All You Need to Know About VRF Air Conditioning System

VRF air conditioning systems are widely used in commercial spaces and high-end residences for their high performance and energy efficiency. The technology used in these systems delivers state-of-art HVAC solutions to cater to different customer requirements.

Variable Refrigerant Flow, or VRF, defines a large-scale ductless HVAC system of high capacity that is used to maintain the temperature of commercial and high-end residential buildings. It allows multiple indoor units to operate on the same system and provides simultaneous heating and cooling to different areas.

How does the VRF Air Conditioning System Work?

It is a ductless mini-split air conditioner that uses heat pumps or heat recovery systems to provide powerful heating and cooling for all units. With a VRF air conditioning system, you get multiple indoor units attached to a single condensing unit that is placed outside. When an indoor unit demands heating or cooling in an area, the outdoor unit provides only the specific amount of heat and cooling as requested. The best part about this system is that it can simultaneously heat or cool different areas within the same space with the help of its indoor units.

Benefits of Using a VRF System

1. Energy Efficient

The ability to provide the exact amount of heating or cooling required at a specific area makes the VRF system energy efficient. Additionally, it utilises the heat released during the cooling process of one area and delivers it to the area where heating is needed. This helps in reducing its running frequency and amount of energy consumed.

2. Less Downtime

VRF systems are designed to run only when they are required, thereby helping optimise their usage. This results in less wear and tear of parts and fewer breakdowns. Also, with the presence of multiple air handlers, if something goes wrong with one, others are there to make up for its absence and provide uninterrupted heating or cooling.

3. Flexible Design

VRF systems come in several sizes and capacities to suit each and every type of building design. This makes installation easier for buildings where space is at a premium. Further, its versatility helps solve even complex HVAC challenges in different establishments.

A very popular choice for modern establishments, VRF systems have a lot of benefits to offer.

Different Types of Power Modules

Components that help in providing a push or physical containment to several power units that are embedded in an electrical or electronic device are known as power modules. Among the most common devices where the use of power modules can be seen are semiconductor units, which are also called dies. They are soldered to the power electronic substrate that comprises of the power semiconductor, which allows for the supply of electrical and thermal contact, and electrical insulation, whenever required. Power modules have high power density, which makes them more durable and extremely reliable. In addition to this, power modules also allow for an efficient operation of electrical or electronic devices. Today, with several advancements in technology, power modules manufacturers have come up with several advanced products that can be used in a range of electrical and electronic devices for more effective and convenient operations.

The first power module was introduced in 1975. Ever since, they have contributed to the constructive operation of power devices. In addition to their extensive use in semiconductors, power modules are also used in power conversion devices like industrial motor drives, AC-DC, welded power supplies, and embedded motor drives. They can be also used in renewable energy inverters like wind turbines, electric vehicles (EV), tidal power plants, and solar power panels, to name a few.

Types of Power Modules

There are various types of power modules available today. However, the following are the main types that are offered by power modules manufacturers -

• Thyristor Modules: These are latch type modules that turn ON when the holding current reaches the required level and goes OFF when there is an alteration in the current. They are mainly used in welding machines, electric furnaces, motor controls, static switches, etc. 
• SiC-SBD: Another popular type of power module is the SiC-SBD module. It is designed with material characteristics that help in achieving significant power savings in home appliances that require heavy power.
• IGBT: IGBT power modules help in converting direct current to alternating current with minimal loss. They are used in various industrial applications as well as for wind power generation.

Power modules also have different network topologies for their operation. With the help of power modules, the needed power control of a device’s operation can be achieved efficiently.

Benefits of Air Conditioning

Air conditioning offers an improved quality of life to individuals. It helps reduce humidity, creates a healthier environment, and offers much needed comfort within a space. It even reduces the risk of dehydration as well as heat stroke and helps fight mental sluggishness. Owing to the many benefits they offer, people are increasingly investing in room air conditioners, package air conditioners, etc. Here are the various advantages of air conditioning in more detail:

1. Improves Work Performance

Sometimes, people are not able to deliver their best when they feel uncomfortable due to the hot weather outside. However, if there are air conditioners installed in a workspace, they add to employees’ comfort level. This way, employees are able to improve their work performance as they are better able to handle their tasks.

2. Fewer Parasites and Insects

Insects not only annoy but are dangerous for people who have allergies. The filters of an air conditioner help in keeping insects at bay. They prove to be more effective as compared to placing a screen on an open window.

3. Regulates Humidity

High humidity is linked with dehydration, heatstroke, etc. Air conditioners are known to help decrease humidity and maintain it at an appropriate level.

4. Offers Improved Air Quality

An air conditioner circulates and filters the air, eliminating mould and pollutants from the atmosphere. This proves to be useful for people suffering from asthma and allergies as it works to minimise the presence of irritants which can trigger an attack. But it is important to know that this only holds true when you keep the system clean and also change the filters regularly.

5. Prevents Electronics from Overheating

When temperatures soar, phones and computers can go through serious meltdowns. This leads to shorter lifespans and data loss. Heat and humidity can really damage electronics. Air conditioners can help prevent electronics from getting overheated.

6. Keep Fumes and Odours at Bay

This is yet another advantage of an air conditioner. Whether it is the chemicals in cleaning products, dirty air, expired milk, or fumes, air conditioners keep the odours as well as fumes away.

All in all, investing in an air conditioner will serve as a step in the right direction because of the several advantages they offer.