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Scope of the programme

The Eurovent Certified Performance (ECP) programme scope for Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) applies to:

• Single module outdoor units for VRF with a cooling capacity above 12kW
• VRF units below 12 kW, declared and published as a combination of outdoor and indoor units according to the testing limits.

Cooling-only, heating-only and reversible Variable Refrigerant Flow systems are divided into three sub-programmes:

• VRF1: Air-sourced VRF systems
• VRF2: Water-sourced VRF systems
• VRF3: High ambient VRF systems.

It can be chosen to apply to one, or another, or several sub-programmes. Heat recovery units are included in the scope but the heat recovery function is not certified. 

The programme does not include:

• VRF systems above 12 kW with data declared and published as combinations of outdoor(s) + indoor(s)
• Multiple module outdoor units
• Units not fulfilling the requirements of Regulation 2016/2281.

Further information on programme participation and exclusions can be found in the Technical Certification Rules.

Certify-all principle

Whenever a company participates in the programme for VRF, all VRF outdoor units that are promoted by the applicant/participant to end-users, specifiers, trading companies, contractors by means of paper or electronic catalogue, price list or software within the scope of the programme, shall be certified. This is done in accordance with the Technical Certification Rules and includes all models in modular ranges. For the VRF programme, the certify-all requirement as defined in the Certification Manual is applicable.

Product type

VRF systems are used for thermal comfort for buildings. Depending on the system installed, VRF can be used for cooling only, or cooling and heating, and crucially can offer varying temperatures in specific areas. VRF systems distribute refrigerant directly to individual fan coils, in a ‘common’ refrigeration piping system, rather than using ductwork, or a chilled water loop.

VRF systems use variable motor speed to produce variable refrigerant flow. The compressor calculates what is needed to meet the indoor temperature required, and will produce an output that circulates the minimum amount of refrigerant needed during a single heating or cooling period. 

VRF systems are designed to offset lower density heat loads (e.g. heat generated by people, electronics, lighting etc.) and are typically used when buildings are occupied. Temperature control is on-demand and seasonal. The three types of systems certified under the VRF programme are:

Air-cooled VRF
These types of units gain their name from the fact they use air to release heat to the outside atmosphere via a condenser coil. Air-cooled VRF condenser units are predominantly installed outside, and use ambient air. They require a large surface area to exchange heat and are around the size of a large fridge freezer. 

Water-cooled VRF
Water-cooled VRF units use water to release heat to the outside atmosphere and will require a separate cooling tower or dry cooler. The units are usually installed indoors and are much smaller than their air-cooled counterparts. 

High ambient VRF systems
High ambient VRF systems are designed for use in:

• Hot and very hot climate conditions such as Middle East and Africa.
• Heat island effect applications: for example, in a high-density multiple building complex set up.
   

Definitions

While exploring our certified products you’ll come across a number of technical terms relating to certification. The below definitions help explain the search criteria in our certified product directory.

Certified product types in the VRF programme have some (but not all) of the following search criteria in common:

Search for certified products in our Variable Refrigerant Flow programme via our certified product directory.

Certified performance items

Nominal Efficiencies:

• Outdoor cooling capacity at standard rating condition
• Outdoor heating capacity at standard rating condition 
• Effective power input (cooling and heating) at standard rating condition
• Outdoor EER at standard rating condition
• Combination Energy Efficiency Ratio in cooling EER for units
• Outdoor COP at standard rating condition
• Combination Coefficient of Performance in heating COP for units ≤ 12 kW.

Seasonal Efficiencies for Cooling :

• Pdesignc
• SEER & ηsc for VRF units > 12 kW
• Annual energy consumption Qce for units ≤ 12 kW
• SEER energy class for units ≤ 12 kW
• Auxiliaries (Pto, Pck ..) for cooling mode
• Part loads (Capacities & Efficiencies).

Seasonal Efficiencies for Heating :

• Pdesignh
• SCOP & ηsh for VRF units > 12 kW
• Annual energy consumption Qhe for units ≤ 12 kW, for each declared climate
• SCOP energy class for units ≤ 12 kW, for each declared climate
• Auxiliaries (Pto, Pck ..) for heating mode
• Part loads (Capacities & Efficiencies), for each declared climate.

Acoustics :

• Sound power level in cooling
• Sound power level of the indoor units for units ≤ 12 kW
• Sound power level in heating (only for reversible units)
  • A-weighted outdoor side sound power
  • A-weighted sound power radiated from the duct (ducted units).

High ambient units :

• Cooling capacity at T1
• Combination Energy Efficiency Ratio in cooling EER at T1
• Cooling capacity at T3
• Combination Energy Efficiency Ratio in cooling EER at T3
• Cooling capacity at T4
• Combination Energy Efficiency Ratio in cooling EER at T4
• Operability at 52°C for 2 hours.

Search for certified products in our Variable Refrigerant Flow programme via our certified product directory.

Find out how to apply for the VRF programme.
 

Search for certified products in our Variable Refrigerant Flow programme