WP Design Use VRF Systems K12 Schools

VRF and K-12 Schools
A Guide to the Design and Use of LG VRF HVAC

Systems for Kindergarten-12 Grade
(K-12) Schools
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Note: Legal Disclaimer: All material presented, referenced,

and provided herein is for general informational and/or
educational purposes; and is not intended to provide or
replace the independent judgment of a qualified
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any way constitute system application advice. Always
seek the advice of a qualified engineer and/or HVAC
design professional because reliance on any information
provided herein absent the input of said professionals is
solely at your own risk.
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© LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc. 2016
Table of Contents
Purpose .............................................................................................................................................4
Heat Recovery ...................................................................................................................................5
Why LG VRF? .....................................................................................................................................7
Installation .................................................................................................................................................... 7
LG VRF Benefits ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Efficient Design ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Zoned Comfort Control & Dehumidification ............................................................................................... 8
Sustainability ................................................................................................................................................ 8
Quiet Operation ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Controls ........................................................................................................................................... 10
Why Is VRF a good application for a K-12 School? ............................................................................. 12
Is VRF too complicated? ................................................................................................................... 14
Is a VRF system more expensive than other conventional systems? ................................................... 14
What about Outside Air?.................................................................................................................. 16
What about the Gym HVAC? ............................................................................................................ 17
What about ASHRAE Standards 15, 34, 55, 62.1 and VRF? ................................................................. 20
How does VRF compare to Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) Systems for K-12?................................ 24
VRF vs. WSHP Systems: .................................................................................................................... 28
What about using Ground Source Heat Pump (GHP) Systems for K-12 Schools? ................................. 30
Beware of Marketed EER .................................................................................................................. 37
VRF vs. GHP Systems: ....................................................................................................................... 39
Use LG Multi V Water IV Instead of WSHP/GHP ................................................................................ 41
LG Hydro Kit..................................................................................................................................... 49
What about the use of Air Cooled Chilled Water Systems for K-12 Schools? ....................................... 52
Operating Cost Examples: ................................................................................................................ 54

Purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide engineers, designers and decision makers with information
on how to apply LG Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems in their designs for the HVAC systems in
kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) schools, the benefits of VRF that make it well suited for K-12
school HVAC designs and how VRF stacks up against other conventional school HVAC systems such as
Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHPs), Ground Heat Pump (GHP) Systems, and Air Cooled Chilled Water
Systems (CHW).
As shown below, R410A refrigerant, the heat transfer medium used in LG VRF systems, can contain the
greatest energy per pound compared to air and water, which is the transfer medium for conventional
HVAC systems. Also, when comparing molecular characteristics, one molecule of R410A refrigerant is
smaller than air and water. This capacity to transfer more energy at a smaller size is the reason LG VRF
systems are so energy efficient while using limited physical space and thereby have the lowest life cycle
cost compared to other HVAC systems. This makes VRF a good choice for schools construction where a
district has limited funds and requires zoned control.
Air Water R-410A
8.88 Btu/h Energy 85.38 Btu/h Energy

0.48 Btu/h Energy
per lb. Water per lb. R-410a
per lb. Air
Also, what makes an advantage of LG VRF systems for use in K-12 schools is the heat recovery option.
Heat recovery uses rejected heat from class rooms in cooling mode to heat classrooms that need
heating. This makes for an efficient application. Water Source Heat Pump Systems (WSHP) do this as
well, but they require the routing of bigger water pipes throughout the school and WSHP systems
require pumps to circulate the water. VRF systems do not require additional pumps to circulate the
refrigerant.
The LG Multi V IV system combines the best features of heat recovery VRF systems. Condensate drains
are not required for Multi V Heat Recovery units. Heat recovery units that can serve 2, 3, or 4 zones are
strategically placed in series or in parallel to maximize piping reach while minimizing material and labor
costs. Piping, fittings, branches, headers, hangers, insulation, joints, nitrogen, and labor hours can be
greatly reduced resulting in significantly lower installed costs.

Heat Recovery
It can be seen that the LG heat recovery layout offers many advantages over other manufactures due to
the following highlights noted below:
 Configured for fully independent heating and  Parallel or series configuration

cooling
 Ports are closer to the indoor units they serve  Smaller number of Y-Branch brazes reduces
which reduces piping costs field install labor
 No heat recovery unit condensate drains
saves material costs

 Configured for fully independent heating and  Parallel configuration only

cooling
 Many heat recovery units for independent  Numerous joints
heating and cooling
• Configured for fully independent heating  Series configuration only

and cooling
 Lengthy home run piping  May require heat recovery unit condensate
drain

Why LG VRF?
The benefits are numerous: modern style,
mirror units for interior designers, less
piping for installers and energy efficiency
for owners. LG is among the industry
leaders in low sound levels, so units are
quiet and can be installed where sound is
an issue. LG manufactured inverter scroll
compressors optimize system energy
efficiency and are certified using AHRI
Standard 1230. Other benefits include the
following:
Installation
LG VRF system components are modular, small and lightweight compared to conventional HVAC
system components. They are typically installed without the use of a crane, saving substantially on
installation cost. The unit modularity supports building a system over time to serve floors as a building
is occupied. The low weight can reduce the need for structural reinforcement to support more massive
equipment. The compressor units are typically installed outdoors and do not need a machine room or
mechanical penthouse reducing noise within the occupied space.
LG VRF Benefits
Your project can realize significant benefits by using LG's VRF Technology. Efficiency and modern
modular design are just the beginning. The modular design of VRF results in superior energy savings
giving occupants the choice to air condition or heat only the zones in use. A VRF system provides
exceptional dehumidification and temperature control by rapidly adapting to changing loads as seen in
a school environment.
Efficient Design
Without using large distribution ducts, the LG Multi V system removes losses that are unavoidable in
other systems. In addition, the use of optimized scroll or rotary compressors, specially designed heat
exchangers, and inverter technology, the Multi V system minimizes energy consumption to levels
previously unattainable by non-VRF systems. The modular design offers comfort on demand allowing

the choice to use the system only in the zones where it is needed further promoting reduced energy
consumption.
Zoned Comfort Control & Dehumidification

With the use of inverters and dual compressor outdoor units, the LG Multi V system offers superior
load matching, preventing constant cycling or large temperature swings. Tight temperature control
through precise load matching ensures maximum comfort, efficient operation, and superior
dehumidification. The modular design of VRF results in superior energy savings giving occupants the
choice to air condition or heat only the zones in use. The LG Multi V offers individual zoning to ensure
occupants comfort.
Sustainability
The architectural and engineering community is adopting a balanced design approach that considers
energy and water consumption, repetitive maintenance costs, the impact of development on the
environment, and the building’s initial cost as equally important factors in developing high
performance, sustainable buildings that will increase building value. LG’s Multi V VRF systems help
achieves points for sustainability programs.
The USGBC has developed holistic design standards for constructing new and retrofitting existing
buildings known as LEED® - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The Multi V variable
refrigerant flow air conditioning systems are engineered for sustainable green buildings and provide
opportunities for designers to claim numerous LEED® prerequisites and points.
Quiet Operation
With LG VRF, Students can work
without distraction. With indoor
units that can operate at sound
levels as low as 23dB (A) and
outdoor units that operate as
low as 50dB (A) and lower with
night quiet operation, LG Multi V
creates a comfortable
environment so quiet it’s almost
undetectable. For additional
sound level control, a night quiet
mode can be set to limit fan speed during off peak hours.

“The importance of quality room acoustics in schools has been recognized by Educators and School
Architects as evidenced by the new standard, ANSI S12.60, "Standard for Classroom Acoustics." This
standard was recently created to provide acoustical criteria for those involved in school building
design.”
“Designing to reduce noise generated by the HVAC system is also critical for creating a quiet space.
The more quiet the space, the better the students hear and understand.”
http://www.kineticsnoise.com/schools/index.html

Component to component direct communication
Controls
Controls are an integral part of LG VRF systems. LG VRF systems incorporate sophisticated controls and
automation; control of the complex refrigerant system requires this. The many control points of the
refrigerant system are monitored resulting in easy trouble-shooting, and automatic diagnostics of the
refrigerant system. Control of the internal refrigerant management has been optimized for the
system’s overall efficiency, longevity, and comfort to the space. Detailed system diagnostics of
internal refrigerant management can be viewed through LG’s Mobile LGMV software.
LG’s controls allow users to control and monitor the system for individual zone comfort. Utilizing LG’s
individual zone remote controllers, occupants can control their individual zone, central controllers
allow building managers to control the entire VRF system, and BACnetTM and LonWorksTM gateways
allow the Energy Management System to integrate the VRF system with other systems within the
building.
* BACnet is a registered trademark of ASHRAE

