CHAPTER 4

DESIGN ANALYSIS

4.1

Overview

Design is the creation of a plan or convention for the construction of an object or a

system while analysis is the process of breaking a complex topic or substance into smaller parts
in order to gain a better understanding of it. This chapter will cover on the design of this system
by conducting a cooling load study and perform the analysis.

4.2

Cooling Load Calculation

Internal and external cooling load is a vital criteria to estimate the building cooling load.
Internal load can be described as heat produce by occupants, machine and lighting.

4.2.1

Solar Heat Gain thru Glass

The area of the house is on 10 north of the Earths equatorial plane. The house
coordinate is 541N latitude and 10054E. Using window heat gain software, the values of
window heat gain in Btu/(hr) unit can be obtained by key in the parameter such as window
orientation, solar heat gain coefficient value (SHGC) and latitude of the location. Solar heat gain
is influenced by the glazing type, the number of panes, and any glass coatings. Solar heat gain of
glazing ranges from above 80% for uncoated water-white clear glass to less than 20% for
highly reflective coatings on tinted glass. A typical double-pane IGU has a SHGC of around
0.70. This value decreases somewhat by adding a low-E coating and decreased substantially
when adding a tint. In this project, all windows is covered with tint and assuming clearness and
sunshine percentage is 1 and 100%, type of concrete is old surface and SHGC value is 0.22, the
solar heat gain is available in Appendix 2 as well as NFRC label (National Fenestration Rating
Council). Base on building survey, all windows are exposing to the sunlight and each of the solar
gain will be calculated accordingly. From Appendix 2, the solar heat gain occurring in May at
12:00pm for 10 North of East is U= 390 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft) and U= 360 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft) for 10
South of West. Thus, the cooling load for each window will be calculated as per below formula:-

Main Hall Window (10 North of East)

Given,
U = 390 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft), A = 2.62 * 6.23 = 16.32 ft2
Hence
qs = 390*16.32 = 6,364.8 Btu/hr

Master Bedroom window (10 North of East)

Given,
U = 390 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft), A = 3.28 * 6.56 = 21.52 ft2
Hence
qs = 390*21.52 = 8,392.8 Btu/hr

Bedroom #2 window (10 South of West)

Given,
U = 360 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft), A = 2.13 * 5.58 = 11.89 ft2
Hence
qs = 360*11.89 = 4,280.4 Btu/hr

Bedroom #3 window (10 South of West)

Given,
U = 360 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft), A = 2.13 * 5.58 = 11.89 ft2
Hence
qs = 360*11.89 = 4,280.4 Btu/hr

Bedroom #4 window (10 South of West)

Given,
U = 360 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft), A = 1.64 * 4.59 = 7.53 ft2

Hence
qs = 360*7.53 = 2,710.8 Btu/hr

Dining Hall window (10 South of West)

Given,
U = 360 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft), A = 6.56 * 6.89 = 45.20 ft2
Hence
qs = 360*45.20 = 16,272 Btu/hr

Family Area window (10 South of West)

Given,
U = 360 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft), A = 1.64 * 4.60 = 7.544 ft2
Hence
qs = 360*7.544 = 2,715.84 Btu/hr

4.2.2

Heat Gain thru Wall and Roof

Walls and Roofs can have an important effect on interior comfort conditions in both the
residential and non-residential sectors. Walls and roofs come into direct contact with the exterior
environmental conditions. Several factors can be utilized to reduce energy consumption and
improve interior comfort conditions. Light colored exterior walls can help to reduce interior
temperatures by reducing solar heat gain. In addition, shade trees and bushes can reduce this heat
gain. For roof, insulation in the attic is important because the attic is a large source of heat gain
from the roof.

