Toshiba VRF Systems for Offices

Toshiba has been a pioneer in variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology since the early 1980s, and its modern SMMS-u and Mini-SMMS-e series are among the most advanced solutions for commercial buildings and offices in the UK. Designed to maximise flexibility, comfort, and energy efficiency, Toshiba VRF systems are ideal for multi-tenant buildings and open-plan office environments that require precise individual control across multiple zones.

System Overview

VRF technology allows a single outdoor unit to connect to dozens of indoor units of different types — cassette, ducted, floor, or wall-mounted. Toshiba’s modular outdoor units range from 8 to 54 HP capacity and can be combined up to 150 HP total system output.
Refrigerant distribution is automatically regulated through electronic expansion valves in each indoor unit, optimising performance and efficiency according to room demand.

Energy Efficiency and Seasonal Performance

Toshiba’s latest SMMS-u series achieves record-high seasonal efficiencies:

• EER: up to 4.4

• COP: up to 4.9

• SEER: 8.2

• SCOP: 5.1

These figures represent a 30–40 % reduction in annual energy consumption compared with conventional chillers or split systems.
High-efficiency twin rotary compressors with variable-speed control provide smooth modulation from 10 % to 100 % output, reducing power peaks during part-load operation.

Zoning Flexibility

Each indoor unit operates independently, allowing users to control temperature and airflow per room or department.
This flexibility is vital for office buildings in London, where different orientations and occupancy levels demand unique settings. Temperature deviation across zones is typically below ±0.5 °C, ensuring uniform comfort.

Noise and Installation

Toshiba VRF systems operate quietly — outdoor sound levels from 48 to 55 dB(A), indoor units as low as 26 dB(A).
Maximum pipe length exceeds 1 000 m, allowing rooftop installation even for multi-storey offices.
Compact outdoor modules (1 . 6 m height) simplify transport through narrow service lifts or stairwells.

Control and Integration

Toshiba’s TouchScreen Central Controller and TU2C-LINK network enable building-wide control of up to 2 560 indoor units.
Cloud connectivity allows remote monitoring, scheduling, and energy management via the Toshiba Wave App.
Integration with BMS (BACnet, LonWorks, Modbus) ensures seamless communication with lighting and access-control systems.

Environmental Commitment

All new VRF systems use R32 refrigerant, reducing CO₂ equivalent emissions by 68 % compared with R410A.
Components are designed for easy recycling at end of life and comply with EU F-Gas Phase-Down requirements.

Case Example

A 10-storey office in central London replaced its chiller-fan coil system with Toshiba SMMS-u VRF units in 2024. The retrofit reduced energy use by 38 %, cut annual CO₂ output by 21 tonnes, and paid back installation costs in 2.8 years.

Conclusion

Toshiba’s VRF systems deliver exceptional energy efficiency, comfort, and flexibility for UK office environments.
With advanced inverter technology, modular scalability, and intelligent controls, they represent one of the most reliable and sustainable choices for commercial climate control in modern buildings.