VRF Spec
VRF Spec
VRF Spec
01 Back of House (BoH) and Corridors
Areas which require heating only (communal corridors and BoH areas) will be served
by direct acting electric panel heaters as indicated on the tender drawings and
schedules. The MSC will note the requirement for low surface temperature models in
certain areas. The electrical supplies to the panel heaters will be provided by the ESC.
Panel heaters will be Dimplex PLXE Panel Heaters as per the tender drawings and
schedules.
Local programmable thermostats will be provided at each panel heater.
14.02 Bedroom En‐Suites
Bedroom en‐suites will be heated by electric underfloor heating as indicated on the
tender drawings. The electrical supplies to the underfloor heating will be provided by
the ESC. Underfloor heating mat will be supplied by Nicobond and be their
Professional Undertile Heating Mat (200W/m2). The MSC shall ensure that a lifetime
warranty is obtained for the cable and mat.
In addition to the underfloor heating, the en‐suites will be equipped with direct acting
electric towel rails as indicated on the tender drawings and schedules. The electrical
supplies to the panel heaters will be provided by the ESC. Towel rails shall be Pisa
Anthracite supplied by Towelrads Ltd, Cookham Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1RB.
The electrical supply to the heated towel rails will incorporate a timer delay. When
the room power is de energised the supply to the towel rail will be maintained for an
adjustable period – ie 60minutes – to ensure that towels are warm and dry before the
rail is switched off.
Each en‐suite will be provided with a Nicobond Didgistat Manual Thermostat in a
location as agreed with the Architect.
14.03 Ground floor kitchen AHU LTHW system
1No. wall mounted gas fired boiler will supply ground floor kitchen AHU heating coil
with 80/60°C LTHW.
The boiler will be complete with circulating pump and be connected to electronic fill
device with integral expansion vessel to fill and maintain the pressure in the heating
system. The connection arrangement will be as indicated on the tender drawings.
The boiler will be as Remeha Quinta 55 System.
Boiler flue will discharge via the combined plantroom flue as indicated on tender
drawings.
14.04 Bedrooms and Front of House (FoH)
Front of house areas that require heating only (ie. toilets) will be served by direct
acting electric panel heaters. The MSC will note the requirement for low surface
temperature models in certain areas. The electrical supplies to the panel heaters will
be provided by the ESC. Panel heaters will be Dimplex Girona (black) as per the tender
drawings and schedules.
The building (other than the areas noted above) will be served via VRF (Variable
Refrigerant Flow) multi split air conditioning systems as indicated on the tender
drawings and schedules.
An increased number of systems is required to keep the refrigerant volume below the
threshold for refrigerant leak detection. While this specification is based upon
Mitsubishi equipment alternative manufacturers would be considered.
14.04.01 VRF Outdoor Unit(s)
The outdoor units will be mounted in the roof top plant space as indicated
on the tender drawings.
The outdoor unit will be constructed from steel plate and painted with
acrylic paint Munsell 5Y 8/1.
The outdoor unit will have an air‐cooled heat exchange coil constructed
from copper tubing with aluminium fins. The air being drawn in through
three sides of the unit and discharged out of the top of the unit. Each R2
system module will have a single fan mounted on top of the coil. The coil
will be capable of being dividing into multiple sections (dependent on
model) to enable the outdoor unit capacity to match the capacity required
by the indoor units.
The outdoor unit module will have one inverter controlled hermetic scroll
compressor capable of controlling the compressor in 1Hz increments.
The refrigeration process of the outdoor unit will be maintained by
pressure and temperature sensors controlling solenoid valves, check valves
and bypass valves. The heating or cooling mode of the outdoor unit will be
controlled by a 4‐way valve which will reverse the cycle of the refrigerant
to change the mode of the outdoor unit.
The outdoor unit will have option for operating in either High Performance
Heating mode or COP Priority Heating mode. In High Performance Heating
mode, the system maintains full heating capacity down to ‐5 Degrees on
many models making it ideal for UK heating applications. The COP Priority
Heating mode (if enabled) means the system will target optimum energy
performance rather than Heating capacity. The units are factory supplied
with High Performance Heating mode enabled and can be changed to COP
Priority Heating by dipswitch setting on City Multi Outdoor units.
