Wednesday, January 27, 2016: 8:00 AM-9:30 AM
Systems and Equipment
Chair:
Mike Gallagher, P.E., Western Allied Corp.
Technical Committee: 07.03 Operation and Maintenance Management
This seminar covers best practices in variable refrigerant flow (VRF) from the perspective of the manufacturer (OEM), facility manager and service contractor. Installation, operation and maintenance of VRF systems are discussed, including: skill requirements for VRF systems compared to conventional systems, installation best practices, manufacturer specific training, utilizing manufacturer service tools for ongoing maintenance and commissioning. A case study is presented from the owner's perspective at a hotel where VRF systems were recently installed to replace conventional systems.
1 VRF Training: Perspective from the Original Equipment Manufacturer
 |
Bill Artis, Daikin Applied |
This presentation will cover the training needs for personnel involved installing and operating VRF systems, to include: Emphasis on skill requirements for successful install and operation of VRF systems compared to conventional systems, installation best practices, manufacturer specific training, and using manufacturer service tools for operation and maintenance. The presenter will also touch on manufacturer training available and how OEM service tools can be used for VRF system maintenance and ongoing commissioning.
2 VRF Maintenance: Perspective from the Original Equipment Manufacturer
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Paul Doppel, Mitsubishi Electric |
This presentation will cover unique operations and maintenance characteristics of VRF systems that result in specific revised or additional tasks beyond the familiar needs of DX split systems. First there will be a brief overview the unique hardware, software and control technologies used in VRF systems that distinguish them from conventional DX split systems. Next the seminar will highlight periodic operation & maintenance functions unique to VRF systems that must be incorporated in a maintenance program.
3 VRF Operatiions and Maintenance: Perspective from the Facility Manager
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John Caracciola, Concorde Hotel |
This presentation will look at the owner's VRF operation and maintainance (O&M) requirements at a hotel facility with multiple types of HVAC systems. Presenter will discuss start-up of VRF systems, which replaced conventional systems as part of a phased renovation. Discussion will include: operations and maintenance requirements for VRF systems compared to conventional systems. Presenter will discuss lessons learned from VRF system installation and start-up as it relates to facilities managers.
4 VRF Maintenance: Perspective from the Service Contractor
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Mike Gallagher, P.E., Western Allied Corp. |
This presentation discusses aspects of VRF system operation, maintenance and repair that are unique to the HVAC service industry. The presenter explains how to avoid VRF failures through the proper care and feeding of a VRF system. While many maintenance tasks in VRF are similar to a convention system, there are differences that require a greater depth of knowledge on VRF. A service contractor’s view and lessons learned.