* LonWorks is a trademark of Echelon Corporation
Comfort
LG indoor units can be sized to serve small spaces with independent temperature control, such as
individual private offices or classrooms. With capability to provide heating or cooling and modulation
of the compressor, a narrow temperature range can be maintained. Anecdotal information, and results
of one informal field study, indicates that attention needs to be paid to ensure that controls are
working to maintain stable temperature control without alternating heating and cooling.
Commissioning of zone temperature control is recommended.
Space Requirements
Transferring heat through refrigerant piping requires a lot less space than ductwork. This makes LG
VRF systems well suited to retrofits, particularly historic buildings that may not have any ductwork or
cooling. However, if outside air requirements are not met by natural ventilation already, then
ductwork of sufficient size to provide code-required ventilation will need to be added. In new buildings,
the low space requirement can result in reduced floor-to-floor height, providing initial cost savings.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance of LG VRF systems consists of changing filters and cleaning coils for the fan coil
units. This level of maintenance is not substantially different than for other zonal systems, such as
conventional water-source fan coils and split systems. Maintenance of the compressor unit is minimal,
and there will be significant maintenance savings for this part of the system compared to chilled water
and hot water plant equipment.
LG Inverter Scroll
There are several ways to modulate the cooling capacity in compressor air conditioning and heating
systems. The most common in air conditioning are the following: on-off cycling, hot gas bypass, use or
not of liquid injection, manifold configurations of multiple compressors, mechanical modulation (also
called digital) and inverter technology.
• On-off cycling: results in switching off the fixed-speed compressor under light load conditions
and could lead to short cycling and the reduction in compressor lifetime. Efficiency of the unit is
reduced by pressure cycling and transient losses. The turndown capacity is 100% or 0%.
• Hot gas pass: involves injecting a quantity of gas from discharge to the suction side. The
compressor will keep operating at the same speed but thanks to the bypass, the refrigerant
mass flow circulating with the system is reduced and thus the cooling capacity. This naturally
causes the compressor to run uselessly during the periods where the bypass is operating. The
turndown capacity varies between 0 and 100%.[1]
• Manifold configurations: several compressors can be installed in the system to provide the peak
cooling capacity. Each compressor can run or not in order to stage the cooling capacity of the
unit. The turndown capacity is either 0/33/66 or 100% for a trio configuration and either 0/50 or
100% for a tandem.[2]
• Mechanically modulated compressor: this internal mechanical capacity modulation is based on
periodic compression process with a control valve, the 2 scroll set move apart stopping the
compression for a given time period. This method varies refrigerant flow by changing the
average time of compression, but not the actual speed of the motor. Despite an excellent
turndown ratio – from 10 to 100% of the cooling capacity, mechanically modulated scrolls have
high energy consumption as the motor continuously runs.
• Inverter compressor: uses an external variable frequency drive - to control the speed of the
compressor. The refrigerant flow rate is changed by the change in the speed of compressor. The
turndown ratio depends on the system configuration and manufacturer. It modulates from 15 or
25% up to 100% at full capacity with a single inverter from 12 to 100% with a hybrid tandem.
A new high side shell innovation offers a more compact size for the same capacity output with greater
reliability in cold climates. Multi V IV is AHRI 1230 Certification performance certified. This ensures that
you are getting verified ratings.
1. http://www.pipelineandgasjournal.com/bypass-method-recip-compressor-capacity-control
http://www.ishrae.in/journals/2000apr/article02.html
2. http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek09/0410/0410p_vrf.cfm
Compact Design
VRF offers more indoor zones, less outdoor space. When space or
access is at a premium, this equates to significant cost advantages
for the owner on large projects.
Longer Piping Distances Stacked LG Water Cooled Units
Owners can reach extra zones further off the same VRF units. This
eliminates the need to invest in extra systems and saves on installation.
Energy Modeling
LG has provided and updated library curves, modeling guides, white papers, and sample files for
customers who use building energy simulation programs such as: eQUEST®, Energy Pro, Trane Trace™
700, EnergyPlus, Carrier Hourly Analysis Program (HAP), and others.
Why Is VRF a good application for a K-12

School?
The VRF system is uniquely suited to address the changing K-12 environment and is rapidly growing in
popularity resulting in greater familiarity and an increasing knowledge base of technicians who
understand the system. VRF offers better individual classroom control and comfort and increased
energy savings over conventional HVAC systems for K-12 schools.

The layout of a school breaks down the building’s total capacity into zones or classrooms typically
between 1-1/2 to 3 tons (excluding OA), which is just the right capacity for a VRF system. Each of these
classrooms or zones must be able to operate with a widely varying load (as people come and go) and
even as an individual zone when the full building may not be occupied.
That’s not possible with a traditional air cooled chiller system because the central plant has to turn on
the chiller or boiler, and pumps to turn the air conditioning or heating on. With a water cooled chiller, a
cooling tower and associated pumps must also be energized. With a WSHP system, pumps and a cooling
tower or boiler must be energized to provide air conditioning or heating. So with a conventional air and
water cooled chiller and WSHP system, the central plant must run when cooling or heating is needed in
any portion of the building. If only one person is working after hours, the central plant for the whole
school must run to provide cooling or heating.
The second major driving force is energy and water consumption. While air cooled chillers and electric
heating systems are reasonably first-cost effective, they are not energy friendly. In the last five years as
LEED and other “green” building programs have become the norm, we have seen many school districts
change their design strategy to reach higher efficiency goals. A VRF system provides an avenue for
school districts to improve energy efficiency without driving construction costs higher and without a
substantial water consumption increase.
Example of where VRF can be used in K-12 Schools

Is VRF too complicated?

There’s a common misperception that VRF is too complicated. The LG VRF system is actually pretty
simple. It consists of an indoor fan coil, an outdoor condensing unit, and a Heat Recovery Unit (HRU)
when heat recovery is used.
The “sophistication” of any HVAC system is in the controls system. This is nothing new for K-12
operations people, who already work with third-party building automation system (BAS) controls
providers to program and manage controls for other ‘conventional” systems. The primary difference
between a third-party controls system and an LG VRF system is the controls are an integral part of the
VRF system. The internal refrigerant management has been optimized for the system’s overall efficiency,
longevity, and comfort to the space. The individual zone remote controllers, central controllers, and
gateways all communicate across the VRF system requiring minimum setup or configuration.
Is a VRF system more expensive than other

conventional systems?
The installation cost of VRF is actually less than chilled water and WSHP systems when used in the
correct application. Because of the high number of separate classrooms or zones, K-12 schools offer an
excellent opportunity for VRF applications. In a K-12 school application, each classroom would have one
or more separate indoor VRF units providing heating and cooling for the classroom. This allows
individual classroom HVAC control. Heat Recovery VRF is also recommended to allow simultaneous
operation of heating and cooling. Simultaneous heating and cooling means that the HVAC system in one
classroom may provide cooling, while another classroom may be in the heating mode. The heat rejected
from the classroom in cooling mode is used to heat the classroom in heating mode. This makes for a
very efficient HVAC system.
This mode of operation where each classroom has a fan coil unit can also be found on chilled water
systems. The difference between VRF and Fan Coil Chilled Water (FCCW) systems is that chilled water
systems do not have the ability to do simultaneous heating and cooling unless they have a 4 pipe
arrangement where there is a cooling supply and return pipe and a heating supply and return pipe. Also
FCCW systems do not use rejected heat from one zone to heat another zone, and thus are not as energy
efficient as VRF systems when simultaneously heating and cooling and may not comply with state and
local energy codes.
WSHP systems can provide simultaneous heating and cooling, but instead of refrigerant, they use water
as the medium to transfer the energy. A pound of R410a refrigerant in liquid phase can hold more
energy than a pound of water
Also FCCW systems require the installation of either an air or water cooled chiller, a cooling tower if the
chiller is water cooled, chilled water pumps, cooling tower pumps if water cooled chiller, boilers and
boiler pumps, all associated balancing and gate valves, pressure and temperature valves, strainers, flow
switches, and service ports, and fan coils for each classroom and all the associated control valves,
pressure/temperature ports, ball valves, Y strainer and air vents for the fan coils.
The above is an example of how the installation of a VRF system compares in cost to similar size
Geo Thermal Heat Pump (GHP) system. It can be seen that the VRF system is 38% less than a
comparable GHP system.

What about Outside Air?