The outdoor unit will supply either high pressure liquid, high pressure gas
or a combination of both depending on the mode of the indoor units.
Refrigerant return to the outdoor unit will be via the other pipe. Both pipes
shall be insulated.
14.04.02 VRF Main HBC Controller(s)
The main HBC controller will be mounted in location as indicated on the
tender drawings, generally in the linen room on each floor the unit is
serving.
The chassis shall be constructed from stainless steel plate partially
insulated with polyurethane foam. The base of the unit shall have a foamed
polystyrene tray. The unit shall have a basin drain tray.
The Main – HBC controller model shall be of ceiling mounted type, with 8,
12 or 16 ports for connecting indoor units. The indoor units shall be
connected to the HBC using copper pipe (20mm ID) connections that is able
to withstand 1MPa pressure.
The main HBC shall be connected to the outdoor unit via a high pressure
and low‐pressure refrigerant pipe. 4‐2 sets of plate heat‐exchangers will
allow heat transfer between the refrigerant from the outdoor unit and the
water between the HBC and indoor units. Both sets of plate heat
exchangers will provide hot water in heating mode and cold water in
cooling mode. When operating in mixed mode, one set of heat exchangers
connected in parallel will provide cooling, and the one set connected in
series will provide heating.
The main HBC contains a heating flow and return header and a cooling flow
and return header used as such in mixed mode. In heating only mode, both
headers provide hot water flow and return. In cooling only mode, both
headers provide cold water flow and return.
Each pair of headers has an inverter driven, brushless DC water pump that
uses pulse width modulation to adjust the flow rate. The pump RPM is
measured via hall sensors within the pump and thermistors before and
after of the pump to measure pump discharge temperature.
A Valve Block is connected between each flow and return port. This Valve
Block can control the water flow between the flow and the return port in
order to control the temperature difference between the flow and return
water to/from each indoor unit. Depending on the indoor unit mode, this
Valve Block will also be able to switch between these two pairs; heating
flow header and return header / cooling flow header and return header.
This operates as two 3 port valves and a flow control valve.
The main HBC controller shall also include a tube in tube heat exchanger
which will sub‐cool the liquid refrigerant entering the HBC from the
outdoor unit when operating in cooling mode, thereby lowering the flow
rate and reducing frictional losses.
The refrigeration process in the HBC controller shall be maintained by
LEV’s (linear expansion valves) which will be controlled by pressure and
temperature sensors.
The main HBC controller will all require a 240V AC mains supply. Control
will be via the 30V DC signal from the outdoor unit.
Each port will enable a maximum connected capacity of 80, with a
maximum of 3 indoor per port.
The main HBC water system is a sealed system so an expansion vessel,
which is sized depending on the volume within the water system, shall be
connected. A separate connection is included for filling and pressurising
the system with water.
The main HBC will include strainers which can be removed and replaced
once cleaning is completed on commissioning.
The main HBC will include manual air purge valves to remove air during
commissioning process.
14.04.03 VRF Indoor Units
Bedrooms Indoor units will be mounted within the dropped bulkhead
within bedroom entrance areas as indicated on the tender drawings. A
ducted connection to a vertical diffuser in the bulkhead face will be
provided. Return will be via an architectural perforated ceiling tile,
supplied as part of the ceiling installation.
Indoor units in the FoH area will be mounted as indicated on the tender
drawings. Ducted connections to linear slot supply diffusers will be
provided. Return air will be via matching linear slot diffuser using the
ceiling void as a return air plenum.
It will be possible for the total capacity of the indoor units to be between
50% and 130% of the capacity of the outdoor unit.
Each indoor unit will have a heat exchanger which shall be constructed
from copper tubing with aluminium fins. The flow rate of water through
the indoor unit will be controlled by the HBC. The indoor unit will have a
manual air purge valve that is opened when the unit is initially filled with
water. The manual air purge valve also has an orifice to control water
flow rate, such that the drain pan will not overflow during air purge
(commissioning process). Pipe work should be connected to each indoor
unit by a ¾” BSP connection on flow and return.