Total Equivalent Temperature Difference (TETD) is used to account for the added heat
transfer due to the sun shining on exterior walls, roofs, and windows, and the capacity of the wall
and roof to store heat. The TETD is substituted for T in the equation for conduction. For this
project, a heat transfer software will be used to determine the heat gain through wall and roof.
Resistance value (R), which is thermal resistance of a material that will be used is determine by
the material itself and for this case the wall is common brick type which give R=0.8 and roof is
ceramic tile which give R = 2.31. Referring to Appendix 2, the equivalent temperature difference
(ETD) for all areas occurring at 12pm is and transmission coefficient (U) for 6 inch thickness of
medium weight concrete, define as below:-

Wall: U = 0.7 (6 inches (150 mm) - poured concrete 80 lb/ft3)

Roof: U = 0.17

The cooling load calculation for wall that expose to the sunlight is describe as below:-

Wall CLTD

Main Hall - Wall (10 North of East)

Given,
U = 0.39 , ETD = 735.3
Hence
qs = 0.39*735.3 = 286.77 Btu/hr

Dining Hall - Wall (10 North of East)

Given,
U = 0.39 , ETD = 471.2
Hence
qs = 0.39*471.2 = 183.77 Btu/hr

Family Area - Wall (10 North of East)

Given,
U = 0.39 , ETD = 1800
Hence
qs = 0.39*1800 = 702 Btu/hr

Master bedroom - Wall (10 North of East)

Given,

U = 0.39 , ETD = 1272.0

Hence
qs = 0.39*1272.0 = 496.08 Btu/hr

Bedroom #2 - Wall (10 North of East)

Given,
U = 0.39 , ETD = 471.2
Hence
qs = 0.39*471.2 = 183.77 Btu/hr

Roof CLTD

Master Bedroom roof

Given,
U = 0.17 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft), A = 3.28 * 6.56 = 21.52 ft2
Hence
qs = 0.17*21.52*4675.3 = 17,104.11 Btu/hr

Bedroom #2 roof
Given,
U = 0.17 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft), A = 2.13 * 5.58 = 11.89 ft2

Hence
qs = 0.17*11.89*4675.3 = 9450.18 Btu/hr

Bedroom #3 roof (10 South of West)

Given,
U = 0.17 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft), A = 2.13 * 5.58 = 11.89 ft2
Hence
qs = 0.17*11.89*4675.3 = 9,450.18 Btu/hr

4.2.3

Heat Gain thru Ceiling and Floor

The transmission coefficient for ceiling and floor can be found from Appendix 2. According
to the transmission coefficient table, the U value for bottom and top surface is 0.61 Btu/(hr)
(sq.ft) while outdoor and indoor temperature are 30C (86) and 26C (78.8) respectively. The
total of heat gain thru ceiling and floor is as below:-

Main Hall Ceiling and Floor

Given,
U = 0.61 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft), A = 2.62 * 6.23 = 16.32 ft2
Hence
qs = 0.61*16.32*(86.0-78.8) = 71.67 Btu/hr

Master Bedroom Ceiling and Floor

Given,
U = 0.61 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft), A = 3.28 * 6.56 = 21.52 ft2
Hence
qs = 0.61*21.52*(86.0-78.8) = 94.52 Btu/hr

Bedroom #2 Ceiling and Floor

Given,
U = 0.61 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft), A = 2.13 * 5.58 = 11.89 ft2
Hence
qs = 0.61*11.89*(86.0-78.8) = 52.22 Btu/hr

Bedroom #3 Ceiling and Floor

Given,
U = 0.61 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft), A = 2.13 * 5.58 = 11.89 ft2
Hence
qs = 0.61*11.89*(86.0-78.8) = 52.22 Btu/hr

Bedroom #4 Ceiling and Floor

Given,
U = 0.61 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft), A = 1.64 * 4.59 = 7.53 ft2

Hence
qs = 0.61*7.53*(86.0-78.8) = 33.07 Btu/hr

Dining Hall Ceiling and Floor

Given,
U = 0.61 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft), A = 6.56 * 6.89 = 45.20 ft2
Hence
qs = 0.61*45.20*(86.0-78.8) = 198.52 Btu/hr

Family Area Ceiling and Floor

Given,
U = 360 Btu/(hr)(sq.ft), A = 1.64 * 4.60 = 7.544 ft2
Hence
qs = 0.61*7.544*(86.0-78.8) = 33.13 Btu/hr

4.2.4 Heat Gain from People

The heat gain come from people consist of two types which are sensible and latent heat. The
calculation is based on Appendix 2. In building survey, the maximum of person that stay in this
house are four (4) people. The example calculation as below:-

Qs = qs x N x CLF
QL = N x q1

Main Hall
Estimate number of people will occupied at this area is at a time is 4,
Qs= 4*210 = 1260
qL= 4*140 = 840

