Anniversary: We are celebrating 10 years of hybrid VRF system
The world's first hybrid VRF system
10 years of HVRFTen years ago, Mitsubishi Electric launched the first City Multi Hybrid.
VRF system (HVRF) launched on the market. A revolution in air conditioning technology:
For the first time, the advantages of direct evaporation and water-based systems were
systems combined in an innovative solution – a world first to this day.
The best of both worlds
room sizeSeparate circuits for refrigerant and water
With City Multi Hybrid VRF, Mitsubishi Electric is the first manufacturer to launch a hybrid VRF system. "Hybrid" refers to the combination of two different elements or approaches in order to benefit from both. This innovative solution combines the strengths of a direct evaporation system with those of a water-based system. The clever combination of two heat transfer media, namely refrigerant and water, results in a decisive advantage: thanks to the separate circuits for refrigerant and water, it is guaranteed that no refrigerant circulates in the building!
HVRF technology was developed specifically for cooling and heating modern building architecture with high efficiency and comfort requirements. It not only offers a sustainable solution in view of increased legal requirements, but also opens up new possibilities for simple and modular planning of water-based systems. These strengths allow complete systems for heating and cooling based on renewable energy sources to be implemented in a single system – innovatively and flexibly.
Climate technology of the future
The particularly future-proof HVRF systems work with City Multi VRF outdoor units that use the refrigerant R32. The combination of reduced refrigerant charge and low GWP value reduces the system-specific CO2 equivalent to less than 21% compared to conventional VRF systems with R410A. Its strengths are therefore just as evident in green buildings as they are in LEED, BREEAM, or DGNB certifications.
Hybrid VRF – Innovation that connects
10 years of Hybrid VRFFrom the brochure
- Innovation: First system with combined refrigerant and water circuit.
- Sustainability: Less refrigerant, low GWP, eligible for subsidies.
- Future-proof: Complies with F-gas Regulation and EN 378.
- Flexibility: Heating and cooling simultaneously, for many types of buildings.
- Practice: Successful projects such as BASF and Me and All Hotel.
Hybrid VRF system in use
HVRF in applicationIn the office
Unlike traditional office buildings, modern office complexes are characterized by an open design that promotes communication: spacious open-plan offices, clean desk policies, and flexible workspaces are replacing smaller single and two-person offices. This also increases the demands placed on cooling and heating solutions. The hybrid VRF system meets these multifunctional requirements.
The Mitsubishi Electric City Multi Series Hybrid VRF (HVRF) system was implemented as the heating and air conditioning solution for simultaneous heating and cooling with heat recovery. The 2-pipe system combines the advantages of a direct evaporation system with those of a water-based system, in which water is used as the transport medium in the building itself instead of refrigerant.
At the hotel
A hotel offers many different rooms and therefore different climate zones, which means that every hotel has specific requirements for its heating and cooling system. The diverse and complex requirements for ventilation, air conditioning, and control technology must be taken into account right from the planning stage.
Hybrid VRF technology was developed specifically for flexible, future-oriented, and sustainable building design with high efficiency and comfort requirements. It combines the strengths of VRF systems with those of water-based solutions, making it the perfect system for hotel applications.
In commerce
Larger shops and retail stores face the challenge of providing their customers with a pleasant indoor climate while at the same time contributing to environmental protection andCO2 reduction through sustainable air conditioning.
The challenge lies in ensuring the most stable room temperature possible in sales areas. Different temperature profiles must be taken into account so that temperature-sensitive items retain their quality and product properties. Some areas need to be cooled, while others require heating. With its 2-pipe system, the Hybrid VRF system offers the option of simultaneous cooling and heating with heat recovery. This function makes it possible to use excess heat within the store for heating.
Your advantages at a glance
benefitsQuiet operation & high comfort
- Low-noise indoor units thanks to external expansion valve in hybrid controller
- Mild air temperatures thanks to water temperature control—no drafts or feeling cold
Less refrigerant - more safety
- Up to 70% reduction in refrigerant quantity
- Easier compliance with safety requirements (e.g. according to DIN EN 378)
- Future-proof thanks to low GWP
- Lower risk of refrigerant leaks
Eligible for subsidies and economical to operate
- Government subsidies available (e.g., BAFA)
- High efficiency (SEER, SCOP), especially in partial load operation
- Significantly reduced operating costs compared to conventional systems thanks to heat recovery
Modular design for flexible planning
- Easily expandable
- Ideal for renovation or gradual modernization
- High planning reliability for both new construction and retrofitting
Future-proof & compatible
- Offers F-gas compliant solutions with low GWP
Get to know the products
locationHybrid VRF technology offers a future-proof solution for buildings where refrigerant pipes are not desired on the premises. While the refrigerant circulates exclusively between the outdoor unit, hybrid BC controller, and hydro unit, only water is used as an energy source in the building itself. A clever system: after all, it requires significantly less refrigerant and is ideally suited to the air conditioning requirements of the future in view of increased legal requirements.
