The Sinclair Hotel in downtown Texas in the United States has created a complete building ecosystem with the use of cutting-edge technologies.
The hotel required individual control of its HVAC system throughout 164 guestrooms (featuring 50 different room types) and sufficient heating and cooling for the lobby bar, reception area and large basement restaurant.
In the hotel's quest to be low-voltage, the management team has employed what is believed to be one of the world's first applications of Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE) to a large array of end points, to help achieve many of it energy-efficiency goals.
LG's award-winning Multi V IV Heat Recovery Units were selected for their ability to provide individual room comfort for each space within the larger property.
The Multi V IV also contributes to the building's energy efficiency, high performance and flexibility in design and installation options. Installation versatility was a key factor as the historic building was restricted in regard to lower ceilings as well as limited space for outdoor equipment.
Local HVAC and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) experts, Texas Air Systems, recommended a variety of indoor solutions that ensure a quiet conditioned space, including LG's Art Cool Mirror and Ceiling Cassettes, to accommodate the tight ceiling area within guest rooms.
The unit's quiet operation support a tranquil guest room environment and works unnoticed, contributing to the comfort and experience of a guest's stay.
LG's AC Smart controller allowed for seamless handling of the HVAC system for the management team. This innovative control solution for a variety of applications offers a single LG platform that drives both variable-refrigerant-flow technology and energy efficiency. Property managers can now easily manage, set and monitor the building's heating and cooling performance with ease.
Prior to installing LG's Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology, the building relied on an old chiller system to condition the entire building. The old chiller required a great deal of space in the building's lower level.
After switching to VRF, the hotel was able to gain a great deal of usable floor space for the large lower level restaurant. In turn, the LG connected outdoor units with slim, space-saving features were installed on the exterior of the building.
For similar costs as a traditional system, The Sinclair now has a highly reliable, energy-efficient HVAC solution that delivers comfort and convenience for its occupants.
"Creating an unforgettable experience for my guests is of the utmost importance as a developer, and I work with some of the most innovative and forward-thinking partners around the globe when developing my properties," Farukh Aslam, chief executive officer, Sinclair Holdings said.
The global variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems market is currently growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 13.4%, according to research firm P&S Intelligence.
The market is growing because of rising demand for energy-efficient HVAC systems and modern controls, the company said in its latest research report.
“Due to the smart variable-speed compressor which runs only at a required capacity at a given temperature, VRF HVAC systems are energy-efficient in nature,” the report said.
P&S Intelligence said VRF HVAC systems can control temperatures in various zones instead of one large unit pumping air out, they have different air handlers which can be controlled individually as per the heating and cooling requirements.
Furthermore, the small-sized air handlers do not need as much wall and ceiling space as the traditional systems. “These features make VRF systems suitable for different settings, including office spaces, luxury apartments, restaurants, and retail stores,” the report said.