NREL Documents Efficiency of Mini-Split Heat Pumps (Fact Sheet)

NREL Documents Efficiency of Mini-Split Heat Pumps (Fact Sheet) PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description
A new report delivers mini-split heat pump (MSHP) performance data for use in whole-building simulation tools.

NREL Documents Efficiency of Mini-Split Heat Pumps (Fact Sheet)

NREL Documents Efficiency of Mini-Split Heat Pumps (Fact Sheet) PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description
A new report delivers mini-split heat pump (MSHP) performance data for use in whole-building simulation tools.

NREL Documents Efficiency of Mini-Split Heat Pumps (Fact Sheet).

NREL Documents Efficiency of Mini-Split Heat Pumps (Fact Sheet). PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 1

Get Book Here

Book Description
A new report delivers mini-split heat pump (MSHP) performance data for use in whole-building simulation tools. Mini-split heat pumps (MSHPs) are highly efficient refrigerant-based air conditioning and heating systems that permit room-by-room conditioning and control in homes. Because of their size, efficiency, and price, MSHPs are very popular overseas and are gaining market share in energy-efficient home upgrades in the United States. They are a good option for retrofitting older homes that lack ductwork. To evaluate MSHP cost effectiveness and performance in U.S. homes, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researchers are studying these systems in the laboratory, simulated buildings, and field test settings. A new NREL report describes an innovative laboratory approach to testing MSHPs and includes experimental performance maps for use in whole-building simulation tools. Most public information on MSHP performance is provided by equipment manufacturers, and is typically limited to performance at a single operating speed for heating and cooling. Mini-split heat pumps use variable speed components that spin up and down to continuously meet the heating or cooling need, significantly improving a system's operating efficiency. Measuring that efficiency in a laboratory is challenging and required new approaches to performance testing. NREL researchers worked with colleagues at Purdue University's Herrick Labs and Ecotope, Inc. to refine and apply this new approach to a suite of MSHP products. Researchers measured the performance of two MSHPs across a variety of operating conditions, which allowed, for the first time, development of accurate building simulation MSHP models. In the laboratory tests, researchers found that both MSHPs achieved manufacturer-reported performance at rating conditions. However, at other temperature and humidity conditions, the heat pumps capacity ranged from 40% above to 54% below the manufacturer-reported values. Knowing how performance varies is critical in order to reasonably estimate annual energy consumption of a MSHP, and to compare MSHPs to other heating and cooling options. Mini-split heat pump efficiency (COP) was seen to significantly exceed rated efficiency at low compressor speeds-a very important effect.

NREL Delivers In-Home HVAC Efficiency Testing Solutions (Fact Sheet).

NREL Delivers In-Home HVAC Efficiency Testing Solutions (Fact Sheet). PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 1

Get Book Here

Book Description
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.

Assessment of Low-Cost Minisplit Heat Pump Connection System

Assessment of Low-Cost Minisplit Heat Pump Connection System PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description
This project was funded by SCE's Emerging Technologies Program, and evaluates the feasibility of a connection system that can pave the path to accelerated, cost-effective adoption of high-efficiency Minisplit Heat Pump (MSHP) systems. This report details the characterization of this connection system and a heat pump enabled with this technology in a laboratory setting, and assesses the energy and cost impact applicable to residential buildings in SCE service territory. The energy and economic analysis leverages NREL's ResStock (TM) modeling approach based on the EnergyPlus (R) hourly simulation platform. The connection system can be incorporated into existing MSHP architectures. This reduces installation time from 10 to 20 man hours to approximately one hour or less, dramatically lowering total installation costs without adversely impacting heat pump performance. This report characterizes the connection system's leakage performance while connected and disconnected, as well as leakage over several connection/disconnection cycles, commensurate with manufacturer specifications for the individual components. The connector was incorporated into an off-the-shelf MSHP. Performance was compared to an identical unmodified heat pump. The connector had no impact on performance. Large-scale hourly energy simulations were performed for 22,574 homes across 15 counties in SCE service territory. The analysis was performed using baseline assumptions about the penetrations of window air conditioners (~18%) and six upgrade scenarios for these air conditioners. All scenarios assumed 100% adoption of the Connector-Supported Heat Pump (CSHP) in place of window air conditioners: MSHPs at Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) 17, 25, and 33, and CSHPs at SEER 17, 25, and 33. Results show the increased adoption of high-efficiency heat pumps can result in up to 29% air conditioning energy savings for homes with window air conditioners.

