Análise comparativa entre sistemas GHP e VRF: um estudo aplicado para edificações comerciais e residências na cidade de Manaus

Abstract

The air conditioning of indoor environments is essential to ensure thermal comfort, wellbeing, and energy efficiency. In Manaus, where high temperatures and elevated humidity prevail, finding solutions that combine technical performance with economic viability is particularly challenging. This study analyzes the technical and economic feasibility of Gas Heat Pump (GHP) air conditioning systems, powered by natural gas, in comparison to Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, which are electrically powered, in commercial and residential buildings in the city of Manaus. The objectives include calculating the termal load, sizing the systems, estimating investment, maintenance, and energy consumption costs, as well as comparing the performance and operational costs between both systems. The methodology involved building characterization, thermal calculations according to technical standards, equipment specification, cost analysis based on local tariffs, and economic evaluation using Net Present Value (NPV). The results indicated that, although GHP systems are technically viable, they did not present competitive advantages in terms of costs and maintenance. On the other hand, VRF systems demonstrated better energy performance, lower initial investment, and reduced operational costs. The differences in NPV between the systems reached up to 99.4% in the residential sector and 121.17% in the commercial sector, highlighting the clear economic superiority of VRF systems. It can therefore be inferred that VRF systems are more suitable for commercial and residential buildings in Manaus, given the conditions analyzed.