How to handle the outside air load and humidity are among the most important design criteria on a K-12
project. In a K-12 classroom, a dedicated outside air system (DOAS) is the best way to handle outside air
and humidity. In any hot and humid climate, the DOAS should decouple the temperature control from
the humidity control. The Dedicated Outside Air System (DOAS) should be designed for
dehumidification capacity and controlled by a zone level humidity sensor. In a K-12 school, the DOAS
would be the primary dehumidification system and the VRF system would be the temperature control
system.
The best system for this strategy is a DOAS that provides a neutral temperature supply air at 72-75
degrees F, at a humidity ratio of between 40-45 grains of moisture/lb. of dry air. At this low humidity
ratio, the ventilation air being delivered to a classroom will dehumidify the ventilation air load and can
provide additional drying effect to the humidity sources already in the classroom such as the students
and teachers and any other source of moisture. This strategy reduces the condensate in the VRF indoor
units and greatly reduces long-term maintenance required for the condensate piping because most of
the latent load is taken care of by the DOAS unit. This also increases the efficiency of the VRF system
because the remaining cooing load is almost all sensible where the VRF system is most efficient in
removing.
The below Decoupled Dedicated Outdoor Air System is the preferred way of introducing ventilation air
into the school class rooms. The outside ventilation air is introduced into the class rooms separately
from the main heating and cooling system. This method prevents problems associated with trying to mix
outside air with return air directly at the heating and cooling unit serving the class room. (Typically
associated with VAV (variable air volume) systems)
Decoupled Dedicated Outdoor air System
DOAS

In a K-12 school, the Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) optimizes energy savings and performance.
The DOAS provides numerous benefits including:
• Airflow rate variable from 400 to 2000 CFM
• Air handler controller senses high outdoor air humidity and provides dehumidification mode
• Reheat coil allows heating of dehumidified air to room neutral temperatures
• Flexible design allows matching of outdoor unit to meet local outdoor air design conditions
• Web access to air handler controller
• Air handler controller connects to laptop computer without special software
• Varying outdoor air temperatures can be conditioned using energy efficient LG VRF technology
• Available in two models - with electric preheat coil or without electric preheat coil
The unit is provided with an integrated microprocessor-based controller. Remote duct discharge air
temperature sensor, outdoor air temperature sensor, and outdoor air humidity sensor for field
mounting in the ductwork are shipped loose inside the control cabinet. The field supplied
communication cable between the air handler and outdoor units is to be a minimum of 18 AWG, 4-
conductor, stranded, and shielded cable (RS-485), terminated via screw terminal on the control boards.
The microprocessor control will operate the air handler using one of the five operating modes:
• Cooling
• Heating
• Dehumidification
• Ventilation
• Defrost
Cooling mode is activated when the outdoor air temperature sensor detects temperature increase
above the outside air cooling enable set-point. Outdoor unit compressors modulate to meet the cooling
demand by the main coil and maintain discharge air temperature set point. Heating mode is activated
when the outdoor air temperature sensor detects temperature decrease below the outside air heating.
What about the Gym HVAC?

With most Gyms used for after-hours sports games and after school programs, it is typically useful to
have the Gym on a separate HVAC system than the classrooms and offices in the school. The HVAC
system of choice for Gyms is typically the gas heating/direct expansion (DX) Roof Top Unit (RTU) because
it is simple, effective, and well suited for the HVAC requirements of large open spaces like Gyms where
tight temperature control is not needed. For integration of control of the VRF system and Gym RTUs, LG
can provide an I/O module to allow scheduled on/off of the RTUs through the VRF control system to
provide a seamless operation.
Another option available to HVAC engineers/designers is the option of using LG’s AHU kit to interface
with another manufacturer’s AHU that may be used for the Gym. The benefit of using The LG AHU kit is
the use of LG’s VRF condensing unit.
The LG AHU kit can be configured for return air or supply air temperature control. Some of the criteria
for using the AHU kit include the following:
• Minimum coil entering air temperature is 41F for heating mode

• AHU coil sizing parameters

• Cooling Mode
• Suction (evap) temperature for coil sizing is 41~43F
• Condensing (liquid) temperature for coil sizing is 110F
• Heating Mode
• Hot gas temperature at AHU coil is 113F (range is 104~122F)
• Recommended coil tube sizes are 3/8” or ½”
• Coil volume data is needed from coil manufacturer to calculate refrigerant trim charge amount
• Coils larger than 16 tons should be divided into multiple circuits to allow connection of EEV kit
• Heat recovery systems are limited to 8 ton maximum coil size (can only tie 2 HRU ports together)
• Pipe sizing rules are same rules as the connected ODU (see ODU Engineering Manual or updated LATS
version)
• Maximum recommended combination ratio is 100%
• Comm Kits and EEV Kits are not weather proof and must be protected from rain, snow, etc.
For Gymnasium

For Gymnasium

What about ASHRAE Standards 15, 34, 55,

62.1 and VRF?
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) committees of
industry professionals have collaborated to develop voluntary standards that document industry best
practices to safely use refrigerants, guidelines to properly ventilate commercial buildings using various
technologies, properly control building temperature and relative humidity, as well as design building
systems to minimize energy and water consumption.
Table 3 - ASHRAE Publications
Safety Standard for Refrigeration
Standard 15-2013 Systems
Designation and Safety Classification
Standard 34-2013 of Refrigerants
Thermal Environmental Conditions for
Standard 55-2013 Human Occupancy
Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air
Standard 62.1-2013 Quality
ASHRAE 15-2013 and ASHRAE 34-2013: Designing for Refrigerant Safety with Multi V
The Standards address the safety and classification of the refrigerant chemical. All LG Multi V systems
use R-410A refrigerant. ASHRAE Standard 34-2007 classifies this refrigerant in Safety Group “A1” and a
rated as “neither” in the toxicity category titled “highly toxic or toxic under code classification.1” These
are the safest ratings given in the Standard to any refrigerant and are the same ratings are given to
refrigerants R-22, R-134A, and R-407C.
Of primary concern is the displacement of all oxygen in a room that could lead to occupant asphyxiation
in the event of a catastrophic release of the entire system refrigerant charge. The Standard states R-
410A has a Refrigerant Concentration Limit (RCL) of 0.026 lbs./ft3. The RCL indicates the allowable
volume (by weight) of refrigerant per cubic foot of room volume to avoid escape-impairing effects such
as oxygen deprivation, flammability, and cardiac sensitization among others.
The Standard is written to cover a worst case scenario and assumes the complete system charge is
dumped into a confined space over a short period of time. If a refrigerant leak occurs, the actual
concentration level in the confined space is dependent upon the quantity of refrigerant in the
equipment and the volume of air available for dispersion and dilution. The calculated concentration
level in each room cannot exceed the RCL (or 50% of the RCL for institutional buildings such as asylums,
nursing homes, hospitals and spaces containing locked cells.)
Note 1: This designation does not indicate that R-410A is non-toxic, with high enough concentrations all
refrigerants can be hazardous.

ASHRAE 15-2013 and ASHRAE 34-2013 Designing for Refrigerant Safety with LG Multi V (continued)
The total estimated charge of the refrigeration system is calculated using LG’s LATS refrigerant piping
design software. Secondly, the designer must determine which zone or room has the smallest cubic
volume served by the system. Calculate the volume of air in each area or room using the following
guidelines to determine the dimensions of each zone or room.
Non-connecting Spaces: Defined as “where a refrigerating system or a part thereof is located in one or
more enclosed occupied spaces that do not connect through permanent openings or HVAC ducts.
Where different stories and floor levels connect through an open atrium or mezzanine arrangement, the
volume to be used in calculating the refrigerant quantity limit shall be determined by multiplying the
floor area of the lowest space by 8.2 ft.”
Ventilated Spaces: Defined as “where a refrigerating system or a part thereof is located within an air
handler, an air distribution duct system, or an occupied space served by a mechanical ventilation system,
the entire air distribution system shall be analyzed to determine the smallest volume area.”
Closures: “Closures in the air distribution system shall be considered. If one or more spaces of several
arranged in parallel can be closed off from the source of the refrigerant leak, the volume(s) shall not be
used in the calculation.”
Closure exceptions include smoke and fire dampers or combinations thereof that close only in an
emergency not associated with a refrigerant leak and dampers where airflow is never reduced below 10%
of its maximum with the fan running.
Plenums: “The space above a suspended ceiling shall not be included in calculating the refrigerant
quantity limit in the system unless such space is part of the air supply or return system.”
Supply and Return Ducts: “The volume of the supply and return ducts and plenums shall be included
when calculating the refrigerant quantity limit in the system.”
Concentration Calculations
The Standard calculates the concentration as follows: After the zone dimensions are known, calculate
the volume of air in the smallest zone and divide by 1000 (Eq 1.) Finally, divide the refrigerant charge in
lbs. by the resultant of Eq 1. If the resultant is higher than the allowed RCL as documented in Standard
15-2013, increase the cubic volume of the smallest zone or modify the piping system design.
Refrigerant Concentration (lbs./ft³) =
The resultant must be less than 0.026 lbs./ft3. When applying any standard or regulation in practice, the
designer must use some engineering judgment in determining which rooms or areas are connected,
non-connected, or ventilated. Use of transfer ducts between rooms, undercut doors, ventilation grilles
in doors, using the area above the ceiling as part of the return or supply air path are all methods that
can be used to increase the dilution volume of the smallest areas of the building.
ASHRAE 55-2013 - Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy

