Variable Refrigerant Flow
Variable Refrigerant Flow
Variable Refrigerant Flow
PART 1 - GENERAL
1.01 GENERAL
The Bidding and Contract Requirements, Division 1 - General Requirements, section 15010
- General Provisions, and section 15050 - Basic Materials and Methods shall apply to this
section.
1.02 SCOPE
The work covered under this section shall include the following:
A. Complete variable refrigerant flow system including equipment, piping, and controls.
System shall be a VRF (variable refrigerant flow) multi split air conditioning system.
The system will utilize an air cooled condensing unit supplying a maximum of forty
indoor fan coil units with combinations of outdoor units 3 - 25 ton capacity with a
maximum of 2 outdoor units connected at one time for 208-230V/ 3 Phase service.
B. The VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system shall be a simultaneous cooling and
heating heat pump system. The VRF system shall consist of an outdoor unit, high
efficiency heat recovery units designed for minimum piping and maximum design
flexibility, indoor units, and controls by the equipment manufacturer. Each indoor
unit shall be independently capable of operating in either heating or cooling mode
regardless of the mode of other indoor units.
E. The installing contractor shall be trained and certified at the manufacturer's training
facility prior to installation, start-up, and commissioning. Submit for review the
installation contractor's certification from the manufacturer. This certification shall
include the company certification as well as individual certifications for each
contractor which will be working on this project.
F. The refrigeration piping system shall be provided, installed, tested, evacuated, and
charged.
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B. The units shall be listed by Electrical Laboratories (ETL) and bear the ETL label. All
wiring shall be in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC). The units shall
be manufactured in a facility registered to ISO 9001 and ISO14001.
C. The refrigeration piping system shall be provided, installed, tested, evacuated and
charged in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, ANSI, ASHRAE,
and ARI's Safety Code for Mechanical Refrigeration, state and local codes.
D. Perform the following field tests and inspections and prepare test reports:
1. Leak Test - After installation, charge system and test for leaks. Repair leaks
and retest until no leaks exist.
2. Operational Test - After electrical circuitry has been energized, start units to
confirm proper motor rotation and unit operation.
3. Test and adjust controls and safeties. Replace damaged and malfunctioning
controls and equipment.
1.04 SUBMITTALS
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.01 MANUFACTURERS
2. LG Multi-V Sync II
4. Daikin Industries.
B. Coordinate any changes from the basis of design with all associated trades. Any
additional costs associated with the alternate equipment shall be covered by the
equipment manufacturer. No additional costs shall be incurred by the Owner.
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A. The equipment specified in this section shall operate with refrigerant R410A - no
exceptions or substitutions.
C. Refrigerant Piping
2. Pipe, Fittings, and Accessories - The pipe shall be type ACR 'L' hard drawn
copper refrigerant tubing with hard wrought copper fittings. All of the joints
shall be brazed with a filler material that complies with AWS classification
BCuP-5. A sight glass with moisture indicator shall be provided if not
provided with equipment. Use type 'L' copper tubing to pipe the relief valve
discharge to the outside.
5. All refrigerant lines shall be insulated from the outdoor unit to the indoor
terminal units as shown in section 15250.
A. The outdoor unit will have air cooled heat exchange coils constructed from copper
tubing with aluminum fins. The coils will be set in a vertical formation with air being
drawn in through three sides of the unit and discharged out of the top of the unit. The
systems will have a single fan mounted on top of the coils.
B. The outdoor unit will have one inverter controlled hermetic compressor. Partial
capacity cooling/heating capability must be available. The system shall use a control
sequence to ensure that indoor loads are matched to compressor capacity control.
C. The refrigeration process of the outdoor unit will be maintained by pressure and
temperature sensors controlling solenoid valves check valves and bypass valves.
The heating or cooling mode of the outdoor unit will be controlled using a
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combination of two- and three-way valves which will reverse the cycle of the
refrigerant to change the mode of the outdoor unit.
