Gas Engine Powered

VRF Systems
Variable Capacity Cooling / Heat Pump Systems

www.3dair.co.uk

VRF (variable refrigerant flow) systems are normally powered by electric

driven compressors with an INVERTER for variable speed control.
The GHP is a VRF system, which has the compressor powered by
an engine using natural gas as the input fuel.
This means that large cooling / heating systems can be installed in
buildings which have a limited electricity supply. The GHP requires
some electrical power for the fans and controls, but this is minimal
compared to the power requirements of a conventional VRF, Chiller,
or other type of system.
In winter, the heating performance is maintained in very cold ambient
conditions, because the waste heat from the engine is utilised as
a secondary heat source to enhance the output of the heat pump.

3D AIR SALES Ltd - Distributors of MITSUBISHI Split Systems,

VRF Systems, and GHP in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The application of air conditioning systems powered by internal combustion engines

has been in existence for over twenty years in the UK. All of these applications
have been mainly experimental, and are bespoke designs. This has resulted in high
equipment costs, which have prohibited future commercial viability.
The very attractive concept developed by Mitsubishi provides many benefits for
the designer, the installer, and reduces running costs for the client. VRF systems
are extensively applied to commercial buildings - approximately 7800 systems
per year are installed in the UK. The technology is well known, and specialist
installers are familiar with the installation requirements and the procedures for
commissioning. All of these VRF systems are powered by electricity, usually a 3phase power supply. The compressor normally would use 96% of the electrical
power of the outdoor unit, the remaining 4% being for the fans and control system.
The GHP is a VRF - Variable Refrigerant Flow - system, which behaves in a similar
operational mode to conventional electric powered VRF systems. Instead of using
electrical power for the compressor, the GHP compressor is driven by an engine,
very similar to a car engine, having four cylinders, spark plugs, etc, and capable
of being controlled at varying speeds, i.e. similar to the INVERTER on an electric
system. The engine is directly coupled to a Mitsubishi compressor.

VRF Cooling / Heat Pum

Technical Features & Benefits of GHP
Low carbon emissions

GHP - faster warm up time than

Electric Heat Pumps

GHP - Downtime due to defrost

periods eliminated

Factory commissioned outdoor unit

Indoor units and control systems
identical to conventional Mitsubishi
VRF systems
Connection of up to 20 indoor units
Pipework identical to VRF systems
BEMS compatible: Trend, Satchwell...
Performance - Cooling & Heating

High efficiency cooling, up to 56KW

Fast warm up, and enhanced*

performance heating, up to 67KW
Continuous performance - Defrost
cycle is eliminated
Heating performance is maintained
in ambient temperature to -15C
*The heat pump performance is enhanced by
utilising the waste heat from the engine. The
engine coolant is circulated through a heat
exchanger to transfer waste heat energy into
the refrigerant, thus increasing the Coefficient
of Performance of the heat pump operation.
Because there is a constant source of heat
energy from the engine, the normal de-frost
function of conventional systems is eliminated,
so there is no shut-down period for defrosting.
This also reduces warm up time from a cold start.
The GHP operates in the same way as a VRF 2pipe System, i.e. all on cooling, or all on heating.

GHP

GHP

EHP

EHP

16,000 Mitsubishi GHP Systems Installed in Japan

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has had many years of experience in manufacturing
GHP systems for the Japanese market, where electricity costs are high, and there
are severe restrictions at peak load periods in February (heating season), and
July (cooling season).
GHP systems are installed mainly in commercial buildings, and it is quite common
to see multiple installations in office buildings and large retail stores.
Mitsubishi has now developed the Mk4 GHP which is CE marked, and has the
service interval extended to 8,000 hours of operation. That equates to 2-years
based on 60 hours per week.
The construction of the GHP consists of large heat exchangers and fans in the top
section, with a sealed engine/compressor housing below. This housing has acoustic
insulation to minimise noise break out.
The engine is a conventional four stroke internal combustion engine, very similar
to a car engine. It has an automatic throttling device which provides speed
control, dependent on the combined demand of the connected indoor units.
The microcomputer controlled system behaves similarly to an INVERTER system
on electric VRF units.

ump Systems
The powerful heating output of GHP is maintained
at 100% even at ambient temperatures of -15C.
Electric Heat pumps (VRF) heating is reduced at low
ambient temperatures.

