About STAC

Project Information Center

Hydrogen Education

Previous Solicitations

News

Presentations

Contact

Home

STAC

Project Information Center

STATEMENT OF WORK

Project Title:

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

Contractor:

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

Program Area:

Building Technologies

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

Project Description:

Project will lab test heat pumps designed to the 2006 Federal standards in both heating and cooling modes to establish benchmark performance targets. A low cost monitoring method will be developed and used to monitor up to 30 systems. The information collected will be used to develop a new field analysis and commissioning method. A training curriculum, DVD video and field guide will be developed and tested in actual training conditions. Results will also be published in ASHRAE and ACEEE publications.

Management Plan (Approach):

The unique nature of STAC requires that projects be supported by multiple State entities, and to the extent necessary any other entity. As indicated in the STAC Agreement, it is the Contractor’s responsibility to coordinate the execution of work under the Contract, incorporated by reference hereto. Contractor, in conjunction with the other State entities, and to the extent necessary any other entity, shall conduct the project in accordance with the Management Plan (approach), attached hereto.

Task 1. Develop and Implement Technical Advisory Group

Background

The Technical Advisory Group will consist of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO), Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NWPCC), and five representative -- Fall Electric, Idaho Power Company, EWEB, Puget Sound Energy, and Clark PUD.  All have considerable "real world" experience with residential HVAC systems.  The Technical Advisory Group will review experimental research design planning, deployment, protocols and training plans.  Results of program progress will be shared at ASHRAE and DOE Building America meeting with teams and national labs.

Activities or Strategies

• Organizations will be invited to join the TAG during the project's first quarter.
• TAG meetings will be held in conjunction with quarterly project management meetings.
• TAG members will serve as project advisors, reviewers of technical contracts, work plans, protocols and reports, and liaisons to the organizations they represent.

Deliverables and Outcomes

• Formation and Communication of Documentation with TAG and other stakeholders.
• Framework that organizes the collective expertise of partners to coordinate needs assessment, accumulation of knowledge, and solution(s) delivery to industry with little duplication of effort and compilation of best thinking. (All partners)
• Commitments from utility, state and corporate partners to participate in on-going information sharing and deployment of program and HVAC system improvement tools. (All partners)

Task 2. Conduct Lab Testing of HP Systems (ECOTOPE)

Background

As part of the regional heat pump review a set of tests was requested on the performance of heat pumps in heating mode when the manufacturer's specified charge and airflow are not met.  These tests were conducted for cooling equipment in the 1980s and have been the basis of several commissioning and diagnostic efforts aimed at cooling equipment in several states.  When such efforts were introduced into the Pacific Northwest, the utilities demanded that better testing be done to address the heating side.  There were some good technical reasons to believe that the performance impacts  would be smaller, but a testing scope was developed by Ecotope to resolve this question.  Purdue University, under the direction of Dr. James Braun, was contracted to conduct the tests. Since the utilities' primary interest was in commissioning existing units, the unit tested was a standard model.

The results of these tests suggested that were some complex interactions between refrigerant metering, accumulators and the airflow across the coil.  Under some conditions (low flow) there was a substantial performance penalty, but under most combinations the individual effects canceled and resulted in minimal change in overall performance.

Since these tests were conducted only on the heating side with equipment that met only the current standard using R22 refrigerant, there was substantial unanswered questions related to new equipment meeting the new (2006) Federal Standard.  Furthermore, there was indication that refrigerant might matter in some test regimes.  Therefore the team will focus on two units for this project.  One unit will be representative of base equipment that meets the new standard and the other will represent the higher performance standard required by the new construction program (Energy Star) operated by the regional utilities and the State of Oregon.  In both cases, the team proposes to extend the testing protocol to include cooling.  For this round the team will focus on R410a, as this refrigerant is the designated successor to the R22 currently in common use.