D. The variable capacity, heat pump air conditioning system shall be variable refrigerant
flow split system. The system shall consist of multiple evaporators using PID control
and inverter driven outdoor unit. The unit shall consist of direct expansion (DX),
air-cooled heat pump air conditioning system, variable speed driven compressor
multi zone split system. The outdoor unit may connect an indoor evaporator capacity
of 50-130% to that of the outdoor condensing unit capacity. Each indoor unit shall be
capable of operating separately with individual temperature control.
E. The outdoor unit shall be interconnected to indoor unit types specified in this section.
The indoor units shall be connected to the outdoor units utilizing the specialized
piping joints and headers provided by the equipment manufacturer.
F. General - The outdoor unit is designed specifically for use with manufacturers
components:
1. Refrigerant: R410A.
2. The outdoor unit shall be factory assembled and pre-wired with all necessary
electronic and refrigerant controls. The refrigeration circuit of the condensing
unit shall consist of a compressor, motors, fans, condenser coil, electronic
expansion valve, solenoid valves, four-way valve, distribution headers,
capillaries, filters, shut off valves, oil separators, service ports, liquid
receivers and accumulators.
3. Both liquid and suction lines shall be individually insulated between the
outdoor and indoor units.
4. The outdoor unit shall be wired and piped with outdoor unit access from left,
right, rear, or bottom.
5. The connection ratio of indoor units to outdoor unit shall be 50% to 130%.
6. The outdoor unit shall have a sound rating no higher than 63 dB(A).
7. The system shall automatically restart operation after a power failure and
shall not cause any settings to be lost, thus eliminating the need for
re-programming.
8. The outdoor unit shall be modular in design and should allow for side-by-side
installation with minimal spacing.
9. The following safety devices shall be included on the condensing unit: high
pressure switch, crankcase heaters, high pressure switch, overload relay,
inverter overload protector, thermal protectors for compressor and fan
motors, and over current protection for the inverter. To ensure the liquid
refrigerant does not flash when supplying to the various fan coil units, the
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circuit shall be provided with a sub-cooling feature. Oil recovery cycle shall
be automatic, occurring one hour after system start up, every six hours of
system operation or as required to maintain oil levels at the system
condensing unit.
10. The outdoor unit shall operate in heating mode to -4F dry bulb ambient
temperature without additional ambient controls.
G. Unit Cabinet - The outdoor unit model shall be completely weatherproof and
corrosion resistant. The outdoor unit will be constructed from steel plate and treated
with acrylic paint, or galvanized steel, bonderized and finished with a powder coated
baked enamel.
H. Fan
1. The condensing unit shall consist of a propeller type, direct-drive fan motor
that has multiple speed operation via a DC inverter.
2. The fan motors shall have inherent protection and permanently lubricated
bearings and be mounted.
3. The fan motors shall be provided with a fan guard to prevent contact with
moving parts.
I. Condenser Coil - The condenser coil shall be manufactured from copper tubes
expanded into aluminum fins to form a mechanical bond.
J. Compressor
5. Oil separators shall be standard with the equipment together with an oil
balancing circuit.
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K. Electrical
1. The power supply to the outdoor unit shall be 208/230 volts, 3 phase, 60
hertz with a voltage range of 187 volts to 253 volts.
2.04 HEAT RECOVERY UNITS FOR SIMULTANEOUS HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS
A. General - The Heat Recovery Unit shall be designed for use with VRF equipment of
the same manufacturer. These units shall be equipped with a circuit board that
interfaces to the controls system and shall perform all functions necessary for
operation. The unit shall have a galvanized steel finish. The heat recovery unit shall
be completely factory assembled, piped, and wired. Each unit shall be run tested at
the factory. This unit shall be mounted indoors. The sum of connected capacity of all
indoor air handlers shall range from 50% to 150% of rated capacity.
B. Unit Cabinet
D. Refrigerant Valves
1. The unit shall be furnished with multiple branch circuits which can individually
accommodate up to 54,000 BTUH and/or three indoor units. Branches may
be twinned to allow more than 54,000 BTUH.
