Operational status evaluation of integrated hybrid VRF system

Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems are used as air conditioning systems in small and medium-sized buildings in Japan. Conventionally, the two most popular types of VRF systems are the Electrical Motor-Driven VRF system (EHP) and the Gas Engine Driven VRF system (GHP). However, in recent years, society has been increasingly demanding energy saving and the best energy mix. This required an air conditioning system that is capable of flexibly using energy according to the application and situation. Consequently, a hybrid air conditioning system (called the Integrated Hybrid VRF system) that satisfies this need was developed. The developed system enables operation in accordance with energy prices and usage situations by connecting a GHP and an EHP in a single refrigerant cycle. Subsequently, in recent years, the Integrated Hybrid VRF system has been utilized in small and medium-sized buildings. However, the actual performance characteristics of this system have not yet been investigated. In this study, measurements were obtained during the actual operation of an Integrated Hybrid VRF system operating in an office building and controlled by a remote monitoring server to enable optimal operation according to the application and situation. In this report, the actual operational status of the Integrated Hybrid VRF system with optimal operational control is presented.