| Return to Search Results |
| Document: |
|
| Title: |
NREL Delivers In-Home HVAC Efficiency Testing Solutions (Fact Sheet) |
| Publication Date: |
Jan 01, 2012 |
| OSTI Identifier: |
1034224 |
| Report Number(s): |
DOE/GO-102012-3491 |
| DOE Contract Number: |
AC36-08GO28308 |
| Other Number(s): |
TRN: US201203%%503 |
| Resource Type: |
Technical Report |
| Resource Relation: |
Related Information: Building America: Technical Highlight, Building Technologies Program (BTP) |
| Research Organization: |
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO. |
| Sponsoring Organization: |
USDOE Office of Building Technologies Program |
| Subject: |
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION; 14 SOLAR ENERGY; AIR CONDITIONING; COMPETITION; DATA ANALYSIS; EFFICIENCY; ENERGY EFFICIENCY; FIELD TESTS; HEAT PUMPS; HEATERS; HEATING SYSTEMS; HUMIDIFIERS; MARKET; MOISTURE; NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LABORATORY; OCCUPANTS; RESIDENTIAL SECTOR; TESTING; THERMAL COMFORT; VALIDATION |
| Description/Abstract: |
Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have recently developed two simple in-home efficiency test methods that can be used by technicians, researchers, or interested homeowners to verify the correct operation and energy efficiency of a home's air conditioning equipment. An efficiency validation method for mini-split heat pumps (MSHPs) - highly efficient refrigerant-based air conditioning and heating systems that permit room-by-room conditioning and control - will enable building researchers to easily explore the installed performance of this class of equipment. MSHPs are very popular overseas and are gaining market share in energy efficient home upgrades throughout the United States. Yet, because MSHPs have multiple variable-speed components that work in tandem, their performance is challenging to measure in a real home. NREL researchers developed a field evaluation method including test equipment, methods, and data analysis to determine the installed performance of this equipment in occupied homes. A field test was conducted to validate the method. When testing a home's operation, it is often important to simulate occupancy within an unoccupied home. That way, the researcher will know the actual usage profiles for heat and moisture generation; this removes the uncertainty associated with real occupants. The second test method details a standardized protocol for generating heat and moisture loads, to mimic occupants and their activities by using heaters and humidifiers. Realistic heat and moisture loads can be used to drive air conditioning systems, evaluate air distribution systems, and examine building enclosure technologies. These loads are drawn from the Building America House Simulation Protocols. Proper application of the method will result in better comparison between performance of the test home and its simulated analogue. This method is also validated by field testing. These test methods are now available in two technical reports. The methods can be used widely by the building research community to confirm proper operation of space conditioning equipment in homes, thereby improving thermal comfort, building health, and durability. National objectives for cost-effective energy savings in the residential sector can be met more quickly and with greater consistency. |
| Return to Search Results |