2. Each branch shall have multiple two-position valves to control refrigerant flow
for optimum efficiency.
3. Service shut-off valves shall be installed for each branch to allow service to
any indoor unit without field interruption to overall system operation. Shut-off
valves shall be full-port ball valves, rated at 700 PSIG, with a Schrader port.
E. Integral Drain Pan - A integral condensate pan and drain, if required, shall be
provided.
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F. Electrical
4. The control circuit between the indoor units and the outdoor unit shall be
24VDC completed using a 2-conductor, twisted pair shielded cable to provide
total integration of the system.
A. It shall be possible for the total connected capacity of the indoor units to be between
50 and 130% of the capacity of the outdoor unit.
B. Each indoor unit will have a heat exchanger which shall be constructed from copper
tubing with aluminum fins. The flow of refrigerant through the heat exchanger will be
controlled by an electronic proportional expansion valve. This valve will be controlled
by two pipe thermistors, a return air and discharge air thermistor and shall be
capable of controlling the variable capacity of the indoor unit between 25% and
100%.
C. Each indoor unit shall have an operating voltage of 208-230V/1 phase/60Hz. The
indoor unit shall supply demand capacity information to the outdoor unit via its
control algorithm.
1. The indoor unit shall be a ceiling cassette fan coil unit for installation into the
ceiling cavity equipped with an air panel grille to be connected to indoor unit
as scheduled and specified in this section. The indoor unit shall have a
four-way air distribution type, impact resistant and washable decoration
panel. The supply air shall be distributed via motorized louvers which can be
horizontally and vertically adjusted from 0 degree to 90 degree angle.
2. Construction
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b. The 4-way supply airflow shall be field modifiable to 3-way and 2-way
airflow to accommodate various installation configurations including
corner installations.
c. Return air shall be through the concentric panel, which shall include a
filter.
g. The voltage range shall be 253 volts maximum and 187 volts
minimum.
3. Unit Cabinet
a. The cabinet shall be space saving and shall be located into the
ceiling.
b. The airflow of the unit shall have the ability to shut down one or two
sides allowing for simpler corner installation.
c. Provide fresh air intake kit where used and indicated on the
drawings. A branch duct knockout shall exist for branch ducting
supply air.
4. Fan
a. The fan shall be direct-drive turbo fan type with statically and
dynamically balanced impeller with high and low fan speeds
available.
b. The indoor unit shall operate with a power supply of 208/230 volts, 1
phase, 60 hertz. The allowable voltage range shall be 187 to 253
volts.
c. The airflow rate shall be adjustable and have high, medium and low
fan settings.
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6. Coil
1. The indoor unit shall be a ceiling cassette fan coil unit for installation into the
ceiling cavity equipped with an air panel grille to be connected to indoor unit
as scheduled and specified in this section. The indoor unit shall have a
one-way air distribution type, impact resistant and washable decoration
panel. The supply air shall be distributed via motorized louvers which can be
horizontally and vertically adjusted from 0 degree to 90 degree angle.
2. Construction
b. Return air shall be through the concentric panel, which shall include a
filter.
f. The voltage range shall be 253 volts maximum and 187 volts
minimum.
g. The indoor unit shall be equipped with a condensate pump capable
of providing at least 23" of lift.
3. Unit Cabinet
a. The cabinet shall be space saving and shall be located into the
ceiling.
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b. Provide fresh air intake kit where used and indicated on the
drawings. A branch duct knockout shall exist for branch ducting
supply air.
4. Fan
a. The fan shall be direct-drive fan type with statically and dynamically
balanced impeller with high and low fan speeds available.
b. The indoor unit shall operate with a power supply of 208/230 volts, 1
phase, 60 hertz. The allowable voltage range shall be 187 to 253
volts.
c. The airflow rate shall be adjustable and have high, medium and low
fan settings.
6. Coil
b. A condensate pan shall be located under the coil. The coil in the
condensate pan shall have a built in high level safety alarm to shut
down the unit.
