STAC

Project Information Center

Residential Heat Pump and Air Conditioner Research, Demonstration, and Deployment; Improving Pacific Northwest Utility and State HVAC programs

The project is focused on discovering the simplest means to diagnose and optimize the new generation of high performance heat pumps and air conditioners and to integrate these diagnostic and optimization tools into the energy efficiency programs operated by the SEOs and utilities of the Pacific Northwest. To achieve this requires a number of interlocking steps that comprise the project goals.

Conduct short and long term field monitoring of heat pumps and air conditioners that meet the new Federal Standards and are charged with R410a on new and existing homes in each State. Targeted new homes will be Energy Star NW approved with Performance Tested ductwork systems.
Conduct bench testing of heat pumps meeting the new Federal Standards and charged with R410a in both heating and air conditioning modes, at a variety of refrigerant charge levels, airflow rates and over a wide range of outdoor temperatures to determine critical parameters for optimizing system performance in both heating and cooling modes.
Refine and improve the region's heat pump modeling tool developed by Ecotope for use in improving utility and state HVAC program specifications and utility planning models.
Develop, implement and evaluate field test protocol for verifying system performance that includes HVAC commissioning training. The protocol and commissioning process will incorporate the experiences and insights from project lab, field and modeling efforts.
Develop a field handbook and DVD video for heat pump and air conditioner technicians that implements the field protocol and commissioning process based on the research results.
Publish the results in ASHRAE and ACEEE publications.
Provide final report to STAC, policy makers and utilities.

Contact:

Idaho Department of Water Resources, Energy Division
322 East Front Street, P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720
(208) 287-4895
Contact: Ken Eklund
Email: Ken.eklund@idwr.idaho.gov

Partners:

Idaho Department of Water Resources, Energy Division

Northwest Power and Conservation Council

Bonneville Power Administration

Energy Trust of Oregon

Oregon Department of Energy

Washington State University Extension Service

Ecotope Inc.

Stellar Processes

Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance

plus representative utilities

Cost:

Total project cost: $1,420,000
STAC-DOE portion: $630,000
Participant portion: $790,000

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: 08/29/07