GHP
EHP

1.0

-20 -15

-10

-5

10

15

20

The air intake for the engine is at the top of the unit, and passes downward
through the centre of the unit to the engine air filter and inlet manifold. The
exhaust gases are discharged upwards, and out of the top of the GHP. A small
drain outlet is required for the condensate forming in the exhaust. The drain water
is passed though a scrubber before exiting the unit.
A large reservoir of oil is included to allow for prolonged operation without
topping up.
The fuzzy-logic control which combines all the data from the indoor units and
outdoor unit constantly monitors the performance of the engine and the refrigeration
system, in order to maximise performance, efficiency and internal comfort levels.
The outdoor unit has a 7-segment 6-digit display for ease of component and
system monitoring, and for fault diagnosis. A comprehensive explanation of the
operational and control features can be downloaded from the 3D website.

Because the compressor is powered by the engine, the GHP uses less than 1KW of
electricity to power the fans and control equipment. The power supply is 3-ph + N.
Application - Power supplies to commercial buildings are very often inadequate.
Electrically powered systems, e.g. VRF, chillers, etc require a substantial power supply,
which is not available in, or near, the building. The cost of installing new power
supplies can vary from 1,000 to 100,000.
GHP uses approximately 10% of the power of a conventional electric VRF system.
Where the supply in a building is limited, the available power can be made available
for the building user, for lighting, lifts, IT, and office equipment.
Part L Building Regulations - The application of GHP to new or refurbished
buildings can provide some margin in the selection of cooling/heating equipment
within the parameters of Part L. In particular, the GHP carbon emissions for heating
operation, are 30% less than the emissions of a Condensing Boiler.

Electrical Requirements
GHP - Large Volumes in Japan - There
is a very high peak demand on the power
supply grid in Japan in February (heating
season) and in July (cooling season). GHP
helps to reduce the demand on the grid
by utilising gas as the primary energy
source. GHP systems are used extensively
for commercial buildings in Japan,
office buildings,
retail stores,
car showrooms,
schools and universities,
hospitals
sports centres

UK - First Installation - The very first

installation of GHP in the UK is for a client
with a large computer room which is being
expanded. The existing air conditioning
plant is being removed, as the power is
required for the new IT suite. The complete
IT area is being cooled by GHP, providing
56KW of cooling, and using only 0.9KW
of electrical power.
Design & Installation - The design of
the layout of indoor units, internal
refrigerant piping, branch joints, etc, is
almost identical to a conventional VRF
2-pipe system. It is important that pipe
sizes are correct, and that height and
length limitations are not exceeded.

Over 40,000 GHP systems were installed in 2002

Maximum piping length from outdoor unit to the furthest indoor unit 100m
Maximum piping length from outdoor unit to first branch joint
70m
Max height difference (outdoor unit above)
50m
Max height difference (outdoor unit below)
40m
Difference in height between indoor units on same system
15m
For assistance with design and selection of equipment contact the 3D Sales Office.

600 or more

350
or more
1000 or more

50
or more

50
or more

50
350
50
or more or more or more

50
or more

1000
or more

2000 or more

600 or more
50 or more

350
or more

1000 or more

Factory Tested & Commissioned Each GHP outdoor unit is fully tested
and commissioned at the Nagoya factory
in Japan.
This means the installers responsibilities
are simplified, requiring only to locate
the unit and make the necessary
connections:
Natural gas supply
Electrical Mains Power 3ph + N
2-wire low voltage control cable
to indoor units
Refrigerant pipes - 2 pipes
It is essential the refrigerant piping is
installed by a competent and trained
engineer possessing a Certificate for
Refrigerant Safe Handling. Stringent
precautions must be taken to prevent the
ingress of moisture and contaminants.
Nitrogen purge must be used for all
brazed pipe joints to eliminate the
formation of oxides on the internal
surfaces.
The gas supply must be installed by a
CORGI/ACS registered installer.