This Standard identifies the factors impacting thermal comfort and identifies the process for developing
comfort criteria to assist designers creating comfort in conditioned spaces. The Standard states “this
standard specifies the combinations of indoor space environment and personal factors that will produce
thermal environmental conditions acceptable to 80% or more of the occupants within the space.
The environmental factors addressed are temperature, thermal radiation, humidity and air speed; the
personal factors are those of activity and clothing.”
In the past emphasis was put on building structures airtight with little or no control provided to the
occupants. Since the green building movement began and the LEED building rating system gained
momentum, individual adjustment of comfort parameters such as thermostats and air flow are being
considered upfront as part of the overall mechanical system design. To satisfy the minimum
requirement for a LEED point credit for thermal comfort, 50% of the occupants must be provided
individual control of selected comfort parameters. Another LEED point is available for Thermal Comfort-
Design (IEQ credit 7.1) if the HVAC system design complies with Section 6.1.1 of Standard 55-2004.
ASHRAE 62.1-2013 - Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality

Publications over the past twenty years have documented that occupant well- being, productivity, and
comfort are significantly impacted if the occupied areas are not properly ventilated. It also is well known
that properly treating ventilation air raises the building’s overall energy consumption. However, because
of today’s medical costs and the cost related to personnel turnover, any premium associated with
tempering and cleaning ventilation air has become insignificant. Standard 62.1-2007, known as the
indoor air quality (IAQ) performance standard, documents key strategies for maintaining minimum IAQ
including limiting the introduction of potential contaminants into the occupied areas originating from
outdoor and indoor sources. The document also addresses the proper introduction of outside (fresh) air
into the building employing one of two methods: 1) A ventilation rate procedure; and 2) an IAQ
compliance procedure.
The ventilation rate procedure prescribes outdoor air quality requirements; treatment procedures that
need to be utilized if the outdoor air is deemed contaminated; and the volume of outdoor air that must
be introduced to the occupied areas of commercial, institutional, vehicular, industrial and residential
buildings. This method has been coined “the dilution solution.” The Standard also addresses reduced
outside air volume requirements when used in conjunction with re-circulated air contaminant removal
devices.
The IAQ compliance procedure is a performance based design approach in which the indoor air quality
in the occupied areas is actively monitored using sensing devices (such as CO2 level sensors). When the
IAQ falls below specified levels, the volume of outside air introduced to the building is modified.
There are three methods used for ventilating buildings: 1) mechanical “active” ventilation; 2) natural
“passive” ventilation; 3) mixed-mode “active and passive” ventilation.

ASHRAE 62.1-2013 - Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality (continued)

This summary will concentrate on providing guidance to the designer in applying active mechanical
ventilation methods in conjunction with using Multi V variable refrigerant flow equipment. There are
four methods of mechanically introducing outside air to individual occupied areas and rooms. They
include:
1) From a common outside air inlet, filter and pre-treat the air temperature to room neutral
conditions and duct the ventilation air to ceiling or wall registers in each breathing zone.
2) From a common outside air inlet, filter and pre-treat the air temperature to room neutral
conditions and duct the ventilation air to ceiling cassette or recessed-ducted Multi V indoor
units.
3) From a common (or multiple) outside air openings, duct filtered, untreated ventilation air to
ceiling cassette or recessed-ducted Multi V indoor units.
When using the LG Multi V system, the designer must not depend on the indoor unit fans to draw the
proper amount of outside air. In all designs, the outside air must be introduced using a separate fan
designed specifically for the task.
When considering which of these three methods to use to distribute the outside air to the occupied
areas, the designer should employ a design that minimizes potential maintenance costs and
operational problems. When these parameters are a priority, Method #1 is preferred, can be used in
all applications and in conjunction with any type of Multi V indoor unit. When Method #1 is employed,
and the outside air pre-treatment device experiences a filtering, heating, or cooling component failure,
the resulting untreated air will be more readily noticed by the occupants who can notify the building
engineer of the problem. But more importantly, the failure will less likely impact the Multi V indoor
unit operation.
If Method #2 is employed and the outside air is ducted directly to the indoor unit, a failure of the
pretreated system could be masked by the Multi V unit changing its operating parameters to
compensate for the failure, but could adversely affect the operation of the indoor unit(s). Air
stratification, or an entering coil temperature outside the design parameters of the indoor unit will
likely cause erratic behavior of the indoor unit microprocessor control.
If Method #3 is employed the adverse effects noted under Method #2 will be engineered into the
design and improper system operation is a real possibility. However, Method #3 can be used, with
careful engineering analysis, and only in temperate climate areas where, year round, the entering air
(mixed air) temperature at the indoor unit coil is within the indoor unit design parameters and proper
mixing of the outside air stream with return air occurs. The mixed air load - heating, cooling sensible
and latent, must all be considered when sizing indoor units using Method #3.
If using Methods #2 or #3, negative building pressure can impact the indoor unit fan’s ability to pass
the proper amount of air over the indoor unit coil, even when the ventilation system supply fan is
turned off and the dampers are closed.
References:
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) Standard 15-2013,
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) Standard 34-2013,
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) Standard 55-2013.
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) Standard 62.1-2013.

How does VRF compare to Water Source Heat

Pump (WSHP) (Cooling Tower/Boiler)
Systems for K-12?
A water source heat pump system operates much like a traditional air source heat pump system except
that it extracts and dissipates heat by way of water instead of air.
Traditional air source heat pumps get their heat from the air outside, as even relatively cold air actually
contains a substantial amount of heat.

Water source heat pumps work on basically the same principle as air source heat pumps, but they
extract heat from a body of water rather than the air. A boiler is used to add heat to the water loop to
make the water source heat pumps more effective and efficient because in heating mode as the water
loop temperature decreases so does the water source unit’s efficiency.
In the summer, water source heat pumps dissipate heat to water. They do this by cycling water through
a system of pipes that are routed through a cooling tower. A cooling tower extracts waste heat to the
atmosphere though the cooling of a water stream to a lower temperature. The type of heat rejection in
a cooling tower is termed "evaporative" in that it allows a small portion of the water being cooled to
evaporate into a moving air stream to provide significant cooling to the rest of that water stream. The
heat from the water stream transferred to the air stream raises the air's temperature and its relative
humidity to 100%, and this air is discharged to the atmosphere.
In an open circuit cooling tower the water to be cooled is distributed over a fill pack whilst air is blown
or drawn through the packing. A small quantity of the water evaporates and this causes the remainder
of the water to be cooled. The cooled water falls into the sump of the tower and the heat extracted
from the water is carried out in the leaving air stream.
Evaporative condensers or closed circuit evaporative cooling towers have a heat exchanger or coil within
the tower instead of a fill pack. Water is distributed over the heat exchange coil and heat is extracted
from the refrigerant or primary fluid circulating through the coil by the same evaporative process.The
above WSHP system uses a closed circuit cooling tower.
Closed circuit cooling towers are preferred for WSHP systems because they completely isolate process
cooling fluid from the atmosphere. A closed loop system protects the quality of the process fluid,
reduces system maintenance, and provides operational flexibility at a slightly higher initial cost.
Of course, you do also need to have access to an appropriate body of water to have a water source heat
pump system installed. The impact of water usage is something that should be understood as per the
below:
“It is important to note that the volume of ground water in storage is decreasing in many areas of the
United States in response to withdrawals. If these water-level declines are sustained over time, the
effect is often described as ground-water depletion. Among the consequences of ground-water-level
declines are increased pumping costs, deterioration of water quality, reduction of water in streams
and lakes, and land subsidence. Such negative effects, while variable, happen to some degree with
any ground-water use.” http://water.usgs.gov/watercensus/AdHocComm/Background/Ground-
WaterAvailabilityintheUnitedStates.pdf
With the decline of ground water storage volume, the cost of water will continue to rise. When
evaluating any water use HVAC system, this rise in cost should be taken in account.

