Description

Performance data for unitary air conditioners and heat pumps under extreme ambient conditions are not readily available from equipment manufacturers and often are not measured. However, certain regions in the U.S. can reach significantly higher temperature levels during the summer months. Phoenix, Arizona, for example, averages over 150 hours of temperatures exceeding 105 F (41 C).

In order to obtain detailed capacity and power demand data at these high temperature levels, one has to consult manufacturers’ technical data sheets. However, data for temperatures above 95°F are not comprehensive and in most cases are not measured but are extrapolated from test points at lower temperatures.

Accurate performance data for air conditioners and heat pumps operating under extreme conditions is essential from the perspective of equipment sizing and energy supply. Properly sized equipment ensures that comfort conditions will be maintained during extended periods of extreme high temperatures. In addition, the electric utilities are interested in forecasting the power demand of the air conditioning equipment during these periods in order to perform facilities planning for generation, transmission, and distribution.

The objective of this project was to evaluate the capability of three public-domain simulation models predicting the cooling performance of unitary equipment under extreme conditions of high outdoor temperature, high indoor humidity, high and low heat exchanger air flow rates, and high and low refrigerant charge.

Product Details

Published:

1997

File Size:

1 file , 3.5 MB

Product Code(s):

D-28901