Master Bedroom
Estimate number of people will occupied at this area is at a time is 2,
Qs= 2*210 = 420
qL= 2*140 = 280

Bedroom #2
Estimate number of people will occupied at this area is at a time is 2,
Qs= 2*210 = 420
qL= 2*140 = 280

Bedroom #3
Estimate number of people will occupied at this area at a time is 1,
Qs= 1*210 = 210
qL= 1*140 = 140

Bedroom #4
Estimate number of people will occupied at this area at a time is 1,
Qs= 1*210 = 210
qL= 1*140 = 140

Dining Hall
Estimate number of people will occupied at this area at a time is 6,
Qs= 6*210 = 1260
qL= 6*140 = 840

Family Area
Estimate number of people will occupied at this area at a time is 4,
Qs= 4*210 = 840
qL= 4*140 = 560

4.2.5 Heat Gain from Lighting System

Heat gain from lighting can be determined using equation Q=W x 3.4 x BF x CLF.
According to Appendix 2, the fluorescent lamp has typical value of 1.5 W/sq.ft. Below is the
calculation for sensible heat gain by lighting:-

Lighting Main Hall

A = 2.62 * 6.23 = 16.32 ft2
qs = 1.5*16.32*1.25*3.41= 104.35 Btu/hr

Master Bedroom
A = 3.28 * 6.56 = 21.52 ft2
qs = 1.5*21.52*1.25*3.41= 137.59 Btu/hr

Bedroom #2
A = 2.13 * 5.58 = 11.89 ft2

qs = 1.5*11.89*1.25*3.41= 76.02 Btu/hr

Bedroom #3
A = 2.13 * 5.58 = 11.89 ft2
qs = 1.5*11.89*1.25*3.41= 76.02 Btu/hr

Bedroom #4
A = 1.64 * 4.59 = 7.53 ft2
qs = 1.5*7.53*1.25*3.41= 48.14 Btu/hr

Dining Hall
A = 6.56 * 6.89 = 45.20 ft2
qs = 1.5*45.20*1.25*3.41= 289.0 Btu/hr

Family Area
A = 1.64 * 4.60 = 7.544 ft2
qs = 1.5*7.544*1.25*3.41= 48.23 Btu/hr

4.3 Selection of System

After the entire cooling load has been determined for each area, the next step is to find the
total cooling load for entire house. The total cooling load will help to determine the selection of
VRV model that suitable with the load. This is important due to undersize of the system will
cause the desired temperature unable to achieve and oversize the system will cause the waste of
energy. Table 4.1 show the list of the cooling load for each area and the total cooling load for
entire house.
Table 4.1: Summarized of Cooling Load

Floor

Location
Main Hall
Dining Hall
Family Area

Window
6,364.80
16,272
2,715.84

Type of Cooling Capacity (Btu/hr)

Ceiling
and
Wall
Roof
floor
People Light
286.8
NA
71.67
2,100
104.35
183.8
NA
198.52
2,100
289.00
702.0
NA
33.13
1400
48.23
NA

Bedroom #4
Master
Bedroom
Bedroom #2
Bedroom #3

NA

2,710.80
8,392.80
4,280.40
4,280.40

350

48.14

33.07
496.1
183.8
NA

17,104.11
9450.18
9,450.18

94.52
52.22
52.22

Total
Cooling
Capacity
(Btu/hr)
8,927.59
19,043.29
4,899.20

3,142.01
700

137.59

700
350

76.02
76.02

26,925.10
14,742.59
14,208.82

Total

91,888.60

As per table 4.1, total cooling load is 91,888.60 Btu/hr without considering any safety
factor. Safety factor is to be applied to all rooms to cover up the error of the calculation. To get
an ideal and effective air conditioner system, safety factor of 10% is applied. The value after
adding 10% safety factor are called Effective Room Total Heat (ERTH). Table 4.2 determine the
actual total capacity after safety factor of 10% is applied.

