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Title: An experimental study of the behavior of a high efficiency residential heat pump in cooling mode with common installation faults imposed

Journal Article · · Applied Thermal Engineering
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE (United States)
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Faults are believed to be common in split system air-conditioner and heat pump systems, due to operating degradation or installation problems. Common faults include improper refrigerant charge, reduced evaporator airflow, liquid line restrictions, and the presence of non-condensable gas. Laboratory tests were used to quantify fault impacts on performance of a heat pump system, and impacts on indicator variables such as refrigerant temperatures and pressures. This paper describes a large set of laboratory tests implemented on a high efficiency heat pump operating in cooling mode. This system uses R-410A refrigerant and has a rotary compressor, TXV, two accumulators, and a compensator. A small number of previous experimental studies have been done previously to study the effects of some operating faults, but none has examined a modern system with these components. The tests were conducted with a range of fault intensities and driving conditions. The results are compared to previous researchers’ experimental results. The system’s performance was found to be quite robust in the presence of faults. The TXV, accumulators, and compensator significantly reduce sensitivity to refrigerant charge and liquid line restriction faults, and other faults to a lesser extent.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Energy Efficiency Office. Building Technologies Office
Grant/Contract Number:
EE0008689
OSTI ID:
1673774
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1780229
Journal Information:
Applied Thermal Engineering, Vol. 184; ISSN 1359-4311
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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