Commissioning Daikin VRV systems

05.12.2010

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems have commissioning requirements that are very unique to these highly specialized systems. An example are Daikin's Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) systems. The degree of sophistication of these systems demands that the commissioning team either has prior experience or attends the company's specialized training classes. Daikin's courses are held in a variety of locations and are suitable for a diverse audience, including commissioning authorities. Most courses are one to two days in length. Commissioning considerations should include knowledge of: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Strict refrigerant piping rules Strict refrigerant soldering and connection standards Triple evacuation is a MUST, including verification by the CA Strict and atypical refrigerant charging methods Branch Selector Boxes housing electronic expansion valves for groups of FCUs 2000 step electronic expansion valves Refrigerant piping runs as long as 1000' to 3000'+ allowed No suction traps Specialized installation and charging tools (flare kits, gauges, etc.)

10. Inverter controlled compressors 11. FCUs are grouped - ~ 1 to 6 FCUs per outdoor unit 12. On some systems, heating and cooling can operate at the same time 13. Atypical control wiring standards: 18 AWG, stranded, 1 pair, non-shielded, daisy chained 14. Automatic addressing of the controllers It is highly recommended to include paying for factory field inspections during installation and start-up - called "Assisted Commissioning" - particularly if the installing team is inexperienced. _______ Daikin, a Japanese firm founded in 1924, is the world's second largest manufacturer of air conditioning equipment; outside of North America, they are the largest in the world. In the US, Daikin is number two behind Carrier and reportedly gaining ground quickly.