Layout of a Typical WSHP School Wing

Pumps
Cooling Tower
Boiler
Outside
Ventilation
Air Fire Dampers
Return Typical
Typical
Supply Duct
Typical
Water Piping
Typical
Outside
Ventilation
Return Duct Air
Typical Supply
Typical
Vertical WSHP
Typical
Mechanical
Room
Typical
To DOAS To DOAS
Unit Water Piping Unit
to other
Wings

Layout of a Typical VRF School Wing

• No Mechanical Rooms
Required
• More Classroom Space
• Less Ductwork
• No Water Piping Required
• Less Electrical Load Outside
Ventilation
Air
Class Room Class Room Supply
VRF Cassette
Units Typical
Typical
Fire Seal
Typical
HRUs and
Class Room Class Room
Refrigerant
Piping Located
above Egress
Fire Damper
Typical
Class Room Class Room
Refrigerant
Piping
Typical
Class Room Class Room Outside

Ventilation
Air
Return
Typical
To DOAS To DOAS
Unit Unit

Air Cooled VRF vs. WSHP Systems:
Air Cooled VRF WSHP
Compressor Inverter Compressor: Single Stage Compressor:

Technology • Better load matching • Full 100% or Off
• Greater efficiency • Reheat for
• Load Match dehumidification
dehumidification
Number of Compressor(s) in Outdoor One compressor/unit:
Compressors Unit: • Located in occupied zone
• Away from occupied zone • More noise inside Class
• Less noise in space Room
• Greater maintenance
Pumps Not Required Required:
• Greater maintenance
Ducting Not required for Required for supply and
ductless units return
Outside Air Required Required
Ducting
Fire Dampers Required for Outside Air Over double amount
ducting required as VRF
Furnace Room Not required for Required unless WSHP
ductless units located above ceiling
Cooling Tower Not Required Required
Boilers Not Required Required

rd
3 Party Not Required Required
Controls (Controls are integral to
the VRF system)

Air Cooled VRF WSHP

Not Required for Air Source
Make-Up Water Required for WSHP
System
Water Not Required on Air Source
Required for WSHP
Treatment System
Easily done through Fan
Air Balancing Required
Speed Control
Can be complicated and
Water Balancing Not Required
costly
Continued May take a couple
Adjustment and Not Required weather seasons (Each
Balancing building is different)
Requires training:
System • How to operate system
Easy to operate and
Operation and of pumps, WSHPs,
maintain
Maintenance cooling tower, boiler/s
• Extensive Maintenance

What about using Ground Source Heat Pump

(GHP) Systems for K-12 Schools?
Boiler May or May Not Be Used
Geo Thermal Loop in Ground Cooling

Mode
Geo Thermal System Piping Layout Cooling Mode

Boiler May or May Not Be Used
Geo Thermal System Piping Layout Heating Mode
The above piping diagram is a Ground Source Heat Pump (GHP) System in the cooling and heating mode. Ground source
heat pumps work on basically the same principle as water source heat pumps, but in cooling mode, they reject heat to
the ground through water circulating in pipes inserted into the ground rather than from water to the ambient air.
In heating mode, heat is removed from the ground through the same piping used for cooling. A boiler may be used to
add heat to the water loop to make the water source heat pumps more effective and efficient because in heating mode
as the water loop temperature decreases so does the water source unit’s efficiency.
This method of heat rejection is more efficient than a water source heat pump system using a cooling tower because the
ground has more constant temperatures. With GHP systems though, there are many other obstacles to consider as
noted below:

Understanding Average Ground Temps

Higher Ground Temp
= Less GHP Efficiency=
Bigger Ground Loop
=More $$
Ground
Temperatures
are Before
Adding Load
(Btu/hr)
Mean annual earth temperature (Average Temperatures – Not Constant Temperatures)

observations at individual stations, superimposed on well-water temperature contours
11/26/2014 http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Cooling/EarthTemperatures.htm
The above map shows how the ground temperatures varying from one area to others. It is
interesting to note that the temperatures are not constant but rather are averages. Comfort
heating and cooling is not determined using average temperatures but worst case. So care
should be exercised when using the map to determine the ground temperatures that can be used
to calculate the heating and cooling load.

Understanding Average Ground Temps
Ground Temps Vary (at different depths)
Deep Borehole Wells

are costly, but have the
most constant ground
temps
04/30/2015 http://igs.indiana.edu/Geothermal/HeatPumps.cfm
The above graph shows how the ground temperatures varying in depth. The most constant temperatures
are those that have the greatest depth in the ground. For this reason, deep boreholes are the
recommended method of ground heat pump loop construction. Deep boreholes have to be drilled into the
ground and because of that they are also the most expensive.

Soil Type affects Well Field $$ Cost
Thermal Conductivity (K) of the ground used to determine the number of wells:
• Thermal Conductivity(K)
• Btu/hr = K (Area) Temp Difference / Thickness
• Different Soil types at different depths
Smaller K = Less Heat Transfer= More Wells = $$

11/26/2014 http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Cooling/EarthTemperatures.htm
There are different soil types at different levels in the ground and each different soil type has different
Thermal Conductivity (K) values. The K value determines how many wells are needed to reject and absorb
heat for a given load.

Well Type: Closed Loop Grout Sealed Well
HDPE
Topsoil
Pipe
Static Water Level
Upper Confining Trench
Bed
Borehole Wall
Un-grouted
Borehole
Confined Aquifer
Local Governments are restricting use
of open wells because of potential to
contaminate ground water
HDPE
Pipe
HDPE U Bend
Lower Confining Bed
The above is an example of a closed loop grout sealed well. A well of 200 – 800’ deep is drilled and HDPE pipe
is routed down into the well. The HDPE piping is connected to other wells to make network of wells that are
used to reject and absorb heat for a GHP system.

How is Ground K Properly Determined?

Known Heat Rate Btu/hr
• Test Bore Hole drilled

• Known amount of heated water pumped
• through the loop
• Temperature Difference (T –Treturn) is
supply
measured
• Result is used to calculate K value
• Estimated Cost of $ 7,500/each Test Borehole
Hot °F Supply Water
Cool °F Supply Water

Known Flow Rate GPM
The above is a diagram of how the ground K value is determined. A known amount of water at a known
temperature is pumped down through the pipe in the well and the returning water temperature is used to
determine the K value.

Beware of Marketed EER
GHP Published cooling 27 EER is based on 50°F loop water temperature:

• AHRI 330 Rating Conditions for GLHP Cooling @80°F dry bulb/67°F
wet bulb, 77°F Entering water
• Cooling @80°F dry bulb/67°F wet bulb, 77°F Entering water = 17.1 *
EER, not 27!!
• Does not include pump and other losses!!
• AHRI 330 Rating Conditions for GLHP Heating @70°F dry bulb/60°F
wet bulb, 32°F Entering water = 4.0 COP
Smaller EER = Less Efficient = More Operation $$

* 11/26/2014 https://www.climatemaster.com/share/ResAllProductsCLM/Section3TT27.pdf
http://www.ahrinet.org/App_Content/ahri/files/standards%20pdfs/AHRI%20standards%20pdfs/AHRI%20Sta
ndard%20330-1998.pdf

Beware of Marketed EER

Pump Power Consumption not included in AHRI ratings:
Assumptions:
• 40 GPM @ 50’ Head Pressure, 30% Glycol Fluid
• Pump HP = 3 (Pump HP from Taco 7.0 Pump Selection Program)
• Pump Full Load Amps (FLA) @ 3 HP /460/3/60 = 4.8 Amps
• Pump Power Factor = 0.84
• Pump Power(Watts) = (Volts X Amperage X √3) X 0.84
• Pump Power(Watts) = 3,824 Watts X 0.84 = 3,212 Watts
• GHP Power(Watts) = 20,877 Watts
• System EER = Btu/hr/Watts (GHP + Pump)
• System EER with Pump Power Consumption = 14.8 Cooling System EER!!

Air Cooled VRF vs. GHP Systems:

Air Cooled VRF GHP
Compressor Inverter Compressor: 2 Stage Compressor:

Technology • Better load matching • Full 100% or partial 67%
• Greater efficiency • 2 Speeds – High or Low
• Load Match • Reheat for
dehumidification dehumidification
Number of Compressor(s) in Outdoor One compressor/unit:
Compressors Unit: • Located in occupied zone
• Away from occupied zone • More noise inside space
• Less noise in space • Greater maintenance
Furnace Room Not required for Required unless

ductless units WSHP/GHP
located above ceiling
Ground Loop Not Required Required
Cooling Tower Not Required • Required when ground
loop is too warm
• Required for Hybrid
system
Boilers Not Required • Required when ground
loop doesn't have
enough heat
• Required for Hybrid
system
rd
the VRF system)

Air Cooled VRF vs. GHP Systems:

Air Cooled VRF GHP
Not Required for Air Source Required for GHP and
Make-Up Water
System Hybrid System
Water Not Required on Air Source Required for GHP and
Treatment System Hybrid System
Easily done through Fan
Air Balancing Required
Speed Control
Can be complicated and
Water Balancing Not Required
costly
Continued May take a couple
Adjustment and Not Required weather seasons (Each
Balancing building is different)
Requires training:
System • How to operate system
Easy to operate and
Operation and of pumps, GHPs, cooling
maintain
Maintenance tower, boiler/s
• Extensive Maintenance

Use LG Multi V Water IV Instead of WSHP/GHP

LG Multi V Water IV water source systems offer the opportunity to minimize ductwork in the same
configuration. The system offers zoning without the need for zone damper systems.
The LG Multi V Water IV system’s advanced controls provide

exceptional building dehumidification and temperature control,
and can rapidly adapt system operating parameters to an ever-
changing building load. The LG Multi V Water IV system is easy
to design, install, and maintain. The modular design allows
occupants to control their environmental condition, providing
individualized control of the set-point temperature and allowing
occupants to condition only the occupied zones.
Multi V Water IV, a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system, is among the industry’s best air-conditioning
units with great advantage on vertical rise and piping lengths. Choosing an LG Multi V Water IV VRF
system provides the system designer an edge to engineer a system with individual control and design
flexibility with advanced controls. Multi V Water IV is available in two configurations, heat pump and
heat recovery.
Multi V Water IV heat pumps are two-pipe systems available in nominal capacities of 6.0 to 48.0 tons.
These are best suited for applications with zones that require heating or cooling, such as residential and
small office buildings.
Multi V Water IV heat recovery is a three pipe system that provides simultaneous heating and cooling
operation from the same water source unit. Both Multi V Water IV heat pump and heat recovery
systems allow the designer to accommodate up to 64 thermal zones, each controlled from a separate
controller.
Multi V Water IV water source units are available in 208–230 Volt, 60 Hz, 3 Phase and 460 Volt, 60 Hz, 3
Phase.

