For many urban developments, the design and specification of climate control systems must be considered carefully to address issues of exterior space, planning restrictions and the impact of noise as well as aesthetic considerations. Here, Matteo Dall’Ombra, VRV Specialist at Daikin, looks at how compact mini-VRV systems can help meet all these requirements
With usable space within developments now at a premium, especially in cities, it is often difficult to find an appropriate location for typical outdoor climate control units. The dimensions of many systems on the market mean there are few places, other than a flat roof, where the units can be located. Added to this are planning constraints, the restrictions that must be followed with regard to listed buildings, and noise levels, which must all also be taken into account when planning the placement of plant.
One solution to these issues is to specify compact ‘mini-VRV’ systems, such as the Daikin VRV IV S-series and VRV 5 S-series. These low-profile, single-fan outdoor units are both less than 1m tall with unit heights of 823mm and 869mm respectively. This type of system is ideal for residential and smaller commercial applications such as offices and boutique hotels as it helps to solve ‘line-of-sight’ issues when seeking planning approval.
The size allows the units to be installed behind low walls and roof parapets, beneath windows or concealed easily on balconies. Furthermore, the VRV 5 unit can be installed in a plant room with ducting to the exterior, or behind grilles or louvres due to its excellent external static pressure (ESP) of up to 45 Pascals (Pa). This ability to locate the units in otherwise impractical areas means minimal impact on the building’s architectural design.
Another way of reducing the visual impact is to blend the unit into its surroundings. The typical colours of outdoor units mean they will stand out when placed in front of many building finishes. At Daikin we provide a wrapping service to create bespoke patterned vinyl wraps for our outdoor units. Using a high-resolution photo of where the unit will be installed, we can create a vinyl to match, effectively disguising the unit. Alternatively, to help the unit blend in, we can paint it in a specific colour or pattern.
In addition to the physical size and visibility of the unit, it is also important to consider the sound impact and the related regulations. For example, the City of London planning regulations state that “The level of noise emitted from any new plant shall be lower than the existing background level by at least 10 db(A)” and that “noise levels shall be determined at 1m from the window of the nearest noise sensitive premises”. This will limit where the outdoor units can be installed if the level of sound produced is too high.
Modern systems, such as the Daikin Mini VRV are engineered for quiet operation and include a low noise mode that further reduces the operating sound. Furthermore, the VRV 5 units can also be supplied with a sound-insulating enclosure that provides up to a 9 db(A) reduction in sound while still maintaining performance levels. Choosing an acoustic solution supplied by the manufacturer of the climate control system is often simpler and more cost effective when compared to third party options.
These compact mini-VRV units are also valuable for projects where space is not as critical, but it is still desirable to minimise the visual impact. While the size is undoubtedly an important benefit in hiding the units from view, selecting a system that can achieve long piping runs can provide increased installation flexibility. It will allow the outdoor units to be installed in a wider variety of locations – even at a distance from the building.
However, it is also important to consider the whole system, including the compatible indoor units. For example, both the VRV IV and VRV 5 units can be paired with a wide selection of indoor units to suit different requirements and interior design schemes. In addition, the VRV IV is also compatible with the popular wall mounted Daikin Stylish and Emura indoor units. These modernly styled options are available in a range of finishes and can be custom coloured if required to any Pantone reference. The compactly designed units also deliver an excellent user experience, exceptional comfort and up to A+++ seasonal efficiency in cooling and heating.
The Daikin VRV IV and VRV 5 units also have further efficiency and sustainability advantages. Both feature Daikin’s Variable Refrigerant Temperature (VRT) technology. This adjusts the amount of refrigerant flowing through the system and alters the evaporating and condensing temperatures to match demand, meaning they require significantly less energy. The VRV 5 has also been designed and optimised for R-32 refrigerant, which has a significantly lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to previous generation refrigerants and is also more energy efficient, allowing a lower total system charge. As a single component refrigerant, R-32 is also easy to reclaim and recycle.
Integrating climate control plant seamlessly into the design of a building can be a challenge, especially where planning restrictions or other requirements make the process more complex. Compact mini-VRV systems such as the Daikin VRV IV S-series and VRV 5 S-series can help architects to meet all requirements, achieve their design intentions and ensure the comfort of the building’s occupants.
To find out more about Daikin’s range of VRV climate control systems visit www.daikin.co.uk
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