Table 4.2 : Effective Room Cooling Load

Floor

Location
Main Hall
Dining Hall
Family Area

Bedroom #4
Master
Bedroom
Bedroom #2
Bedroom #3
TOTAL

Total Cooling
Capacity
(Btu/hr)
8,927.59
19,043.29
4,899.20

Effective Room
Cooling Load
(Btu/Hr)
9,820.35
20,947.62
5,389.12

3,142.01

3,456.21

26,925.10
14,742.59
14,208.82
91888.6

29,617.61
16,216.85
15,629.70
101,077.46

After safety factor been applied to the existing cooling, the new total cooling load is 101,077.46
Btu/hr. The selection of the model will be based on comparison of design capacity of that model
versus cooling load required by the house. After some survey and market research, Daikin VRV
system with model number RXQ12THY1(E) is suitable since this model provide cooling
capacity up to 114,000 Btu/hr and maximum of indoor unit that can be connected is 20.

Table 4.21 shows the specification for Daikin VRV model RXQ12THY1(E). As per
below specification, the recommended total pipe length is 3,280 ft and the weight for outdoor
unit itself is 185 kg. Although manufacturers routinely increase the maximum allowable
refrigerant pipe run, the longer the lengths of refrigerant pipes, the more expensive the initial and
operating costs. For most VRV units, the maximum allowable vertical distance between an
outdoor unit and its farthest indoor unit is approximately 150 ft (46 m). The maximum
permissible vertical distance between two individual indoor units is approximately 45 ft (14 m)
and the maximum actual refrigerant piping lengths allowable between outdoor and farthest
indoor units is up to 490 ft (149 m). For indoor unit, there are 4 models that need to be used base
on cooling load requirement. Indoor units are available in multiple configurations such as wallmounted, ceiling-mounted cassette suspended, and concealed ducted types. For this project, wall
mounted type has been choose due to flexibility and ease of installation. Starting from 7,500
Btu/hr to 30,000 Btu/hr cooling capacity will be used to cool down from 3,456.21 Btu/hr up to
29,617.61 Btu/hr cooling load. The list of indoor unit as indicate in table 4.2.1.

Table 4.2.1 : List of Indoor unit

Model
FXAQ07P
FXAQ09P
FXAQ18P
FXAQ30P

Wall
Wall
Wall
Wall

Type
mounted type
mounted type
mounted type
mounted type

Cooling Capacity
7500
9500
18000
30000

Table 4.2.2 : Specification for Outdoor Daikin VRV

Table 4.2.2 : Specification for Indoor Daikin VRV (FXAQ07P)

Table 4.2.3 : Specification for Indoor Daikin VRV (FXAQ09P)

Table 4.2.5 : Specification for Indoor Daikin VRV (FXAQ18P)

4.3.1 Cost Analysis

Below table is total cost to purchase indoor and outdoor unit for Daikin VRV [1].
Indoor
Quantity

Location

Model/ Type

Outdoor
Rated
Cooling
Capacity
(Btu/h)

Price
(RM)

9500

2,187

18000

3,000

7500

1,820

7500

1,820

30000

4,551

18000

3,000

18000

3,000

108,500

19,378

Quantity

Model

Rated
Cooling
Capacity
(Btu/h)

Price
(RM)

RXQ12THY1

114,000

28,500

114,000

28,500

FXAQ09P
1

Main Hall

Wall mounted
type
FXAQ18P

Dining Hall

Wall mounted
type
FXAQ07P

Kitchen

Wall mounted
type
FXAQ07P

Bedroom
#4

Master
Bedroom

Bedroom
#2

Bedroom
#2

Wall mounted
type
FXAQ30P
Wall mounted
type
FXAQ12P
Wall mounted
type
FXAQ12P
Wall mounted
type

Sub Total

Grand Total Indoor + Outdoor (RM)

Below table is installation cost for VRV

47,878

ITEM

AMOU
NT
BEFOR
E GST
(RM)

DESCRIPTION
Supply material and manpower to
install indoor and outdoor Variable
Refrigerant Volume c/w accessories,
fittings, pipe works, conduit wiring,
bracket and support for Floor 1 (Hall,
Dining, Family Area and Bedroom #4).
*Total refrigerant pipe length
approximately (204ft) *Total
manpower is 4
Supply material and manpower to
install indoor and outdoor Variable
Refrigerant Volume c/w accessories,
fittings, pipe works, conduit wiring,
bracket and support for Floor 2
(Master Bedroom, Bedroom #2 and
Bedroom #3).
*Total refrigerant pipe length
approximately (71ft) *Total
manpower is 4