Closed Circuit
Cooling Tower
Refrigerant Pipe
Refrigerant Pipe
Water Pipe
Classrooms
Boiler
Multi V IV Heat Recovery Multi V IV Heat Recovery

Water Application with Water Application with
Cooling Tower Geo Exchange Loop
Adaptable and Flexible

Multi V Water IV water source units can be
adapted to a wide range of building
applications and sizes such as schools. The
Refrigerant Pipe
Water Pipe
lightweight and small footprint allows system

components to be placed in the building
without expensive cranes, easily fitting into
most service elevators and set in place with
minimal requirements for structural
reinforcements. The modular design of VRF
systems means Multi V Water IV can be
commissioned in stages so tenants can move
in as each floor or even each room is
completed.
Boiler
Multi V Water IV technology allows you to
pipe farther, reaching all areas of a building
that would require the installation of a second
system when using traditional direct-
expansion cooling and heating equipment. Multi V IV Heat Recovery
Multi V Water IV provides the designer with Water Application with
uncompromised pipe system engineering Cooling Tower & Geo Exchange Loop
flexibility—long pipe runs and large elevation
differences.
Closed Circuit
Cooling Tower
Refrigerant Pipe
Refrigerant Pipe
Server Room
Water Pipe
Boiler
Multi V IV Heat Recovery

Water Application with Mini Multi V
Multi V IV Heat Recovery
Water Application with Ducted IDU
Closed Circuit
Cooling Tower
Boiler
Multi V IV Heat Pump

Water Application with Separate Thermal Zones

Variable Water Flow Valve Control Kit

For variable speed applications, LG has and recommends the below control kit:
Condenser Water Supply
Condenser Water Return
Shutoff Valve Shutoff Valve

Thermometer Thermometer
Pressure Gauge Pressure Gauge
Service Valve
Service Valve
Modulating Control Valve Power (24V)
Valve and Control
50 Mesh Flow
Strainer Switch PWFCKN000
Shutoff
Valve Flex
Connector
Variable Water Flow Valve Control Kit PWFCKN000

• When entering water temperature is lower than 59°F, variable water flow control kit PWFCKN000 is required
• LG recommends installing a variable water flow control kit on each water source unit
• Field supplied 24 volt modulating control valve
• Minimum flow rate ≥ 40% normal flow rate
• 0-10 Volt Signal

Water Cooled VRF (Cooling Mode Operation)
Control Wiring
99°F
Condenser Water pipe

Bypass
Temperature
Valve
90°F Sensor
Refrigerant Pipe
Control
Room 1 Room 2 Room 3 Wiring
Pumping Operation
Signal
To other Water Source Units

Water Cooled VRF (Heating Mode Operation)

To Other Water
Source Units
Condenser Water pipe

Refrigerant Pipe
Room 1 Room 2 Room 3
Mechanical Room
68°F Bypass
59°F Valve
Temperature
Sensor

Water Cooled VRF (Piping Connections)
Gate Valve Water Balancing Valve

Pressure High Pressure Vapor
Gauge Low Pressure Vapor (HR units only)
Temperature Liquid
Gauge
PT Service Port
(for HEX cleaning) Gate Valve
Strainer
(50
Mesh)
Gate Valve Flex Connector (2)
Water Drain Pipe

Water Cooled VRF vs. WSHP/GHP Systems:

Water Cooled VRF WSHP/GHP
Inverter Compressor: 2 Stage Compressor:

• Better load matching • Full 100% or partial 67%
Compressor
• Greater efficiency • 2 Speeds – High or Low
Technology
• Load Match • Reheat for
dehumidification dehumidification
Compressor(s) in Outdoor One compressor/unit:
Number of Unit: • Located in occupied zone
Compressors • Away from occupied zone • More noise inside space
• Less noise in space • Greater maintenance
Greater Electrical Load -

Less Electrical Load - Lower
Greater electrical power
Electrical electrical power wiring and
wiring and switchgear
switchgear costs
costs
Water Piping Less required More required than VRF
Less GPM – less pump

Pumping More GPM than VRF
power required
Greater than VRF due to

Easier due to centrally being located through-
Maintenance
located condensing units out the school instead of a
central location
rd
the VRF system)

LG Hydro Kit
The LG Hydro Kit is an efficient way to recover waste heat from VRF air conditioning systems. The Hydro
Kit receives heat from the Multi V VRF systems’ waste heat to provide hot water for use where it is
needed in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, radiators, and floor heating.
The LG Hydro kit provides hot water with less energy consumption than a boiler. Gas Boiler systems
require exhaust to the outside. No exhaust or exhaust piping is required with the Hydro Kit. The LG
Hydro Kit is compact and easy to install, and can connect to multiple heat pumps in a system for
additional savings.
The Hydro Kit may be used in conjunction with 3-phase Multi V Heat Pump and Heat Recovery outdoor
and water source units. The Hydro Kit system uses a refrigerant to water heat exchanger to produce
chilled or heated water. Hydro Kit can be used to preheat domestic water stored in an indirect storage
tank, snow melt, in-floor or other radiant heating systems. Alternately, the K2
Hydro kit can supply chilled or heated water for use with 2-pipe fan coils and the K3 Hydro kit can
produce hot water up to 176°F.
K3
K2
ARNH963K2A2 ARNH763K3B2
Hot water out: MAX 122°F MAX 176°F

Cold water out: 43°F
Cooling Capacity: 96 MBh
Heating Capacity: 108 MBh 86 MBh

Hydro Kit Applications (Air and Water Cooled)
Refrigerant
cooling/heating
Hot-water tank Indoor unit
Water
cooling/heating
R
HR Unit
Multi V High Temp.
Heat Recovery Hydro kit
Medium Temp.
Water
Hydro kit
cooling/heating Heating
Rejected heat
from IDU
Indoor unit
HR Unit
Rejected heat
from IDU
Multi V WATER
Medium temp Hydro Kit
Heat exchanger
Waste heat Cooling Tower

High temp Hydro kit
Hydro Kit Domestic Hot Water

What about the use of Air Cooled Chilled

Water Systems for K-12 Schools?

Air-Cooled Chillers for K-12 HVAC

Air cooled chillers reject heat to the atmosphere by blowing air over a fin-tube heat exchanger through
which flows the refrigerant. Air condensers are less expensive and easier to maintain than the cooling
towers required by water-cooled chillers. However, the evaporative effect of cooling towers enables
water cooled chillers to operate at lower condenser temperatures and pressures, which increases chiller
efficiency. Thus, air-cooled chillers are recommended for applications in which low first cost and
maintenance costs outweighs the reduced efficiency compared to water cooled chillers.
LG VRF offers the benefit of lower first cost and maintenance, and high efficiency as compared to air and
water cooled chillers. With LG VRF, operation is very simple, as simple as operating a split air
conditioning system and hence no separate manpower is required for operating the system.
LG VRF is a better option for providing air conditioning to K-12 schools where the complexity of the
system can be kept to a minimum and energy efficiency is maximized.
The energy efficiency of air-cooled chillers is rated in terms of Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). EER is a
dimensional measure of efficiency. It is the ratio of the rate of cooling to electrical power consumption
by the evaporator and the condenser fans.
EER (Btu/Wh) = Qevap (Btu/hr.) / (Wcomp + W condfans) (W) @ ARI Std 590-92 conditions
The performance of a typical air cooled chiller is shown below. As predicted by a Carnot analysis,
efficiency improves when the temperature of air entering the condenser declines or the leaving water
temperature increases.
Air-Cooled Chiller Evaporator and Condenser Temperature Performance Map
(Does not include Pump or Other Losses)
Entering Condenser Air Temperature (°F)

