What is Variable Volume Flow ( VVF ) ?
Definition of Variable Volume Flow ( VVF ) in Construction
Relatively new technique used for heating and cooling equipment. This technique of heat transfer is based upon a refrigerant fluid that moves from an exterior condenser ( heat pump ) into individual inverters or receivers located throughout the structure. There are various manufacturers that supply this type of equipment and it has become increasingly popular. This system is known as ductless heating and cooling, and does not require ductwork to move the air, but only the routing of small pipes to move the refrigerant from the exterior equipment to the interior equipment. The advantages are obvious, no large and ugly ducts to run through the home or structure, no soffits to enclose the ducts, no volume dampers or flow dampers to design and install, plus no maintenance of the systems throughout the structure. Instead the routing of small diameter piping systems with a supply and return to each inverter or receiver located throughout the structure. The advantage of such a system, is the individual control of temperature where the receivers are located. If the master bedroom needs to be cooler than the remainder of the home, the temperature can be dialed down in the master bedroom only. The limitations to the system, at the current time, is the cost, it is somewhat higher than a conventional system and the requirement to mount the inverter or receiver on the ceiling or the walls in each room may be obtrusive to some. Depending on the system, the ability of a number of receivers to function, off of one exterior heat pump, is dependent upon the manufacturer and the capacity of the exterior unit. The system is becoming increasingly popular, especially in renovations and unique situations that require heating and air conditioning, but have been prevented from being serviced due to limitations in space for the conventional ductwork.