GHP Outdoor Unit Location - The GHP is normally installed in an open

environment. It is essential that there is no impedance to the movement of air
circulating through the fans/heat exchangers, or to the intake and exhaust. The
GHP can be installed in a perimeter enclosure, but adequate air movement must
be provided. The GHP is fully weatherproof. Recommended space for service
access and air movement is shown in the above diagram.
Full details of installation requirements can be found on the 3D website www.3dair.co.uk, or in the Mitsubishi Engineering Manual GHP 2002.
3D Applications and Design - Technical Support - The control wiring and
method of addressing the indoor units is straightforward, but needs to be properly
planned at the design stage. The 2-wire communications connection is connected
to the AB terminals of all the indoor units on each GHP system, and then to the
outdoor unit. This method of control wiring minimises costs, and provides the
user with a very sophisticated microcomputer control scheme.
3D has a team of experienced applications and support engineers who can assist
with the design and selection of equipment , and advise on refrigeration pipe
connections , control schemes and control wiring. For specific projects we can
produce schematic diagrams of unit locations, routing of sizing of refrigerant
pipework, address numbering, etc.
BMS and PC Based Control Schemes - 3D can provide a stand alone PC Windows
Centralised Control, which can be upgraded to allow the building user to monitor
the entire system, and to bill the occupants for the usage.
The 3D Gateway and Interface connections can enable full BMS monitoring and
control. It is compatible with all the major BMS System providers:

TREND
HONEYWELL
ANDOVER
CYLON
ECHELON
MODBUS

SATCHWELL
STAEFA
JOHNSON
SIEMENS
BACNET

Carbon Emissions - The table (right)

compares the carbon emissions of
GHP 560 with a Condensing Boiler
(80% efficiency) and a conventional
VRF outdoor unit (electric powered).
The Carbon Intensity is the amount of
Carbon emitted per KW hour of useful
heating or cooling output.
The GHP comparisons on heating are
rated at ISO standard conditions, and at
lower ambient conditions, which illustrate
the advantages of recovering the waste
heat from the engine coolant system.
Running Costs - comparisons are based
on the cost per KWh of cooling and
heating output.
The electricity and gas tariffs are stated
below, and are representative of
commercial supply contracts. VRF
(Electric powered systems) are based
on COP of 2.9 (rated at 7C ambient)
and EER of 2.7. The COP/EER at lower
ambient conditions are typical of VRF,
and are adjusted to take account of the
reduced performance at lower ambient
conditions and the reduction of useful
heat output due to defrost periods. The
power consumption figures are based
on heating performance of 67.0KW,
cooling 53.0KW. The calculations do
not take into account the indoor units.
Gas commercial tariff = 1.55pence
per KWh (incl 0.15p CCL),
Electricity commercial tariff = 5.40
pence/KWh (incl. 0.43p CCL).
The example is based on the GHP560
rated at 67.0KW heating, 56.0KW
cooling.

Carbon Emissions
Carbon Intensity KgC/KWh
Cooling Operation
Heating Operation
Condensing Boiler

Ambient Temp
VRF Electric powered
GHP
VRF Electric powered
GHP
80% efficiency

35C
0.043
0.053

7C

0C

-7C

-15C

0.042
0.043
0.066

0.051
0.043
0.066

0.049
0.044
0.066

0.059
0.046
0.066

7C

0C

-7C

-15C

COP
Power Input KW
Cost p/KWh Output
Gas Fuel Input KW
Electricity Input KW
Cost p/KWh Output

2.90
23.10
1.86
51.9
1.18
1.30

2.22
30.12
2.43
51.9
1.18
1.30

2.28
29.33
2.36
52.9
1.18
1.32

1.91
35.06
2.83
55.9
1.18
1.32

Cost p/KWh

1.94

1.94

1.94

1.94

Running Costs (Cost: pence/KWh of cooling and heating output)

Cooling

Ambient
VRF Electric
GHP

Heating

VRF Electric
GHP

Heating - Condensing Boiler

80% efficiency

35C
EER
0.043
Power Input KW
20.38
Cost p/KWh Output 2.00
Gas Fuel Input KW 0.053
Electricity Input KW
Cost p/KWh Output 1.67

GHP Specification
Model Ref:
Cooling Performance
Heating Performance
Dimensions H x W x D
Weight Net
Power Supply
Running current
Power consumption
Start current
Gas Fuel
Gas Fuel consumption
Engine type
Engine size
Engine speed range
Engine starter
Refrigerant pipe connections
Refrigerant R407C
Gas mains supply connection
Drain for exhaust condensate
Compressor - open type
Compression volume
Condenser Fans
Fan motor type
Fan motor power
Connectable indoor units
Connectable capacity