2.06 CONTROLS
A. The units shall have controls provided with the unit by the manufacturer to perform
input functions necessary to operate the system.
2.07 CONTROLLERS
A. Physical Characteristics - The control system shall be a neutral color plastic material
with a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).
B. Electrical Characteristics
1. General - From each circuit board to the controls, the electrical voltage shall
be 16 - 24 volts DC.
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3. Wiring Size: The wire shall be a shielded, size AWG16-2 or AWG 18-2.
2. The simplified wired remote controller shall have the following features:
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VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW SYSTEM SECTION 15700
E. System Remote Controller - The controller shall control up to 50 units in 4 zones and
shall be able to be used in conjunction with all room controller types. Collective and
individual group commands are available with permit/prohibit individual remote
controller function. The system controller shall use the following connections for
power and remote monitoring:
1. This controller shall be wall mounted and hard wired. It will be manufactured
with an LCD display and will be the manufacturers standard color. The
controller will be capable of individually controlling the following functions on
at least 50 indoor fan coil units:
a. On/off.
b. Operating mode.
c. Set point.
d. Fan speed.
e. Louver position.
f. Timer settings.
g. Test run.
a. On/off.
b. Operating mode.
c. Set point.
d. Fan speed.
e. Louver position.
f. Timer settings.
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g. Test run.
h. Fault diagnosis.
3. Each Intelligent controller unit shall be accessed both locally and remotely
via standard Internet Explorer IE6 or IE7 software. The Intelligent controller
will be able to indicate system alarms via volt free contacts as well as
providing control points for other DO devices. Additionally, the intelligent
controller shall be able to monitor individual usage of heating and cooling
demands, report alarm and conditions to nominated email address, and
enable remote alteration of systems setpoints and schedules..
PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.01 INSTALLATION
A. Install all piping, fittings, and insulation to meet manufacturers requirements. Install
units level and plumb. Evaporator-fan components shall be installed using
manufacturers standard mounting devices securely fastened to building structure.
Install and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings.
B. Installer shall supply isolation ball valves for zoned refrigerant isolation. Installer
shall supply Isolation ball valves with Schrader connection for isolating refrigerant
charge and evacuation at each connected air handling unit and condensing unit.
Isolation ball valves, with Schrader connection, are required for instances of air
handling unit isolation for troubleshooting, repair, or replacement without affecting
the remainder of the system. Isolation ball valves with Schrader connection are also
required at condensing unit connection to isolate unit for troubleshooting, repair or
replacement and as required to provide partial capacity Heating/Cooling in the
instance of a failure of one of the multiple outdoor unit (condensing unit)
compressors.
C. During brazing an inert gas (such as nitrogen) shall be continuously passed through
the system at a rate sufficient to maintain an oxygen free environment to prevent the
formation of copper oxide scale. After piping has been completed, the refrigerant
piping system shall be pressure tested at a pressure of 300 psi on the high side and
150 psi on the low side. The pressure shall be maintained on the system for a
minimum of 12 hours. The system shall be evacuated when the surrounding
ambient air is not less than 60 F. If the temperature is less, auxiliary heat must be
provided to insure proper evacuating conditions. A minimum vacuum of 500 Microns
of Hg. shall be pulled on the system and maintained for 12 hours. The vacuum
pump displacement shall be not less than 2 cfm for up to 15 tons. The system shall
be charged as recommended by the equipment manufacturer.
D. Electrical wiring required by this section, both high and low voltage, shall comply with
the Division 16 requirements.
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G. The indoor air handling and outside condensing units shall be installed in
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and as shown on the
drawings. The first unit installed will be considered the typical mock up and shall
require notification, inspection and approval by the designated owner representative
and/or architect and engineer before any additional installations will be allowed.
H. Provide a typed list of all the different units, their filter sizes, and belt sizes to be
included in the O&M manuals. The list shall include the unit designation, filter size,
belt size, and the number of filters and belts required for each unit. In addition to
this, submit to the Owner two additional copies of the list, distributed to:
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END OF SECTION
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