Development and Validation of a New VRF Model in EnergyPlus (OR-16-C063)

This paper introduces a new model to simulate the energy performance of VRF systems in heat pump operation mode (either cooling or heating is provided but not simultaneously). The main features of the new model are the introduction of separate curves for capacities and power inputs of indoor and outdoor units instead of overall curves for the entire system, the allowing of variable evaporating and condensing temperatures in the indoor and outdoor units, and variable fan speed based on the temperature and zone load in the indoor unit. These features enhance the accuracy of the estimation of VRF system performance in both heating and cooling modes, especially during low part load operations.