UNIT

QTY

Lot

5,133

5,441

Lot

4,387

4,650

Testing and Commissioning

Lot

1,500

1,590

11,020

11,681

Grand Total

Below table is operational cost for VRV

Model
FXAQ09P
Main Hall

Dining
Hall
Family
Area
Bedroom
#4

AMOUN
T
AFTER
GST
(RM)

Power
Consumption

Hours
per
day

Energy
Consumption
per year (kwh)

RM per
year

30 Watt

98.55

21.4

30 Watt

98.55

21.4

20 Watt

65.7

14

20 Watt

65.7

14

Wall mounted
type
FXAQ18P
Wall mounted
type
FXAQ07P
Wall mounted
type
FXAQ07P
Wall mounted
type

Master
Bedroom
Bedroom
#2
Bedroom
#2
Outdoor
Unit

FXAQ30P

70 Watt

229.95

53.6

30 Watt

98.55

21.4

30 Watt

98.55

21.4

9.62 K.watt

31601

6889

Total
Electricity
Cost per year
(RM)

7056.2

Wall mounted
type
FXAQ12P
Wall mounted
type
FXAQ12P
Wall mounted
type
RXQ12THY1E

Below table is total cost for repair and maintenance for VRV

Cost Items
Maintenanc
e
Fan coil
filter
change
Check/clean
fan coil
condensate
systems
Replace
DOAS air
filters
(outdoor)
Subtotal
maintenanc
e
Repair/Repl
ace
Fan coil
motor
replacemen
t1

Perio
d
years

Qty.

Labor
Cost
(RM)

Material
Cost
(RM)

Annu
al
Cost
(RM)

0.5

315

280

1,316

245

560

813

175

80

257

2,386

10

976

9824

1,123

Replace
DOAS fan
bearings
Replace
refrigerant
Subtotal
repair/repla
ce

10

140

337

49

10

760

1336

220
1,392

Total
R&M

3,777

Figure Refrigerant pipes must remain clean, dry, and leak free. When stored prior to
installation, the edges of refrigerant pipes need to be sealed. Nitrogen gas must be used during
welding to prevent oxidation of the interiors of refrigerant pipes. A detailed installation manual
must be followed. The installer should be familiar with the control options available for VRF
systems. Each individual indoor unit can be controlled by a programmable thermostat or a
multiple indoor units serving the same zone can be controlled by the same thermostat.

Below table is total cost to purchase split aircond

Model
Quantity

Location

Main Hall

LG

Dining
Hall

Panasonic

Family
Area

LG

Bedroom
#4

LG

Master
Bedroom

LG

Brand

Indoor

Rated
Cooling
Capacity
(Btu/h)

Price
before
GST (RM)

Price after
GST (RM)

9500

3,826

4,056

18000

4,016

4,257

7500

3,179

3,370

7500

3,179

3,370

30000

7,255

7,690

BSNQ096B8A5
Wall mounted
type
PC18HKF
Wall mounted
type
ARNU073SBL4
Wall mounted
type
ARNU073SBL4
Wall mounted
type
LS307HV3
Wall mounted
type

LS120HEV

Bedroom
#2

LG

Bedroom
#3

LG

Wall mounted
type

12000

3,788

4,015

12000

3,788

4,015

96,500

29,031

30,773

LS120HEV

Total

Total Price after GST

Wall mounted
type

30,773

Installation cost for Split AC

ITEM

DESCRIPTION
Supply material and manpower to
install indoor and outdoor Split unit
c/w accessories, fittings, pipe works,
conduit wiring, bracket and support for
Floor 1 (Hall, Dining, Family Area and
Bedroom #4).
*Total manpower is 4 (RM150/head)
*Wiring RM250/unit

UNIT

QTY

Lot

AMOUN
T
BEFORE
GST
(RM)

AMOUN
T
AFTER
GST
(RM)

3,850

4,081

Supply material and manpower to

install indoor and outdoor Split unit
c/w accessories, fittings, pipe works,
conduit wiring, bracket and support for
Floor 2 (Master Bedroom, Bedroom #2
and Bedroom #3).
*Total manpower is 4 (RM150/head)
*Wiring RM250/unit
Testing and Commissioning