Field Monitoring Protocol

Field Monitoring Protocol PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Air conditioning
Languages : en
Pages : 30

Get Book Here

Book Description
The report provides a detailed method for accurately measuring and monitoring performance of a residential Mini-Split Heat Pump. It will be used in high-performance retrofit applications, and as part of DOE's Building America residential research program.

Annual Energy Outlook 2010, with Projections To 2035

Annual Energy Outlook 2010, with Projections To 2035 PDF Author:
Publisher: Government Printing Office
ISBN: 9780160857355
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 232

Get Book Here

Book Description
Where the Wind Blows Us unites critical practice with a community-based approach to archaeology. Author Natasha Lyons describes an inclusive archaeology that rests on a flexible but rigorous approach to research design and demonstrates a responsible, ethical practice. She traces the rise and application of community archaeologies, develops a wide-ranging set of methods for community practice, and maps out a “localized critical theory” that is suited to the needs of local and descendant communities as they pursue self-defined heritage goals. Localized critical theory aims to decenter the focus on global processes of capitalism in favor of the local processes of community dynamics. Where the Wind Blows Us emphasizes the role of individuals and the relationships they share with communities of the past and present. Lyons offers an extended case study of her work with the Inuvialuit community of the Canadian Western Arctic. She documents the development of this longstanding research relationship and presents both the theoretical and practical products of the work to date. Integrating knowledge drawn from archaeology, ethnography, oral history, and community interviews, Lyons utilizes a multivocal approach that actively listens to Inuvialuit speak about their rich and textured history. The overall significance of this volume lies in outlining a method of practicing archaeology that embraces local ways of knowing with a critically constructed and evolving methodology that is responsive to community needs. It will serve as a handbook to mine for elements of critical practice, a model of community-based archaeology, and a useful set of concepts and examples for classroom study.

An Integrated Control Method for Supplemental Minisplit Heat Pumps in Existing Homes

An Integrated Control Method for Supplemental Minisplit Heat Pumps in Existing Homes PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description
The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), a research institute of the University of Central Florida, has investigated low-cost space-conditioning upgrade solutions for existing homes since 2014. The retrofits involve installing a modest-capacity, centrally located, high-efficiency, ductless, minisplit heat pump (MSHP) for use in conjunction with the home's existing central space-conditioning system (CSCS). A retrofit targets homes with older but not obsolete CSCSs that have not reached end of life, and presents a more cost-effective option to achieve space-conditioning energy savings than outright CSCS replacement. Energy savings are achieved by using the high-efficiency MSHP to offset runtime of the lower-efficiency CSCS, which also achieves reductions in associated duct losses and duct-leakage-induced infiltration.

NREL Delivers In-Home HVAC Efficiency Testing Solutions (Fact Sheet)

NREL Delivers In-Home HVAC Efficiency Testing Solutions (Fact Sheet) PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description
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.

No Regrets Remodeling

No Regrets Remodeling PDF Author: Home Energy Magazine Staff
Publisher: Home Energy Magazine
ISBN: 9780963944436
Category : Dwellings
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description
Provides a guide for the inexperienced homeowner on how to improve the energy consumption of a home, and includes tips on budget planning, air ventilation, energy-saving HVAC systems, and building codes and permits.

Global Renewables Outlook: Energy Transformation 2050

Global Renewables Outlook: Energy Transformation 2050 PDF Author: International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA
Publisher: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
ISBN: 9292602500
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 344

Get Book Here

Book Description
This outlook highlights climate-safe investment options until 2050, policies for transition and specific regional challenges. It also explores options to eventually cut emissions to zero.