Each indoor unit will require a 240V AC mains supply. Control will be via
the 30V DC fuzzy logic signal from the outdoor unit.
Air will be discharged by a forward curved centrifugal fan horizontally out
of the front of the unit to allow for field supply ductwork and diffusers to
distribute the air into the room. Return air will brought in through the
rear of the unit to allow for the return air to be either ducted from the
room or taken from the ceiling void. A synthetic fibre washable filter and
filter casement shall be available as optional parts. Drain lift up pumps
shall be available.
14.04.04 VRF Local Controller ‐ FoH Areas
All FoH areas will be controlled by the central controller (see section
14.03.06 below). A controller will be provided in both the reception area
and the Sky Bar to offer full control of the building system from each
location.
14.04.05 VRF Local Controller – Bedrooms
Each bedroom will be provided with this simplified controller and will be
wall mounted in a location as indicated on the tender drawings and as
agreed with the Architect. The unit will be manufactured in premium
finish with an LCD display and will be a in colour as agreed with the
architect.
The controller will be capable of altering the following functions on up to
sixteen indoor units (within a group):
1. On/Off
2. Mode
3. Setpoint
4. Fan speed
The controller shall also be capable of displaying the following items:
1. On/Off
2. Operating mode
3. Setpoint
4. Fan speed
5. Fault diagnosis
14.04.06 VRF Central Controllers
A series of central controllers and auxiliary equipment will be utilised to
provide full central control of the VRF systems throughout the whole
building.
The controller(s) will be located in the ground floor luggage store / office
and as agreed with the client/architect. The Sky Bar controller(s) will be
located behind the bar and as agreed with the client/architect.
The controller unit will be manufactured in ABS plastic with a 10.4 inch
Touch colour screen display and will be pure white in colour. The screen
resolution shall be 800x600 and shall be capable of displaying AutoCAD
Drawings. The controller shall be connected to the indoor and outdoor
units using the appropriate interfaces.
The front of house MVHR units will also be controlled from the above
system, see the ventilation section of this specification for further details.
Indoor FCU units and MVHR units will be interlocked so that turning on
the indoor unit will also turn on the MVHR unit as well.
14.04.07 VRF / Door Access Control Interface
The door entry system in the bedrooms shall be connected locally to the
indoor unit via a volt free contact to interlock the Air Conditioning with
the key card system.
When the card key has been activated i.e. when the volt‐free contact is
closed (card key located within smart cradle) the room will be deemed to
be in an “occupancy” status.
When the card key is de‐activated i.e. when the volt‐free contact is
opened (card key removed from smart cradle) the room will be deemed
to be in an “out‐of‐occupancy” status.
1. Occupancy. Units should be set to the following status: ON, mode:
AUTO, setpoint: 21oC
2. Out of occupancy. Units should be set to night set back.
The system shall be interlocked with the fire alarm system using a
normally closed volt free contact.
14.04.08 VRF Control Wiring
All control wiring is to be carried out in 2‐core 1.5mm2 PVC shielded
cabling with colour coding and tagged with ID number at 3 metre
intervals as per schematics for ease of identification and maintenance.
Any control or communication wiring shall not be run next to power
wiring. A minimum space of 100mm between both control and power
cables shall apply.
14.04.09 VRF Installation
The fixing of all equipment, installation of all refrigerant pipe work and
full commissioning shall be performed by an Approved Refrigeration
Engineer (certificate approval must be submitted prior to installation
commencement on site).
The installation of all internal and external units, refrigerant pipe work,
inter‐connecting wiring, commissioning and testing shall be carried out by
an approved refrigerant system installer, from whom the MSC shall
obtain quotations. The MSC shall clearly state on his tender submission
the specialist Contractor he intends to employ to carry out the work.
The MSC shall seek the written authority of the Engineer to the use of his
proposed refrigerant system installer.