75.0 95.0 115.0
LWT Percent Capacity System Capacity System Capacity System
°F Glycol Tons KW EER Tons KW EER Tons KW EER
20 28 11.4 15.7 8.7 10.2 19.2 6.4 8.8 23.8 4.4
25 24 12.9 16.1 9.6 11.5 19.7 7.0 10.0 24.4 4.9
30 19 14.5 16.6 10.5 13.0 20.2 7.7 11.3 24.9 5.4
35 14 16.1 17.0 11.4 14.5 20.7 8.4 12.6 25.5 5.9
40 0 17.9 17.5 12.3 16.1 21.2 9.1 14.1 26.1 6.5
45 0 19.5 17.9 13.1 17.6 21.7 9.7 15.5 26.7 7.0
50 0 21.3 18.4 13.9 19.2 22.3 10.3 16.9 27.2 7.5
55 0 23.1 18.9 14.7 20.8 22.8 11.0 18.4 27.9 7.9
60 0 24.9 19.4 15.4 22.5 23.4 11.6 19.9 28.5 8.4
Using the data in the preceding table, the following relation gives chiller EER as a function of leaving
water temperature of 45 °F and when the condenser air temperature is 95 F. The resultant EER is 9.7.
This EER value does not include pump losses. The additional pump losses are calculated as below using
TACO pump Selection Software:
Operating Cost Estimate Examples:
80 Ton VRF: Cooling

Given:
• 28,000 Ft² School, 80 Tons Cooling Load, 27 classrooms, 3 tons load per classroom
• Outside Ventilation Air handled separately
• Gym HVAC on separate system
• 2 X (ARNU183TQC2 – 4 way Cassette) Indoor units per 27 classrooms = 54 Total
• 4 X (ARUB264 – 22 Ton Outdoor Unit) = 80 tons @ 75:F DB / 63:F WB
• 1,500 VRF Cooling Run Hours per year (Reduced Cooling Run Hours due to VRF compressor)
• $/KWh = $ 0.10 Blended (Consumption and Demand) Rate
• VRF Outdoor Unit Power Input KW from LG Performance Data for Multi V IV @ 75 db/63 wb Indoor
Temperature, 95 db Outdoor Temperature (4 x 22 Ton @ 100% Combination Ratio) = (4 X 14.3) =
57.16 KW for Outdoor Unit
• VRF Indoor Unit Power Input KW from LG Performance Data for (Total 54) – (2 per 27 classrooms)
ARNU183TQC2 Ceiling Cassette @ 80 db/67 wb Indoor Temperature, 95 db Outdoor Temperature (54
x 30 watts) = 1.62KW for Total Indoor Units
Solution:
• Total Power Input (Watts) for VRF = (57,160 Outdoor Unit + 1,620 Indoor Unit) = 58,780 Total Watts
• 80 Tons = 80 X 12,000 Btu/hr. / Ton = 960,000 Btu/hr.
• System EER = Btu/hr. / Power Input (Watts) = 960,000/58,780 = 16.0 EER
• Annual Energy Cost (Cooling)= Annual Run Hours X KW X $/KWh
• Annual Energy Cost (Cooling) = 1,500 X 58.8 X 0.10 = $ 8,820 Annual Cost of Cooling (VRF)

80 Ton VRF: Heating

Given:
• 2 X (ARNU183TQC2 – 4 way Cassette) Indoor units per 27 classrooms = 54 Total
• 4 X (ARUB264 – 22 Ton Outdoor Unit) = 4 X (275.9 Mbh Heating) = 1,103.6 Mbh Heating
• Power(kW) = P(BTU/hr) / 3,412 = 1,103,600 Btu/hr. / 3,412 = 323 kW
• 600 VRF Heating Run Hours per year (Reduced Heating Run Hours due to VRF compressor)
• $/KWh = $ 0.10 Blended (Consumption and Demand) Rate
• VRF Outdoor Unit Power Input KW from LG Performance Data for Multi V IV @ 70:F db Indoor
Temperature, 10:F db Outdoor Temperature (4 x 22 Ton @ 100% Combination Ratio) = (4 X 26.94) =
107.8 KW for Outdoor Unit (Heating)
• VRF Indoor Unit Power Input KW from LG Performance Data for (Total 54) – (2 per 27 classrooms)
ARNU183TQC2 Ceiling Cassette @ 70:F db Indoor Temperature, 10:F db Outdoor Temperature (54 x
30 watts) = 1.62KW for Total Indoor Units
Solution:
• Total Power Input (Watts) for VRF = (107,760 + 1,620) = 109,380 Total Watts
• System COP = Power Out (Watts) / Power Input (Watts)
• System COP = 323,000/109,380 = 2.95 COP (Heating @ 10⁰F Outdoor Temperature)
• Annual Energy Cost (Heating)= Annual Run Hours X KW X $/KWh
• Annual Energy Cost (Heating)= 600 X 109.4 X $ 0.10 = $ 6,564 Annual Cost of Heating (VRF)

Roof Top Unit (RTU) versus VRF: Cooling

Given:
• (27) 3 Ton (RTUs) 1 for each classroom
• 2000 (RTU) Annual Full Load Run Hours
• 11.2 EER/13 SEER from performance data
• 3 Ton = 36,000 Btu/hr.
• Power Input (Watts) = 36,000 Btu/hr. / 11.2 EER = 3,214 (Watts)
• 3,214 (Watts) = 3.214 kW
• (27) X 3.214 kW = 86.78 kW
Solution:
• Annual Energy Cost (Cooling) = 2000 Hours X 86.78 KW X 0.10 = $ 17,356
$ 17,356 - $ 8,820 = $ 8,536 Annual Savings with VRF (Cooling)

Roof Top Unit (RTU) versus VRF: Heating

Given:
• 600 Annual Full Load Run Hours, RTUs in Heating
• $/Therm = $ 0.55/Therm, Therm = 100,000 Btus/hr.
• 120,000 Btus/hr. Heating Input from performance data
• 120,000 Btus/hr. / 100,000 Btus/hr. = 1.2 Therms
• (27) Roof Top Units (RTU) – One per each classroom, (27) X 1.2 Therms = 32.4 Therms
• 3 Ton RTU Evaporator Fan, ¾ H.P. Per performance data
• RTU Amps (FLA) @ ¾ HP /460/3/60 = 1.4 Amps X 27 = 37.8 Amps
• Power Factor = 0.84
• Fan Power(Watts) = (Volts X Amperage X √3) X 0.84
• Fan Power(Watts) = (460 X 37.8 X √3) X 0.84 = 25,298 Total Watts
• 25,298 Watts / 1000 Watts/kW = 25.3 kW
Solution:
• Annual Energy Cost (Electric)= Run Hours X kW X $/kWh = 600 X (25.3) X $0.10 = $1,518
• Annual Energy Cost (Natural Gas) = 600 Hours X 32.4 Therms X 0.55= $10,692
• Total Annual Cost = ($1,518 + $10,692) = $12,210
$ 12,210 - $ 6,564 = $ 5,646 Annual Savings with VRF (Heating)

Air Cooled Chiller/Fan Coil Units (FCU) versus VRF: Cooling

Given:
• 80 Ton Chiller, 160 GPM @ 50’ Head Pressure, 30% Glycol Fluid
• 2000 Chiller/Fan Coil Unit Annual Full Load Run Hours
• 82.3 KW Power Input for Chiller from performance data
• (27) Fan Coil Units (FCU) – One per each classroom, ½ H.P. Per each from performance data
• FCU Amps (FLA) @ 1/2 HP 277/1/60 = 3.3 Amps X 27 = 89.1 Amps
• FCU (Watts) = (Volts X Amperage) X 0.84
• FCU (Watts) = (277 X 89.1) X 0.84 = 20,732 Total Watts
• 80 Ton Chiller Power(Watts) = 82,300 Watts
• System EER = Btu/hr./Watts (Chiller + Pump + Fan Coil Units)
• System EER = 960,000/(82,300 + 5,086 + 20,732)=8.8 EER
Solution:
• Total Power Input (Watts) for Chiller/FCUs = (82,300 + 5,086 + 20,732) = 108,118 Watts = 108.1 KW
• 80 Tons = 80 X 12,000 Btu/hr. / Ton = 960,000 Btu/hr.
• Annual Energy Cost (Cooling) = 2000 Hours X 108.1 KW X 0.10 = $ 21,620

