This article discusses the advantages of multi-zone systems, their history, and selection.

The definition of a VRF system implies an individual approach to air conditioning for each room. The system takes into account the minute-to-minute needs of each user in real-time. The VRV system is ideal for facilities with high demands on microclimate control or with high activity in the rooms.

The precise temperature control allows monitoring changes in the VRV system and adjusting its operation to economically maintain the required parameters for each user.

Thus, the VRV system is an efficient complex for air conditioning in various types of facilities.

What are the advantages of such systems? VRV air conditioners save energy. This is possible thanks to special heat recovery blocks. This modification allows the system to work simultaneously for both cooling and heating different rooms. When reviewing VRF/VRV systems from different manufacturers, Daikin VRV systems are leaders in energy efficiency, as they are equipped with supply and exhaust ventilation with heat recovery. Overall, working with HRV is an excellent choice, regardless of the manufacturer.

Space-saving: It is achieved because VRV indoor units are compact, and the long connecting communications allow the external units to be placed far from the building. The VRV system operates over a wide temperature range. Some systems can work even at -20ºC, while some specialized models can function at up to -50ºC. Design flexibility: The length of the pipeline increases the flexibility of the system design for a specific object, with the possibility of expanding the system after it has been put into operation. Internal VRV units can also be replaced in the event of repairs or room reconfiguration. The system can be commissioned in stages.

The comfortable operation of VRV is justified by its low noise characteristics and the control system consisting of controllers and remote controls. High reliability is demonstrated by: built-in self-diagnosis system; automatic restoration of operation in case of power interruptions; independent operation of VRV units. Thus, the failure of one unit will not affect the entire system.

Simple installation: units can be installed on each floor, and the system can be put into operation with minimal commissioning work. Where did it all start? How, in the eyes of the average person, did regular air conditioning systems evolve into highly intelligent climate control complexes?

The creation of VRV systems was driven by the economic situation in Japan, specifically the 1973 oil crisis. It is no secret that 95% of Japan's oil resources are imported. Due to strong dependence on imports, many companies concluded that it was better to create energy-saving technologies in all sectors rather than depend heavily on importers. Daikin was no exception: the air conditioning systems of the time consumed about 33% of energy. Another disadvantage was the enormous energy loss, as centralized systems could not operate in both large and small rooms or spaces with different functions. Additionally, the overall energy efficiency of old air conditioning systems was low, since VRV systems operated with heat carriers such as water and air.

The solution was found—using refrigerant circulation for energy transfer for heating or cooling. Given that refrigerant is 10 times more effective than water, Daikin VRV systems immediately increased their efficiency:

• The most effective energy carrier;

• A significant reduction in pipe volume;

• Reduced maintenance requirements.

However, where there are simple solutions, there are always complex obstacles. In this case, the main problem was the length and diameter of the pipes and the difficulty of mixing oil. These issues are interconnected: the longer the pipes, the harder it is to return refrigerant oil to the compressor, as it moves along the VRV system with the refrigerant. This affects the overall length of the pipeline and the height difference between levels. Daikin Corporation patented and developed its own system for returning refrigerant oil to the compressor, which enabled the creation of Daikin VRV with direct cooling and a pipeline length of up to 1000 meters.

VRV System Manufacturers For about 80 years, Daikin has been developing and manufacturing advanced, high-quality air conditioning equipment. The first Daikin VRV system appeared in Europe in 1982 and became a leader in its field. Since then, Daikin VRV has progressed technically and environmentally. Today, there are many variations for air conditioning residential complexes and office buildings:

• With heat recovery;

• With an inverter heat pump;

• In "cooling-only" mode.

Constant improvement of Daikin VRV has led to the creation of the Hi-VRV system, which meets the following requirements:

• Energy consumption savings;

• Easy design;

• Simple installation;

• Flexible operation;

• High reliability;

• User-friendly control interface;

• Perfect management.

