Earth Day

This Earth Day, Take a Look at What VRF Can Do For You

VRF was introduced to the HVAC industry as a great way to provide energy-efficient zone control to a wide range of buildings. Simultaneous heating and cooling from a single outdoor unit continues to be its strength. The equipment’s versatility has allowed us to expand where we use VRF. It is now common to use VRF for 24/7 cooling loads in modern buildings, IDF/MDF rooms, elevator machine rooms, and the like.

Combining LG Gen 5 VRF inverter technology with DOAS air handling units continues to expand the application of VRF.  This is great way to utilize these air-cooled heat pumps. The heating efficiency is competitive with “cheap” natural gas rates, while also reducing building first costs by avoiding the gas lines and meter.  LG VRF can even make hot or chilled water for a variety of applications.

VRF saves space, is incredibly quiet, and minimizes required electrical connections; especially when compared with other heat pump compressor options.

DMG has excellent product solutions to deliver ultra-high efficiency, all-electric heating and cooling solutions. Talk to one of our sales engineers about your next job that is powered by renewable energy.

#EveryDayIsEarthDay #HeatPump #VRF #AHU

Energy Metering For VRF

Smart Controls = Efficiency

Experience tells us that it is not good enough to design and build an energy-efficient project. Operating a property in an energy-efficient manner takes an equal amount of planning and effort. The LG Power Distribution Indicator (PDI)is one option that can help a building’s performance match or exceed building energy goals.

Building owners can track system usage down to a single zone or a group of zones. The energy consumption of VRF systems is dynamic due to part-load efficiencies and energy savings due to heat recovery operation. Standard central controllers would only be able to track the various units’ run time and make a general estimate of energy usage. The LG PDI measures the energy consumed by the condensers in real-time and matches that with the fan coils operating at the same time. As a bonus, the data is captured and stored for future reporting. The building operator can then use this data in numerous ways; implement “after hours” HVAC policies in leases, user education, and beyond.

The superior energy efficiency, quiet operation, and minimal maintenance are a few reasons the North American HVAC market has been moving towards VRF for over a decade. Adding intelligent or customizable controls features to VRF will lead you to better results.


Modular Construction

A Modular Hotel Project in the Bay Area Chose VRF for its HVAC System

Regional shortages in housing and hotel rooms are sure to benefit from the continued deployment of modular technology. Continued modular construction advances are demonstrating that this design and construction technique can deliver a very high-quality end product. Adding VRF to modular construction continues in the spirit of great aesthetic design and achieves superior energy efficiency via equipment and controls.

This project deployed a hybrid approach to modular, traditional construction for the first level for lobby & amenity space and guest room modules stacked on top.

DMG North has completed numerous modular hotels, condos, apartment buildings, and single-family residences. We have found that continuous and early coordination with all parties involved is especially critical to delivering a successful modular project. Are you considering a modular project? It’s never too early to get us involved.


Example of Modular Construction from Wikimedia