VRF System Outdoor Host Installation Environment Requirements
requirements for the installation environment of the outdoor unit of a VRF system are ensuring good heat dissipation, easy maintenance, a solid foundation , and avoiding the impact of harsh environments on the equipment's lifespan. Specific requirements are as follows:
I. Space and heat dissipation requirements
must be left for the outdoor unit to ensure smooth air intake and exhaust ; otherwise, it will lead to poor heat dissipation, triggering high-voltage protection or performance degradation of the unit.
Above space : There should be no obstructions within 2 meters above the unit ; if this cannot be met, an air duct must be installed.
Frontal and maintenance space : A maintenance space of at least 500mm should be provided in front . The height of obstacles around the perimeter should not exceed 800mm .
For multi-unit installation : the spacing between outdoor units in the same row should be more than 20mm (if conditions permit, it is recommended to increase it to 200mm ); a maintenance space of more than 1000mm should be left between two rows of outdoor units .
Venetian blind restrictions : In principle, installation in enclosed spaces with venetian blinds is prohibited. If installation is necessary, the slat spacing should be ≥30mm (some standards recommend ≥100mm ), the tilt angle should be within 0-15 degrees (or less than 20 degrees), and the venetian blind area should be maximized to reduce wind resistance.
II. Basic and Fixed Requirements
The foundation must be flat and firm enough to support the weight of the unit and prevent vibration transmission.
Foundation height and strength : The foundation height should be ≥200mm to prevent rainwater or snow from soaking the unit. The foundation area should be 1.5 times larger than the bottom of the unit and must be waterproofed .
Vibration damping measures : Vibration damping pads (thickness usually required to be ≥20mm ) or vibration damping frames must be installed to isolate the transmission of vibration to the building structure.
Mounting requirements : The unit must be securely bolted to ensure it can withstand wind speeds of 30 m/s . When installing on a roof or in a hollow wall, a special load-bearing capacity assessment is required, and wall reinforcement must be implemented.
III. Environment and Location Selection
Airflow and exhaust : Avoid installation near heat sources, exhaust fans, or inhaling hot air exhausted from other units. Never point the exhaust vent towards a window or air inlet.
Harsh Environment Avoidance : Avoid installation in areas with corrosive gases (such as chemical plants, kitchen exhaust vents), large amounts of dust, or flammable and explosive environments, as these will severely shorten the equipment's lifespan.
Snow protection and drainage : In cold regions, the foundation should be above the average snow depth and avoid locations prone to snowdrift formation. The installation location should take into account the drainage of defrosting water, and drainage ditches (slope ≥ 1/50 ) should be provided around the foundation to prevent freezing or water accumulation.
Noise control : Avoid installing the outdoor unit directly near bedroom windows, as glass has weak noise insulation capabilities and may affect rest.
IV. Precautions
Installation Qualifications : VRF system installation involves complex procedures such as refrigerant piping welding, vacuuming, and electrical wiring, which must be performed by certified professionals and in accordance with local and national technical standards.
Master-slave unit order : If the system consists of multiple outdoor units, they should be arranged in descending order of capacity during installation, with the largest capacity unit being the closest to the main pipe entering the building.
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