Experimental Investigation of Multi-Functional Variable Refrigerant Flow System

The VRF systems have a better flexibility in the controlling strategy and a wider range of capacity modulation. In this study, a multi-functional VRF (MFVRF) system which is capable of heat recovery operation and water heating was experimentally investigated. The MFVRF system could supply space cooling and heating simultaneously in multiple zones, as well as providing hot water. The system performance was experimentally measured and discussed. It was found that the partial load performance of the system was improved with hot water demand, which increase the daily performance factor (DPF) by 17%. Moreover, it was also found that the system performance was enhanced by the heat recovery operation which could increase the hourly performance factor (HPF) by reducing the pressure difference across the compressor