Lot

Lot
1
Grand Total

3,100

3,286

1,500
8,450

1,590
8,957

Operational cost for Split AC

Model

Brand

BSNQ096B8A5
Main Hall

Wall mounted
type

Dining
Hall

PC18HKF
Wall mounted
type

Family
Area
Bedroom
#4
Master
Bedroom
Bedroom
#2
Bedroom
#3

LG

Panasonic

ARNU073SBL4
Wall mounted
type

LG

FXAQ07PVJU
Wall mounted
type

LG

LS307HV3
Wall mounted
type

LG

LS120HEV
Wall mounted
type

LG

LS120HEV
Wall mounted
type

LG

Power
Consumpti
on (kw)

Hour
s
per
day

Energy
Consump
tion per
year
(kwh)

RM per
year

2.8

9198

2,005

5.28

17344

3,780

2.1

6898

1,503

2.1

6898

1,503

2.77

9099

1,983

1.17

3843

838

1.17

3843

838

Total
Electricity
Cost per
year (RM)

12450

Below table is total cost for repair and maintenance for Split AC

Cost Items
Maintenance
Replace air
filters
(indoor)
Check/clean
fan coil
condensate
systems
Replace air
filters
(outdoor)

Perio
d
years

Qty.

Labor
Cost
(RM)

Materi
al Cost
(RM)

Annu
al
Cost
(RM)

0.5

35

154

504

105

280

393

84

175

267

Subtotal
maintenance
Repair/Repla
ce
Fan coil
motor
replacement
Replace
capacitor
Replace
thermo
sensor
Replace
refrigerant
Subtotal
repair/replac
e

1,164

10

490

3000

392

10

35

315

37

10

35

140

19

10

105

980

118
567

Total
R&M

1,730

CHAPTER 5

DISCUSSION

5.1

Introduction

It is important to know how much the total of the cooling load of a project so that a good
selection can be done and to avoid waste. With the availability of calculation and formula, the
cooling load of each area can be determined. Once the total of cooling load has been discovered,

then only searching activity for the suitable system can be done. Every manufacturer will provide
information such as cooling load capacity of a model. When the differentiation between cooling
load requirement and cooling load capacity is executed, then only the specific model can be
selected by choosing the lesser of the differentiation so that the efficiency can be maintained and
optimized.

5.2

Comparison of Capital Cost between VRV and Split AC

Figure 5.1 : Capital Cost Comparison

Figure 5.1 is comparison chart between VRV and Split AC for total capital cost. For
initial cost, the VRV capital cost is 12% or RM 5,690 higher than Split AC due to the price of
outdoor VRV it is expensive. However the final decision for system selection will be based on
operational cost and Return on Investment (ROI).

5.3

Comparison of Repair and Maintenance Cost between VRV and Split AC

Figure 5.2 : Repair and Maintenance Cost Comparison

Figure 5.2 shows a comparison of repair and maintenance cost between variable
refrigerant volume and split air conditioner. The information is obtained from Daikin and LG
HVAC website [2]. Normal maintenance for a VRV, similar to that of any DX system, consists
mainly of changing filters and cleaning coils. The large number of compressors in a VRV may
create a higher probability of compressor failure, although the redundancy also leads [3]. Both
systems will be schedule to service every 6 month and annually based on the preventive
maintenance schedule. In this case, the service cost for VRV is RM 601 higher than split AC due
to price of material and labor cost as VRV is more high technology than split AC. For repair cost,
the recommendation is to replace every 10 years and the amount has been divided accordingly so
that 1 year of service cost can be figured out. This comparison is applicable for 1 year of service
and ROI will be calculated for 10 years of service to determine which system is most profitable.

5.4

Comparison of Energy Consumption between VRV and Split AC

Figure 5.4 : Energy Consumption Comparison

The energy efficiency of VRV systems derives from several factors. The VRF essentially
eliminates duct losses, which are often estimated to be between 10% to 20% of total airflow in a
ducted system.3 VRV systems typically include two to three compressors, one of which is
variable speed, in each condensing unit, enabling wide capacity modulation. This approach
yields high part-load efficiency, which translates into high seasonal energy efficiency, because
HVAC systems typically spend most of their operating hours in the range of 40% to 80% of
maximum capacity [3]. From figure 5.4, it is very obvious that the indoor VRV unit consume
very less energy compared with split AC and this give a maximum saving in electricity. The VRV
outdoor unit may consume more energy, but its still much lower than split AC.
5.5

Comparison of Operational Cost between VRV and Split AC

Figure 5.5: Operational Cost Comparison

Figure 5.5 shows a comparison of operational cost between VRV and split air conditioner
system. The total operating hours in one year is estimated as 3240 hours including public

holidays and weekends. In this case, VRV system has a lower operational cost compared to split
air conditioner. Operational cost of VRV for one year is RM 7,027 while operational cost for split
air conditioner in one year is RM 12,450. In one year, cost saving of RM 5,423 could be
generated if VRV system is been used.

