Comparative Cooling Season Performance of Air Distribution Systems in Multistory Townhomes
- IBACOS Inc., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
- IBACOS Inc., Pittsburgh, PA (United States
IBACOS investigated the performance of a small-diameter high velocity heat pump system compared to a conventional system in a new construction triplex townhouse. A ductless heat pump system also was installed for comparison, but the homebuyer backed out because of aesthetic concerns about that system. In total, two buildings, having identical solar orientation and comprised of six townhomes, were monitored for comfort and energy performance. Results show that the small-diameter system provides more uniform temperatures from floor to floor in the three-story townhome. No clear energy consumption benefit was observed from either system. The builder is continuing to explore the small-diameter system as its new standard system to provide better comfort and indoor air quality. The homebuilder also explored the possibility of shifting its townhome product to meet the U.S. Department of Energy Challenge Home National Program Requirements. Ultimately, the builder decided that adoption of these practices would be too disruptive midstream in the construction cycle. However, the townhomes met the ENERGY STAR Version 3.0 program requirements.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Energy Efficiency Office. Building Technologies Office
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-08GO28308; KNDJ-0-40341-05
- OSTI ID:
- 1314864
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/SR-5500-65315; DOE/GO-102016-4803
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
residential
Residential Buildings
IBACOS
Building America
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
small-diameter ductwork
high velocity ducts
townhome
stratification
comfort
air conditioning
air distribution system
ductless mini-split heat pumps