KW
KW
mm
Kg
Cooling
Heating
Cooling
Heating

A
A
KW
KW
A

Cooling
Heating

KW
KW
cc
rpm
o.d.
o.d.
Kg
mm
mm
cc
KW

GHCP450HMTE4
GHCP560HMTE4
45.0
56.0
53.0
67.0
2135 x 1750 x 950
2135 x 1750 x 950
910
920
415V 3 ph 50HZ
415V 3 ph 50HZ
2.6
2.6
1.9
1.9
1.62
1.62
1.18
1.18
19
19
Natural gas
44.3
54.6
41.5
51.9
4 cylinder, 4 cycle, water cooled, OHV
2237
890 to 2375
AC/DC variable type DC stator
5/8" flare
3/4" flare
1 3/8" brazed
1 1/2" brazed
17.5
18.0
25
25
Flexible hose o.d. 18.2 i.d. 12.2
CR5445HVR
CR5453HVR
454
528
Propellor fan x 2
3-phase inductance motor 6-pole
0.25 x 2
0.45 x 2
1 to 20
22.5KW to 58.5KW
28.0KW to 72.8KW

Technical Specification

Indoor Units
The internal units used on GHP systems are identical to those used on KX/KXR
VRF systems. The control language is the same, and all remote/centralized controls
are also the same.
A total of 20 indoor units can be connected to each GHP, and can be controlled
individually, in heating or cooling mode, dependent on the mode operation of
the GHP system, i.e. it is not possible to have some units on cooling while others
are on heating. The internal units are connected by two refrigerant pipes with
branch pipe kits or headers branching from the main 2-pipe circuit.
FDT

4-Way Cassette
Integral Condensate Lift Pump

2.8KW to 16.0KW

FDTQ

Cassette Single Discharge

Integral Condensate Lift Pump

2.2KW to 4.0KW

FDQM

Compact Ducted
Integral Condensate Lift Pump

2.2KW to 4.0KW

FDTS

Cassette Single Discharge

Integral Condensate Lift Pump

4.5KW to 8.0KW

FDUM

Ducted Horizonta
Integral Condensate Lift Pump

4.5KW to 16.0KW

FDR

Ducted Cassette
Integral Condensate Lift Pump

4.5KW to 16.0KW

FDK

Wall Mounted
2.2KW to 8.0KW
Optional Condensate Lift Pump

FDFL

Floor Mounted

2.8KW to 8.0KW

FDFU

Concealed Floor Unit

2.8KW to 8.0KW

FDE

Ceiling Mounted

3.6KW to 16KW

FDTW

2-Way Cassette
Integral Condensate Lift Pump

2.8KW to 16KW

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is at the forefront of GHP development and engineering

design, having a history in refrigeration and air conditioning dating back to 1920,
as well as extensive involvement with the automotive industry and other associated
technologies. Over 16,000 GHP systems have been manufactured by Mitsubishi,
most of which are installed in commercial buildings in Japan.

3D AIR SALES Ltd distributes MITSUBISHI air conditioning and heat pump systems
in the UK and Ireland, and can offer assistance with the design and application
of GHP and other air conditioning products manufactured in Japan by MITSUBISHI
HEAVY INDUSTRIES.
Technical information on all Mitsubishi Heavy Industries air conditioning
products can be found on the 3D website at: www.3dair.co.uk

3D Air Sales Ltd

3D Air Sales Ltd Scotland

Sales & Marketing

850 Brighton Road, Purley,
Surrey CR8 2BH
Tel: 020 8668 1112
Fax: 020 8668 1113
Email: sales@3dair.co.uk

McGregor House,South Bank Business

Park, Kirkintilloch, Glasgow G66 1XF
Tel: 0141 777 5007
Fax: 0141 777 5009
Email: scotland@3dair.co.uk

3D Air Sales Ltd

3D Air Sales Ireland Ltd

Sales & Accounts Administration,

Spare Parts Sales, Warehouse,
Technical Troubleshooting, Warranty
Anglia House, Priors Way, Coggeshall,
Essex CO6 1TL
Tel: 01376 565 505
Fax: 01376 565 525

Unit 8, Greenhills Business Centre,

Greenhills Industrial Estate,
Tallaght, Dublin 24
Tel: 00 353 (0) 1462 7570
Fax: 00 353 (0) 1462 7611
Email: micclan1@eircom.net

The information provided in this brochure is for guidance only. It does not form any part of a
contract. The manufacturer reserves the right to change specification without notice.