RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Optimizing Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Winter Climate Control: Innovative Use of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems in University Buildings
A1 Arroyo Gómez, Yolanda
A1 San José Alonso, Julio Francisco
A1 San José Gallego, Luis Javier
A1 Rey Hernández, Javier María
A1 Sanz Tejedor, María Ascensión
A1 Rey Martínez, Francisco Javier
K1 Eficiencia Energética, HVAC sostenibles, cambio climático
K1 seasonal energy efficiency; Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF); sustainable HVAC; nearly Zero-Energy Building (nZEB); renewable energy integration; climate change mitigation; greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
K1 3313.26 Equipo de Refrigeración
AB This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the energy efficiency and sustainability of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems in university buildings during the winter season, offering significant contributions to the field. A novel methodology is introduced to accurately assess the real Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) of VRF systems, benchmarked against conventional Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technologies, such as natural gas-fueled boiler systems. The findings demonstrate outstanding seasonal energy performance, with the VRF system achieving a SCOP of 5.349, resulting in substantial energy savings and enhanced sustainability. Key outcomes include a 67% reduction in primary energy consumption and a 79% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions per square meter when compared to traditional boiler systems. Furthermore, VRF systems meet 83% of the building’s energy demand through renewable energy sources, exceeding the regulatory SCOP threshold of 2.5. These results underscore the transformative potential of VRF systems in achieving nearly Zero-Energy Building (nZEB) objectives, illustrating their ability to exceed stringent sustainability standards. The research emphasizes the strategic importance of adopting advanced HVAC solutions, particularly in regions with high heating demands, such as those characterized by continental climates. VRF systems emerge as a superior alternative, optimizing energy consumption while significantly reducing the environmental footprint of buildings. By contributing to global sustainable development and climate change mitigation efforts, this study advocates for the widespread adoption of VRF systems, positioning them as a critical component in the transition toward a sustainable, zero-energy building future
PB MDPI
YR 2025
FD 2025
LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/81610
UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/81610
LA eng
NO Optimizing Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Winter Climate Control: Innovative Use of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems in University Buildings. Applied Sciences, Febrero de 2025, vol. 5, n.5. p. 2374.
NO Producción Científica
DS UVaDOC
RD 16-ene-2026