Let’s talk about the history and key features of Daikin VRV systems. In 1998, the Daikin VRV D series was developed, which allowed connecting only four indoor units. Two years later, the VRV Inverter G inverter technology was launched, allowing up to 8 indoor units to be connected to one outdoor unit. This increased the flexibility and effectiveness of the Daikin VRV system. In the same year, a progressive waste regeneration system, Hi-VRV, was developed. The system was equipped with a fresh air intake block (HRV) and automatic DACMS control. In 1994, it became possible to connect up to 16 indoor units to one block. This system was called Daikin VRV Inverter H. The 1999 VRV Plus K series, equipped with a heat pump and a heat recovery unit, allowed powerful air conditioning networks with up to 30 indoor modules. In 2003, Daikin made a breakthrough by launching the VRV II M system with refrigerant flow regulation, using the ozone-safe refrigerant R-410A. This system allowed for easy connection of 40 or more indoor units. In 2004, the VRV II line was refined, and production of the VRVII-S system, which operates on a single-phase power supply, began. This expanded the application of Daikin VRV. Finally, in 2006, the VRV III Daikin system was released, which is unrivaled, as it allows connecting up to 64 indoor units. It uses high-pressure fans, automatic refilling functions, and leak control, and the refrigerant pipeline length can reach up to 1 kilometer.

Mitsubishi Electric is considered a global giant in the production and sale of electronic and electrical equipment worldwide. The company's turnover of 40.5 billion dollars speaks volumes about its scale. However, it all started in the 1920s in Japan when Mitsubishi Electric Corporation emerged from a company that produced electric motors for ocean-going vessels. Its manufacturing activities began with electric fans, which quickly made the company a leader in the consumer electronics market. The 1960s saw the company focus on developing equipment with "environmental sensitivity," starting a new era of high technologies for Mitsubishi Electric. Over the following decades, the company expanded internationally, producing computers, air conditioning systems, satellites, and nuclear power plants. Today, Mitsubishi Electric is well-known for its VRV systems.

Mitsubishi VRV systems are high-tech systems. Their cooling capacity regulation accuracy is defined by compressor power and the quality of electronic expansion valves in the indoor units. The latest generation, Mitsubishi VRV City Multi 4, launched in Europe in 2008, includes several advanced features.

Key features of Mitsubishi VRV City Multi 4:

• IPM module, improving energy efficiency by accurately maintaining temperature parameters and reducing power consumption;

• Ozone-safe refrigerant R410A;

• The system can integrate with smart building systems;

• A compressor that adjusts its output depending on the load of indoor units, optimizing energy consumption.

Fujitsu VRV systems are designed to provide the best solution for air conditioning in any room. They offer various series of systems (J, S, V) that effectively meet climate control requirements.

Fujitsu VRV J series is designed for small buildings, around 200 m² in area. The key feature of this series is its inverter technology, making it highly efficient for temperature control.

Fujitsu VRV S series is developed for buildings with varying needs. It is a three-pipe system with maximum energy efficiency, designed for offices that require both cooling and heating at the same time.

The V series is for high-rise buildings, offering flexibility with a height difference between the external block and the farthest internal unit of up to 80 meters. This series is known for its excellent reliability and energy efficiency.

The company, previously known as Gold Star, was founded in 1958 and is now a leader in the digital world, excelling in mobile phones and digital TVs, with a constant drive to innovate. LG’s VRV systems include several product lines, each with advanced features.

Key features of LG VRV systems:

• A five-stage filtration system that removes dust and odor from the air;

• Inverter compressor and digital technology for airflow control;

• Advanced diagnostic system for easier commissioning.

Toshiba VRV systems have a history of innovation, being pioneers of many technologies like electronic control in 1977, inverter technology in 1981, and refrigerants that are safe for the ozone layer.

Toshiba's VRV Super-MMS is notable for its dual-rotor compressors that allow power regulation and reduced energy consumption. The system includes automatic load control and refrigerant regulation to optimize performance. The high energy efficiency of Toshiba’s VRV systems, with a coefficient of 4.1, makes them highly effective.