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Closing the Gap: Getting Full Performance from Residential Central Air Conditioners

Central air conditioners (CAC) are well established and have high market penetration. However, in the field they use 10–30% more electricity than laboratory-based efficiency ratings predict. To solve the most important performance problems, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is partnering with Advanced Energy, the Florida Solar Energy Center, and the Energy Center of Wisconsin to submit this single linked proposal. With STAC funding, these four project co-sponsors, in collaboration with the California Energy Commission and Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy Program will co-fund and manage a two-year, integrated research, development, initial deployment and dissemination (RDD&D) project with five elements:

Improving Central Air Conditioner Performance Ratings. The central air conditioner Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is outdated. We will develop “next generation” approaches that recognize regional needs and new technologies. The improved test procedure will help manufacturers differentiate regional models.
A Robust Feature Set for Better Field Performance. We will develop a voluntary program consensus specification that supports product differentiation for equipment that consistently work well even under adverse or degraded conditions. High efficiency, a TXV or equivalent refrigerant metering device, an adaptive variable-speed fan, and integrated system alarms should yield a minimum 15% energy savings beyond the equipment’s typical field performance.
Field Performance Data and Innovation. We propose three field research activities: (a) Comparison of ratings with field performance. Expanded field studies for colder regions, and construction types with HVAC not in the attic. (b) Benefits of proper sizing. Halfway through the cooling season, eight houses will have their oversized air conditioners replaced with properly sized units, to document energy, peak demand, and comfort benefits. A survey of 300 homeowners will evaluate customer satisfaction with right-sized equipment. (c) Research strategies for enhanced field performance of available equipment: We will use two-stage systems to assess strategies such as control of system cooling capacity and airflow.
New Climate-sensitive Air Conditioner Designs. Air conditioners and heat pumps designed for specific regional climates promise greater comfort and efficiency. To complement work elsewhere, we will develop and demonstrate a CAC optimized for hot-humid climates, where high indoor humidity levels can lead to major comfort, material degradation, and health issues.
Information Dissemination and HVAC Contractor Training. A minimum of 15 half-day classes will be offered. Project elements one through three include preparing training modules for easy dissemination into courses.

The co-sponsors will engage four subcontractors: the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, CDH Energy, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation who contribute unparalleled expertise. The two-year total budget (STAC plus match) is $1,534,716. We envision starting a sustained program that later can add participants with specialized skills and interests in residential HVAC challenges. Our success will provide the basis for voluntary programs and standards based on solid data. It will open new opportunities for manufacturers to differentiate regional products profitably, and for consumers to choose optimal equipment. We address installation issues through training and developing specifications for equipment with robust features that lessen the requirements placed on installers.

Contact:

New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA)
17 Columbia Circle
Albany, NY 12203-6399
(518) 862-1090 x3336
Contact: Peter Douglas
Email: pwd@nyserda.org

Partners:

Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)
Advanced Energy (AE)
Energy Center of Wisconsin (ECW)

Cost:

Total project cost: $1,534,716
STAC-DOE portion: $683,179
Participant portion: $851,537

Statement of Work and Status

Quarterly Reports

Below are the quarterly reports as provided by the project to STAC, excluding some non-substantive and financial information. All available reports are listed below.

Last Updated: 05/01/08