Full access shall be afforded to site during the installations stage of the
project to allow them to verify that installation methods are fully in
accordance with Manufacturer’s requirements and that the equipment
warranties will not be invalidated.
14.04.10 VRF Refrigerant Pipework
Supply, install, test and commission all interconnecting refrigeration
pipework between the outdoor and indoor units.
All pipework to be carried out in refrigerant quality soft/medium drawn
copper tubing to BS EN14276:2007 (or latest version) and complete with
the appropriate headers and joints.
Pipework should be installed by an Approved Refrigeration Engineer
(certificate approval must be submitted prior to installation
commencement) and in accordance with BS EN378:2008 Specification (or
latest version) and Manufacturer’s design and installation instructions.
Longest possible lengths of copper pipe should be utilised to minimise
joints on site.
Appropriate refrigeration installation tools must be utilised. Oxygen Free
Nitrogen (OFN) must be utilised at all times in the system during brazing.
All pipework (suction and liquid lines) to be insulated with slip on close
cell elastomeric pipe insulation (as manufactured by Armaflex or equal
and approved) with a fire performance class “0” of the 1985 building
regulations.
The wall thickness of the insulation will be as follows according to a
thermal conductivity of 0.037w/mK,
Refrigerant pipe Minimum recommended insulation
thickness
High pressure 10mm
Low pressure 13mm
BC to indoor 10mm
After installation of pipework, prior to sealing of insulation joints and
starting of equipment, pipework should be pressure tested as follows in
accordance with BS EN378:2008 (or latest version):
Strength Test = 1.1 x Ps
Tightness Test = 0.9 to 1.0 x Ps (Minimum 1 hour, preferable 24
hour)
Where Ps = Maximum allowable system pressure.
Refrigerant (R410A) charge weight must be calculated, to the actual
installed length of pipework in accordance with Manufacturer’s
recommendations.
The charging should be carried out using appropriate charging scales. Once
completed the F‐Gas label on the outdoor unit should be completed to
show factory charge, additional charge and total charge.
Pipework to be properly fixed and supported at a minimum of 1.5 metre
centres and where required should be run on galvanised tray. All pipework
to be labelled with ID number (condensing unit’s ref.) at 3 metre intervals.
Joints in copper pipe shall be brazed. Brazing shall be carried out to the
requirements of the HVCA Code of Practice – Brazing and Bronze Welding
of Copper Pipe and Sheet.
14.04.11 VRF Condensate Pipework
A condensate line shall be installed to each fan coil unit. This shall be
installed and insulated all as per the standard specification. Minimum size
of condensate pipes to be 25mm copper or plastic, insulated and pumped
or by gravity from each fan coil/cassette, drains to run 1:80 min falls.
Condensate lift pumps shall be provided to discharge into a local SVP via
reinforce braided hose and a dry trap connection (Hepvo or similar).
14.04.12 VRF Warranty
Extended warranty shall be provided by using/adhering to
manufacturer’s accredited installers / installation.
14.04.13 Comms Room DX Split Heatpump Installation
An independent wall mounted DX split air conditioning system will be
provided in the comms room as indicated on the tender drawings and
schedules. The external condenser will be located in the roof top
plantroom. The indoor unit will be complete with a wall mounted
controller. The supply of the unit is covered under the quotation reference
for the main VRF systems.
14.04.14 Ground Floor Kitchen AHU DX Split Heatpump Installation
An independent DX split air conditioning system will be provided to serve
kitchen supply AHU cooling coil as indicated on the tender drawings and
schedules. The external condenser will be located in the roof top
plantroom. The indoor unit will be complete with a wall mounted
controller. The supply of the unit is covered under the quotation
reference for the main VRF systems.
14.04.15 VRF Sanitary Domestic Hot Water Heater
2No. 8kW VRF sanitary water heaters will be utilised to pre‐heat the
domestic hot water as indicated on the tender drawings. The units serve a
dedicated coil in a 1,200L domestic hot water pre‐heat cylinder. See
section 15.02 of this specification for further details.