5.6

Comparison of Overall Cost between VRV and Split AC

Figure 5.6: Overall Comparison Cost for 1 Year

In many cases, the initial cost of a VRF system is higher than that of a split air
conditioner system. Figure 5.6 is comparison chart between VRV and Split AC for overall cost in
one year operation. The VRV system is spending approximately RM 23,503 higher than split air
conditioner and this is normal due to the VRV system depend on payback period in order to gain
saving. This overall cost is calculated for 1 year period, including capital cost which gives an
advantage to split air conditioner system. For long term standpoint and to gain back the VRV
investment, an ROI analysis is required.

5.6

Return on Investment analysis

ROI = 10 Years

Figure 5.6 : Return on Investment

Return on investment (ROI) is the benefit to an investor resulting from an investment of

some resource. A high ROI means the investment gains compare favorably to investment cost. As
a performance measure, ROI is used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment or to compare
the efficiency of a number of different investments [4]. Figure 5.6 shows that VRV is able to
return back the capital investment in 10 years and generate tremendous saving after the said
period. The saving is calculated based on operational cost saving minus the maintenance cost.
When the net cost saving is obtained, it will accumulate every year and ROI is achievable at 10
years. Without doubt, the efficiency of VRV system is proven by generating an operational cost
saving every year.

5.7

Selection of Air Conditioning system

Observation from table 4.1, the total cooling load is 91,888.60 Btu/hr and the total
effective cooling load is 101,077.46 Btu/hr in order to provide cooling for a 2 storey terrace
house that have a built up 1000 sq/ft. From the table it can be seen also that the heat gain
through the wall has the highest value due to material of the wall is poured concrete 80 lb/ft 3 with
thickness 6 inches. The most important factor in finalizing the selection is to make the cost
comparison. Once the specification of a model has met the requirement of the project, purchase
cost can be obtained by doing internet survey or directly contact with the supplier.
When the purchase cost for VRV and split unit is available, the cost of installation can be
obtained by engaging the qualified contractor that has experience installing this system. When all
the costs are available, comparison can be made by checking which system has lowered cost and
suitable with this project. Based on the analysis performed, the most suitable air conditioning
system for this project is variable refrigerant volume because is more cost effective compared to
split air conditioner. The VRV is capable to save RM 4,822 yearly, return back the investment in
10 years and generate RM 48,220 cost saving after 20 years of operation.

CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

VRV systems offer controls that match the space cooling loads to that of the indoor coil
over a range of operation. Variable speed compressors and fans in the outdoor units modulate
their speed, saving energy at part-load conditions. Outdoor sections should be sized to match
building peak loads, not the sum of the peak load for each zone, reducing the capacity of outdoor
units when compared to a conventional unitary system. The system offers designers and
occupants the ability to choose multiple individualized zones, which improves system

controllability. The system capabilities and limitations should be evaluated carefully to determine
the suitability of the VRV for a project and to optimize its design.

APPENDIX 2
Solar heat gain table for cooling load calculation

Setting for window orientation at 10 North of East

Solar Heat Gain value from January to December for 10 N of E orientation

Setting for window orientation at 10 South of West

Solar Heat Gain value from January to December for 10 S of W orientation

R Value for Common Brick

Software for Heat Transfer through Material

Transmission coefficient of Common Building Material

R Value for Roofing

Thermal Conductivity (U) for Asbestos-cement Roof

Transmission Coefficient for Ceiling and Floor

Reference

[1] http://www.breeze24.com/vrv-aussengerat-rxq-12-p-nur-kuhlen (VRV price)

[2]http://lit.daikinapplied.com/bizlit/DocumentStorage/McquayFactoryService/Brochures/VRV_
Value_Up_Guidelines.pdf (Maintenance)
https://www.lghvac.com/
[3] https://www.ashrae.org/File%20Library/docLib/.../20070327_goetzler.pdf
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Return_on_investment

VRV PRICE