Commercial Variable Refrigerant Flow Retrofit
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heat pumps have similar applications as Ductless Heat Pumps, though they are more commonly used for multi-zone commercial HVAC applications and are available in larger tonnages. A VRF system cools or heats a space more efficiently than standard systems by moving variable amounts of refrigerant through a piping system to each space independently. Compared with other heat pump systems, VRF systems save energy with better part-load performance, zone control and heat recovery options.
Requirements and Specifications
- This measure applies to retrofits only.
Preconditions:
- The project must be pre-approved by CPI.
- The space is conditioned by zonal or forced-air, electric-resistance heat as the primary heating source. No other heating sources are eligible.
Post-conditions:
The installed VRF system must:
- Have an AHRI certificate of product rating.
- Meet BPA’s efficiency requirements for both heating and cooling per the table below.
- Complete and submit Incentive Form and invoices to CPI.
The installed VRF system is eligible even if it operates in tandem with a ventilation system that uses any fuel for heating ventilation air.
Incentive
- Payment: $1,000 per ton
| MENT SIZE (COOLING CAPACITY; BTU/H) | MODE | SUB-CATEGORY OR RATING CONDITION | EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 65,000 | COOLING | VRF MULTI-SPLIT SYSTEM | 21.0 SEER |
| HEATING | VRF MULTI-SPLIT SYSTEM | 11.0 HSPF | |
| ≥ 65,000 AND < 135,000 | COOLING | VRF MULTI-SPLIT SYSTEM (WITH OR WITHOUT HEAT RECOVERY) | 12.0 EER AND 23.0 IEER |
| HEATING | VRF MULTI-SPLIT SYSTEM 47ºF DB/43ºF WB OUTDOOR AIR 17ºF DB/15ºF WB OUTDOOR AIR | 3.7 COP 2.27 COP | |
| ≥135,000 AND <240,000 | COOLING | VRF MULTI-SPLIT SYSTEM (WITH OR WITHOUT HEAT RECOVERY) | 10.7 EER AND 20.5 IEER |
| HEATING | VRF MULTI-SPLIT SYSTEM 47ºF DB/43ºF WB OUTDOOR AIR 17ºF DB/15ºF WB OUTDOOR AIR | 3.5 COP 2.16 COP | |
| ≥240,000 | COOLING | VRF MULTI-SPLIT SYSTEM (WITH OR WITHOUT HEAT RECOVERY) | 9.8 EER AND 18.9 IEER |
| HEATING | VRF MULTI-SPLIT SYSTEM 47ºF DB/43ºF WB OUTDOOR AIR 17ºF DB/15ºF WB OUTDOOR AIR | 3.5 COP 2.16 COP |
Rebate amounts and program requirements are subject to change without notice. All homes or businesses are subject to inspection and usage data analyzed by participating in energy efficiency programs. Any rebates will be applied to past due amounts owed CPI before payment is issued.