Air Cooled Chiller/Fan Coil Units (FCU) versus VRF: Heating

Given:
• 800 Annual Full Load Run Hours, FCUs in Heating
• $/Therm = $ 0.55/Therm, Therm = 100,000 Btus/hr.
• 1,388,235 Btus/hr. Boiler Power Input from performance data
• 1,388,235 Btus/hr. / 100,000 Btus/hr. = 13.88 Therms
• (27) Fan Coil Units (FCU) – One per each classroom, ½ H.P. Fan Per each from performance data
• FCU Amps (FLA) @ ½ HP 277/1/60 = 3.3 Amps X 27 = 89.1 Amps
• Fan Power(Watts) = (Volts X Amperage) X 0.84
• Fan Power(Watts) = (277 X 89.1) X 0.84 = 20,732 Total Watts
• Pump(System) HP = 2 (Pump HP from Taco 7.0 Pump Selection Program)
• Pump(Boiler) HP = 3/4(From Boiler Performance Data)
• Pump(System) Full Load Amps (FLA) @ 2 HP /460/3/60 = 3.4 Amps
• Pump(System) Power(Watts) = (Volts X Amperage X √3) X 0.84
• Pump(System) Power(Watts) = 2,709 Watts X 0.84 = 2,276 Watts
• Pump(Boiler) (FLA) @ ¾ HP /460/3/60 = 1.4 Amps
• Pump(Boiler) Power(Watts) = (Volts X Amperage X √3) X 0.84 = (460 X 1.4 X √3) X 0.84 = 937 Watts
• Total Power input (Watts) = (FCUs + Pump(System) + Pump(Boiler))
• Total Power input (Watts) = (20,732 + 2,276 + 937) = 23,945 Watts = 23.9 KW
Solution:
• Annual Energy Cost (Electric)= Run Hours X KW X $/KWh = 800 X (23.9) X $0.10 = $1,912
$ 8,019 - $ 6,564= $ 1,455 Annual Savings with VRF (Heating)

Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) with Cooling Tower/Boiler versus

VRF: Cooling
Given:
• (27) WSHPs @ 3 Ton/Each, 8.4 GPM/Each, 227 GPM Total @ 50’ Head Pressure, 30% Glycol Fluid
• 2000 WSHP Unit Annual Full Load Run Hours
• (27) WSHPs @ 1.899 KW/Each (from performance data), Total 51.3 (Kilowatts) WSHPs
• Cooling Tower has (1) 10 HP Fan Motor and (1) 2 HP Pump Motor
• Cooling Tower Fan 10 HP @ /460/3/60, (FLA) = 14.0 Amps,
• Cooling Tower Pump(Cooling Tower) 2 HP @ /460/3/60, (FLA) = 3.4 Amps
• Total Cooling Tower (FLA) = (14.0 + 3.4) = 17.4 Amps
• Cooling Tower Power(Watts) = (Volts X Amperage X √3) X 0.84
• Cooling Tower Power(Watts) = 13,863 watts X 0.84 = 11,645 Watts
• System Total (Watts) (WSHPs + Pump(System) + Cooling Tower) = (51,300 + 5,086 + 11,645) = 68,031
Watts
Solution:
• System EER = Btu/hr./Watts (WSHPs + Pump(System) + Cooling Tower)
• System EER = (960,000 Btu/hr./68,031 Watts) = 14.1 EER
• 68 KW X 2000 run hours = 136,000 KWh x $ 0.10 = $ 13,600 (Annual Cooling cost with WSHP)

Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) with Cooling Tower/Boiler versus

VRF: Heating
Given:
• (27) WSHPs @ 41 Mbh/Each, 8.4 GPM/Each, 227 GPM Total @ 50’ Head Pressure, 30% Glycol Fluid
• Power Input (WSHPs) = 2.38 kW/ Each X 27 = 64.26 kW
• Total Mbh Boiler Load = 70% of (27 X 41Mbh) = 775 Mbh Total Boiler Load
• High Efficiency Natural Gas Boiler used for heating loop water = 89% Efficient
• Use 1000 MBH Boiler with Net Capacity = 1,000 MBH X .89 = 890 MBH
• 800 WSHP Unit Annual Heating Full Load Run Hours/400 Run Hours for the Boiler
• Pump(System) HP = 7.5 (Pump HP from Taco 7.0 Pump Selection Program)
• Pump(System) Full Load Amps (FLA) @ 7.5 HP /460/3/60 = 11.0 Amps
• Pump(Boiler) (FLA) @ ¾ HP (from performance data) /460/3/60 = 1.4 Amps
• Pump(Boiler) Power(Watts) = (Volts X Amperage X √3) X 0.84 = (460 X 1.4 X √3) X 0.84 = 937 Watts
• Boiler has 1,000,000 Btus/h / 100,000 Btus/h = 10.0 Therms Input
• Total (Watts) (WSHPs + Pump(System) + Pump(Boiler)) = (64,260 + 7,362 + 937) = 72,559 Watts
Solution:
• Annual Energy Cost (Electric)= Run Hours X KW X $/KWh = 800 X (72.6) X $0.10 = $5,808
$ 8,008 - $ 6,564 = $ 1,444 Annual Savings with VRF (Heating)

Geo-Thermal Heat Pump (GHP) versus VRF: Cooling

Given:
• (29) GHPs needed to match VRF Performance @ 34.5 Mbh/Each, 960 Mbh Total, 8.4 GPM/Each, 244
GPM Total @ 50’ Head Pressure, 30% Glycol Fluid
• 2000 GHP Unit Annual Full Load Run Hours
• (29) GHPs @ 1.899 KW/Each, Total 55.1 (Kilowatts) GHPs
• Total (Watts) (GHPs + Pump(System)) = (55,100 + 5,086) = 60,186 Watts
Solution:
• System EER = Btu/hr./Watts (GHPs + Pump)
• System EER = (960,000 Btu/hr./60,186 Watts) = 15.9 EER
• 60.19 KW X 2000 run hours = 120,380 KWh x $ 0.10 = $ 12,038 (Annual Cooling cost with GHP)

Geo-Thermal Heat Pump (GHP) versus VRF: Heating

Given:
• 1,103.6 Mbh / 38.2 Mbh = 29 GHPs needed to match 1,103.6 Mbh from VRF
• (29) GHPs @ 38.2 Mbh/Each, 1,103.6 Mbh Total, 8.4 GPM/Each, 260.4 GPM Total @ 100’ Head
Pressure, 30% Glycol Fluid, Performance based on 50:F Entering Water Temperature EWT
• Power In GHPs (kW) = 2.366 kW/Each X 29= 68.6 kW Total
• Power Out GHPs (kW) = P(BTU/hr) / 3,412 = 1,103,600 Btu/hr. / 3,412 = 299 kW
• 800 GHPs Unit Annual Full Load Run Hours
• Total (Watts) (GHPs + Pump) = (68,600 + 9,370) = 77,970Watts
Solution:
• System COP = Watts (Output)/Watts (WSHPs + Pump)
• System COP = (299,000 Watts/77,970 Watts) = 3.8 COP
• 78.0 KW X 800 run hours = 62,400 KWh x $ 0.10 = $ 6,616 (Annual Heating cost with GHP)
$ 6,616 - $ 6,564 = $ 52 Annual Savings with VRF (Heating)

System Type $Annual Energy Usage
$Cooling $Heating
VRF $8,820 $6,564
RTU $17,356 $12,210

Air Cooled Chiller/
$21,620 $8,019
Fan Coil Units (FCU)
Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP)
$13,600 $8,008
with Cooling Tower/Boiler
Geo-Thermal Heat Pump (GHP) $12,038 $6,612

Thank You – For more information please contact your

LG VRF Sales Person


WP Design Use VRF Systems K12 Schools

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VRF and K-12 Schools

A Guide to the Design and Use of LG VRF HVAC

Proprietary Data Notice

Note: Legal Disclaimer: All material presented, referenced,

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 2

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 3

Air Water R-410A

8.88 Btu/h Energy 85.38 Btu/h Energy

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 4

 Configured for fully independent heating and  Parallel or series configuration

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 5

 Configured for fully independent heating and  Parallel configuration only

• Configured for fully independent heating  Series configuration only

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 6

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 7

Zoned Comfort Control & Dehumidification

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 8

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 9

Component to component direct communication

* BACnet is a registered trademark of ASHRAE

Longer Piping Distances Stacked LG Water Cooled Units

Why Is VRF a good application for a K-12

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 12

Example of where VRF can be used in K-12 Schools

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 13

Is VRF too complicated?

Is a VRF system more expensive than other

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 15

What about Outside Air?

Decoupled Dedicated Outdoor air System

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 16

What about the Gym HVAC?

• Minimum coil entering air temperature is 41F for heating mode

• AHU coil sizing parameters

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 18

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 19

What about ASHRAE Standards 15, 34, 55,

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 20

Refrigerant Concentration (lbs./ft³) =

ASHRAE 55-2013 - Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy

ASHRAE 62.1-2013 - Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 22

ASHRAE 62.1-2013 - Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality (continued)

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 23

How does VRF compare to Water Source Heat

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 24

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 25

Layout of a Typical WSHP School Wing

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 26

Layout of a Typical VRF School Wing

Class Room Class Room

Class Room Class Room Outside

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 27

Air Cooled VRF vs. WSHP Systems:

Air Cooled VRF WSHP

Compressor Inverter Compressor: Single Stage Compressor:

Cooling Tower Not Required Required

Boilers Not Required Required

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 28

Air Cooled VRF WSHP

LG Air Conditioning Systems Page 29

What about using Ground Source Heat Pump

Boiler May or May Not Be Used

Geo Thermal Loop in Ground Cooling