Field Performance of Inverter-Driven Heat Pumps in Cold Climates

Williamson, James¹  Aldrich, Robb¹ 

[1] Consortium of Advanced Residential Buildings, Norwalk, CT (United States)

关键词: Residential;    Residential Buildings;    CARB;    Building America;    inverter-driven;    air-source heat pumps;    Steven Winter Associates;    Inc.;    Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings;    SWA;    COPs;    cold climate;    Northeast;    performance;    heating;    air flow measurement;    heat pump;    ASHP;   

DOI  :  10.2172/1215176
RP-ID  :  NREL/SR--5500-63913
RP-ID  :  DOE/GO--102015-4642
PID  :  OSTI ID: 1215176

学科分类：能源（综合）

美国|英语

来源: SciTech Connect

【 摘 要 】

Traditionally, air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) have been used more often in warmer climates; however, some new ASHPs are gaining ground in colder areas. These systems operate at subzero (Fahrenheit) temperatures and many do not include backup electric resistance elements. There are still uncertainties, however, about capacity and efficiency in cold weather. Also, questions such as ???how cold is too cold???? do not have clear answers. These uncertainties could lead to skepticism among homeowners; poor energy savings estimates; suboptimal system selection by heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning contractors; and inconsistent energy modeling. In an effort to better understand and characterize the heating performance of these units in cold climates, the U.S. Department of Energy Building America team, Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB), monitored seven inverter-driven, ductless ASHPs across the Northeast. Operating data were collected for three Mitsubishi FE18 units, three Mitsubishi FE12 units, and one Fujitsu 15RLS2 unit. The intent of this research was to assess heat output, electricity consumption, and coefficients of performance (COPs) at various temperatures and load conditions. This assessment was accomplished with long- and short-term tests that measured power consumption; supply, return, and outdoor air temperatures; and airflow through the indoor fan coil.