Energy Performance Evaluation of Hybrid VRF Systems Based on Japanese Government-Designated Method

Variable Refrigerant Flow Rate (VRF) System is used as air-conditioning systems in small and medium-sized buildings in Japan. Traditionally, the two most common types of VRF systems are electric motor driven VRF Systems (EHP) and gas engine driven VRF Systems (GHP). However, in recent years’ society is increasingly demanding energy saving and the best energy mix. This requires an air-conditioning system that has energy flexibly depending on the application and situation. As a result, a hybrid airconditioning system (called Hybrid VRF System) that satisfies theses need has been developed. The developed system can operate according to energy price and usage situations by connecting GHP and EHP with one refrigerant cycle. In recent years, a Hybrid VRF Systems have been used for small to mediumsized buildings. In this paper, the author evaluated the performance of an integrated Hybrid VRF System based on the energy evaluation method prescribed by Japanese law.