It looks like in EnergyPlus for water-cooled VRF that if there is a load on the AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow object then the water flow rate through the condenser inlet will be the full design flow rate. I understand that this is traditionally how most VRF systems work, however manufacturers (I know LG does this) are starting to modulate flow through the VRF condenser inlet. This allows for the pumps to turn down and the higher return water temperature from lower flow gets passed on as greater load on the cooling tower. Can anyone confirm that the EnergyPlus water-cooled VRF module will demand full flow for any load? If not, could you please correct me?
Moreover, if this is the case, does anyone have any decent ideas for how to model VRF condensing units that modulate flow through the condenser?
