Dave Lis
Username
Dave Lis
Proposer First Name
Dave
Proposer Email
djlis@neep.org
Proposer Last Name
Lis
Proposer Company/Organization
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP)
Proposer Job Title
Director of Technology Market Transformation
Boston 2023 Areas of Focus
Proposed Session Description
The emergence of cold climate air-source heat pumps in the single family residential sector has lead to a growing interest in applying larger capacity cold climate Variable Refrigerant flow (VRF) to commercial and instituional applications. One barrier to adoption of VRF systems in cold climates is the lack of third party validation research. This session will present prelimiary findings from a research study that measured performance of VRF systems at six different sites across the region.
Diversity and Inclusiveness
Affordable, reliable, low-carbon HVAC solutions will be needed across all sectors and all communities to ultimately decarbonize our building stock. VRF has the potential for wide-scale adoption. We see validation research as a step towards either accelerating or slowing the growth of the technology in cold climate communities, including affordable multi-family applications.
Learning Objectives
Learn how Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems work and their key components
Learn about various approaches to measuring efficiency performance of VRF systems, including their strengths and shortcomings
Learn about measured field performance of VRF systems across six northeast/cold climate sites
Gain insight into VRF system durability and refrigerant leakage based on six site field experience
Has this session been presented before?
No
Target Audiences Level of Expertise
Level 1 - No prior knowledge needed.
Session Format
Presentation followed by facilitated discussion or breakout groups
Session Format Details
30 minute presentation, 30 min Q&A
Recommended Length
60-minute session
Strongest Content Connection - Boston 2023
Reviewer 1
Roth, Kurt
Reviewer 2
Roth, Kurt
Proposal #
197
Committee Decision
Being Considered
Presenters
Full Description
VRF is considered a mature low carbon HVAC technology for moderate climate applications. This research helps to answer the key question for the Northeast (and other cold cliamte regions); Is VRF technology delivering on its promised efficiency in cold climate applications. It will also shed light on the question of whether refrigerant loss from VRF systems is an issue that needs more attention. Ultimately this will inform the market, including programs, on how strongly the technology should be promoted as a building decarbonozation solution.