Assessment of Water-Source VRF Systems for Building Energy Performance in Net-Zero Energy Buildings
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18908731Keywords:
Net-Zero Energy Buildings, Variable Refrigerant Flow, Coefficient of PerformanceAbstract
To reduce electricity consumption in buildings, engineering applications should prioritize cooling technologies with high energy performance. Within this context, water-cooled Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems emerge as a promising alternative to conventional air-cooled VRF systems. In high-capacity facilities with access to natural water sources, such as coastal regions along the Mediterranean, water-cooled VRF systems can play a critical role in the design of Net Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEBs) and in improving overall building energy performance. This review study evaluates the applicability of water-cooled VRF systems in NZEBs by examining key performance indicators, including coefficient of performance (COP), energy-saving potential, and system configurations. Relevant studies published between 2009 and 2026 were systematically reviewed using major scientific databases. The review clearly demonstrates the performance advantages of water-cooled VRF systems over air-cooled counterparts. While the reported COP values of air-cooled VRF systems generally range between 3.5 and 5, water-cooled VRF systems achieve COP values as high as theoretically 12. Furthermore, the energy-saving potential of water-cooled VRF systems was found to range from 30% to 50%. Despite these advantages, the literature reveals a notable research gap, as studies directly addressing NZEB applications rarely evaluate water-cooled VRF systems. Overall, this study highlights the significant potential of water-cooled VRF systems to enhance energy efficiency and support sustainable building design. The results indicate that careful consideration of water-cooled VRF systems in NZEB applications can lead to substantial energy savings, making them a valuable option for engineers and designers aiming to reduce building energy consumption at both national and global scales.
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