VRF in eQuest and LEED

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Hello everyone,

We are applying for a LEED certification in a project which includes a VRF system in several areas. In order to model such system, we followed the methodology described in the document "Energy Trust of Oregon"; and submitted an explanation to the LEED reviewers describing each step taken in eQuest. We got the following review comment:
"The simulation software used is not capable of modeling VRF systems. The project team has not provided information describing how the VRF systems performance has been modeled to reflect the actual design. Please provide a narrative and any supporting documentation demonstrating that the VRF system characteristics have accurately modeled."

Has anyone had any similar issue regarding a LEED project? After reading their comment, it seems that they might have overlooked our explanation, or maybe it was just not enough. Any ideas? Does LEED accepts this approximation? Thank you very much!

Ing. Gast?n Michaud F.

Gastón Michaud Fernández's picture
Joined: 2012-11-26
Reputation: 0

Hello:

I have submitted projects to LEED using the same methodology without any
problems. Did you model custom performance curves?

Perhaps you explanation was not clear?

Paul Diglio, CEM, CBCP

Paul Diglio's picture
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Joined: 2011-09-30
Reputation: 400

Thank you Paul for your response.

I did not model custom curves, I understand that if a use the PVVT system and set the compressor to variable speed, there is no need to modify them; am I correct? If that is the case, I?ll try to model the custom performance curves; I was just trying to avoid that since I haven?t been able to get the manufacturer information?

Do you think the LEED reviewers would accept this approximation without the custom curves? I?ve read before that not using the curves gives a conservative result, which I am willing to accept.
Thanks!

Ing. Gast?n Michaud F.

Gastón Michaud Fernández's picture
Joined: 2012-11-26
Reputation: 0

Custom curves will show more energy savings. Let me know the make and model. I
might have the data you need.

If I remember correctly the custom curves show somewhere around a 3% VRF savings
over the PVVT curves depending on the outside ambient conditions of the project.

Paul Diglio, CEM, CBCP

Paul Diglio's picture
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Joined: 2011-09-30
Reputation: 400

Thank you very much Paul, you have been very helpful.

The maker is Mitsubishi Electric and the model is PUHY-P1150TSHM-A; if you have the information that would be great; anyway. I appreciate your support, suppliers over here have not been able to give me the information. Looking forward to document additional savings!

Ing. Gast?n Michaud F.

Gastón Michaud Fernández's picture
Joined: 2012-11-26
Reputation: 0