Toshiba SHRM Advance VRF — Commercial Installation Insights for High-Performance Buildings

When commercial developers and building services teams search for an air conditioning solution that balances sustainability, performance, and flexible installation, the Toshiba SHRM Advance VRF system frequently comes to the top of the shortlist.

This latest generation heat recovery system is designed for modern commercial spaces that need heating and cooling delivered simultaneously across multiple zones, without compromising on energy use or installation practicality.

In this blog, we explore what makes the SHRM Advance a strong choice for large-scale projects, share practical installation tips for contractors, and answer common commissioning questions that often come up during project delivery.

Explore our commercial air conditioning services:
https://www.climateworks.co.uk/commercial-air-conditioning

Understanding the SHRM Advance VRF System

The SHRM Advance sits at the top of Toshiba’s VRF product line. It’s engineered for heat recovery, allowing the transfer of excess heat from one part of a building to another.

Where this is most useful is in buildings with varied usage patterns — such as hotels, office towers, and mixed-use developments. While one area may need cooling, another may require heating, and SHRM Advance can satisfy both demands at the same time.

Key highlights include:

• R32 refrigerant with low global warming potential (GWP 675)
• Up to 80% lower CO₂ equivalent compared to older R410A systems
• Outdoor units available from 8 HP to 24 HP in a single module
• Ability to connect up to 69 indoor units per system
• Compatible with wall-mounted, cassette, ducted, and floor-standing indoor types

Why R32 Matters for Commercial Projects

Choosing a low-GWP refrigerant like R32 is increasingly important as UK regulations and F-Gas phase-down targets tighten. The SHRM Advance’s use of R32 reduces refrigerant volume by up to 40% compared to R410A, which means smaller refrigerant pipe sizes in some applications and an easier route to compliance with safety and environmental requirements.

For clients, this isn’t just an environmental benefit — it’s a long-term cost consideration. Lower refrigerant volume can mean reduced installation costs and simpler maintenance over the system’s life.

Installation Guidance for Contractors

The SHRM Advance is built with installer convenience in mind. Outdoor units feature a compact footprint — just 1.69 m in height — making rooftop or plantroom placement easier where crane access is limited.

Some practical tips when installing:

• Piping Runs: The system supports up to 250 m total pipe length and 40 m vertical separation between indoor and outdoor units. Plan your risers and trunk routes early to avoid excessive bends.
• Static Pressure: The outdoor units can deliver up to 80 Pa static pressure, which is useful when ducting to remote locations or through acoustic baffles.
• Zoning Strategy: Use small-capacity indoor units (as low as 0.6 HP) to create fine-tuned comfort zones in offices or hospitality spaces.
• Controls Integration: The SHRM Advance supports dual set-point logic, meaning you can reduce energy use by avoiding unnecessary heating or cooling cycles.

Indoor Unit Compatibility

The SHRM Advance works with Toshiba’s full range of VRF indoor units:

• Four-way cassettes for open-plan offices and retail spaces
• Slim ducted units for hotel rooms and meeting areas
• High-static ducted units for large open halls or function rooms
• Wall-mounted and floor-standing units for perimeter spaces or retrofit situations

When selecting indoor types, consider ceiling void depths, filter access for maintenance, and airflow patterns to avoid draughts.

Project Example — Mixed-Use Building in Guildford

A recent installation involved a five-storey building with ground-floor retail, two floors of open-plan offices, and a boutique hotel occupying the top floors. The SHRM Advance was selected to manage highly variable thermal loads.

• Retail areas needed consistent cooling during trading hours
• Offices required mild heating in mornings, cooling in afternoons
• Hotel rooms demanded independent control without impacting the rest of the system

By using heat recovery mode, waste heat from the retail zone was redirected to the office areas in the morning, cutting energy use significantly.

Commissioning Considerations

Successful commissioning can prevent many future service issues. With the SHRM Advance:

• Use the Wave Tool Advance for NFC-based commissioning — it allows contactless diagnostics and configuration from a smartphone.
• Check refrigerant charge carefully; because R32 operates at higher pressures than R410A, accurate charging is essential for performance and compressor longevity.
• Ensure branch selector boxes are correctly addressed and configured in the control system to avoid heating/cooling conflicts.
• Run a full system leak test before final sign-off, as smaller refrigerant volumes mean even small leaks have a proportionally larger effect.

Common Installation Questions

Q: Can SHRM Advance operate in low outdoor temperatures?
Yes. The system maintains full heating capacity down to –15°C outdoor temperature, making it suitable for year-round UK use.

Q: How does it handle simultaneous heating and cooling?
Through branch selector units that direct refrigerant flow based on the demand from each indoor unit. Heat extracted from cooling zones is reused for heating elsewhere.

Q: Is special training required to install SHRM Advance?
Toshiba recommends F-Gas qualified engineers with VRF installation experience. Factory training courses are available for contractors who want to become accredited installers.

Q: Can it be integrated with BMS systems?
Yes. SHRM Advance supports a range of communication protocols for Building Management Systems, including BACnet and Modbus.

Maintenance and Service Access

For ongoing maintenance, ensure adequate clearance around the outdoor units for coil cleaning and service access. The Wave Tool Advance allows for rapid fault diagnosis without connecting gauges, reducing service time.

Indoor units should have filter access that doesn’t require dismantling ceilings. In ducted units, consider hinged access panels for ease of servicing.

Why Choose ClimateWorks for SHRM Advance Installations

Choosing the right contractor is just as important as choosing the right system. Our experience with Toshiba VRF installations means we understand how to maximise performance, minimise installation disruption, and integrate the system seamlessly into a building’s overall services design.

If you are planning a commercial project in Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, or beyond, we can help with system selection, design, and full installation.

https://www.climateworks.co.uk/commercial-air-conditioning

References

1. Toshiba Air Conditioning UK – SHRM Advance Technical Brochure
2. Toshiba Carrier Corporation – Product Specification and Installation Manuals
3. CDL Web – SHRM Advance VRF Data Sheets

Dr. Julian Carter
Dr. Julian Carter is a highly experienced thermal systems expert with over 15 years in the field, holding a PhD in thermal systems. His career spans academic research, consulting, and teaching, focusing on air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Dr. Carter bridges the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications, providing expert insights to organisations like ClimateWorks, where his guidance informs decision-making and industry best practices. Notably, he has worked on international projects with organisations such as Daikin Industries, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). These collaborations addressed sustainable refrigerants, advanced cooling technologies, and energy performance optimisation. Currently a lecturer at Edinburgh University, Dr. Carter combines his expertise with a passion for educating the next generation of engineers and advancing climate control technologies.

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