in essence, a Chiller.

Familiar flexibility with low GWP

Specifiers need a system that is efficient, low GWP, familiar, reliable and flexible. HVRF has been all of this for 10 years. Even the schematics are familiar with the added benefit of Hydraulic detail. The controls are identical. Side-by-side, a Mitsubishi Electric VRF and HVRF indoor units are indistinguishable from each other.

Yes. Hybrid VRF (HVRF) has presented its challenges. Before the product became available, it was specified by consultants and tendered to the same contractors who typically install VRF. the whole process happened too quickly. Everyone wants to win the job and at times, enough care was not taken to consider what was required.

It isn't the same overall technology. Whilst it uses the same condensing units and utilises refrigerant for efficiency, the design, application and installation requires a more complex skillset. Some Sales Engineers selling it as an "easy installation" clearly didn't understand the technical aspects of HVRF.

This isn't an issue with the equipment. The wrong contractors (sometimes) were chosen to install the projects. A well designed, planned and installed HVRF using all the correct tradespeople will result in an excellent installation.

Proud of our success

At Logicool Air Conditioning & Heat Pumps Limited we are proud that all of the designs that we have been involved with have been a success.

One recent project resulted in a contractor telling me: "You were right. I should have listened. I didn't make any profit this time, but it is an excellent system, and I will be better prepared next time".

For me, that sums up the challenges that a HVRF installation poses for some contractors.

One end-user we work with has saved tens of thousands of pounds annually by switching from a poorly designed and applied Chiller to a well-designed and efficient HVRF.

Read F-Gas, PFAS proposals and think! Can we honestly offer a 10-year warranty for DX R32 systems?

Specifiers seem keen to adopt a more complex R32 VRF system with added leak detection. Why? This increases cost and complexity.

Changes in usage

The real challenge with R32 VRF is when the building usage changes in the future and additional units or controllers are added or even removed. envisage your favourite FM engineer just adding a controller because a large office currently not requiring leak detection has been partitioned. Who carries the responsibility in this situation? We all know it will happen.

HVRF is future proof. There is every possibility that the Condenser and / or the HBC Box can be retained should a solution such as R290, CO2 or a new ultra-low GWP refrigerant be made available.

R32 is time limited. That is simply a fact. There is no guarantee that we can even sell R32 systems in 2035 so why are we not adopting this technology as THE go-to solution in modern buildings? Why are we so desperate for R32 VRF?

I think we all know the answer why.

This article was originally posted on Karl’s LinkedIn account, which can be viewed here.

Karl Richardson, Managing Director and Climate Control Specialist at Logicool Air Conditioning & Heat Pumps Limited