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Closed-loop apparatus (CLA) design and assessment for load-based testing.

Number: 2597

Author(s) : KIM D., DHILLON P., KIDAMBI A., HORTON W. T., BRAUN J. E.

Summary

The existing testing and rating procedure for split-type residential heat pumps in the United States is based on AHRI 210/240, which provides a standardized metric for assessing equipment performance that is based on steady-state tests where the equipment native controls are overridden. In an effort to improve testing and rating of heat pumps, a load-based testing methodology has recently been developed that accounts for the effect of the integrated controls and thermostat. In this approach, a test unit with its thermostat dynamically responds to emulated building loads in real-time, continuously adjusting indoor test room conditions based on a virtual building model, while the outdoor test conditions are maintained at a steady state. For typical load-based testing, two psychrometric chambers are used and only one unit can be tested at a time. Load-based testing can be time-consuming and expensive, particularly for residential split systems when different combinations of indoor and outdoor units need to be tested. Additionally, implementing load-based testing in psychrometric chambers necessitates controller and software upgrades for the rooms to enable virtual building emulation. To address these issues, this paper proposes a closed-loop apparatus (CLA) featuring integrated controls and automated software for load-based testing. In this setup, the indoor unit is installed in the CLA, while the outdoor unit is installed in a single psychrometric chamber. The CLA maintains indoor test unit return air (RA) conditions in real-time based on the virtual building temperature and humidity set points during load-based tests. Test unit performance is measured in real-time, and the indoor unit supply air is reconditioned with an electrical heater, cooling coil, and humidifier in the air loop. In this setup, multiple outdoor units could be positioned within a single psychrometric chamber, and multiple CLAs could be coupled with various indoor units. This configuration would allow for the simultaneous testing of multiple units, streamlining the testing process.

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Details

  • Original title: Closed-loop apparatus (CLA) design and assessment for load-based testing.
  • Record ID : 30033014
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Regulation
  • Source: 2024 Purdue Conferences. 20th International Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Conference at Purdue.
  • Publication date: 2024/07/17

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