Activities or Strategies

• Ecotope will contract with an equipment-testing laboratory (probably Purdue University) to conduct tests on two heat pumps, each with at least two refrigerant metering devices.
• Ecotope will assist the laboratory in setting up the testing apparatus.  Our experience suggests that measurements of low flow conditions is complex.  We will provide additional set-up specifications to the lab to insure the replicability and usefulness of the tests.
• The laboratory will operate two heat pumps and test performance, including thermal output, cycling degradation, defrost, and latent heat removal (cooling) over a wide range of "outdoor" temperatures.
• The laboratory will assemble the findings and report them to Ecotope.

Deliverables or Outcomes

• Documentation of testing and monitoring protocol as agreed by the laboratory and Ecotope.
• Report documenting test results.
• Report on performance implication of testing, including inputs or input modifications to the performance model. (Task 3)

Task 3. Develop and Utilize Enhanced Modeling Tools (ECOTOPE)

Background

Beginning in 2003 the Regional Technical Forum (a consortium of regional utilities and state agencies) began a project to update the performance evaluation tools used to validate and evaluate residential energy initiatives.  The principle goal of this effort was to provide a residential energy initiatives.  The principle goal of this effort was to provide a residential energy model that could accommodate the latest programs, including duct sealing, high performance heat pumps, and heat pump commissioning.  It was the finding of this body that none of the then currently available software met the region's need in this area.  Larry Palmiter of Ecotope was contracted to develop a new model that would incorporate the duct specifications and the heat pump specification into a model that could give accurate results for both overall heating and cooling loads and the impacts of commissioning and enhanced installation standards characteristic of the utility programs.  The resulting model is known by the acronym SEEM.

Because the resources to develop this model were extremely limited, certain simplifications were made that sped the development.  This decision resulted in less flexibility.  The goal of this proposal is to add capabilities to this program.  Specifically these enhancements will include a routine to include latent loads in the calculation of heat pump performance and the flexibility to add performance curves from manufacturer's performance tables or ARI test results to allow the development of programs that use a variety of heat pumps and heat pump performance estimates.

Activities or Strategies

• Ecotope will enhance the existing model to include the capability to calculate latent loads and add these loads to the simulation of residential structures.
• Ecotope will modify existing equipment curves to include latent heat in selecting and evaluating residential equipment.
• Ecotope will modify existing equipment curves to accept modifications from laboratory testing or alternative manufacturer's performance curves, including both sensible and latent effects.
• Ecotope will integrate these new capabilities with the existing simplified input and output formats.

Deliverables

• An executable copy of the entire program to each of the state participants.
• A modified input format to use in interfacing with the SEEM program.
• Simplified documentation for use in developing parameters, which use this program to support existing utility and state heat pump programs.

Task 4. Develop and Test Field Commissioning Protocol Tool (ECOTOPE and SEOs)

Background

The information gained from preliminary research will be used to develop a new draft field commissioning protocol.  Task 2 will provide critical baseline information on the impact of charge and flow on high performance systems using new refrigerants in both heating and cooling modes.  In Task 3 this information will be used to develop performance curves for these systems that can be used to make better assessments in program design as well as field installation.

This draft commissioning protocol will be used to commission the systems monitored in Task 5.

All of this information will be combined to form a new field commissioning protocol for installers of high performance heat pump and air conditioners using new refrigerants.  The protocol will be easy to perform using currently available tests, but will allow the technician to analyze and solve complex issues that have been revealed by preliminary research.

Activities or Strategies

• The project researchers will meet with the SEOs to review research results and design a practical field commissioning protocol.
• The SEOs will field test the protocol in collaboration with certified technicians.
• The project researchers will review system function to evaluate success.
• The protocol will be revised if necessary.

Deliverables and Outcomes

• A written field commissioning instrument.
• Documentation including decision tree, background performance curves, and trial results.

Task 5. Perform Long Term Monitoring and Use it to Verify/Beta Test Short Term Monitoring (STM) (ECOTOPE and SEOs)

Background

In 2004-2005 Ecotope and Stellar Processes conducted detailed monitoring of high-efficiency residential heat pumps for the regional agencies.  This work was sponsored by the Oregon Department of Energy as part of its Building America funding.  It was observed that actual field performance of premium efficiency heat pump systems was much lower than the specified seasonal ratings or anticipated performance based on manufacturer specifications.  The reason often was due to errors in the installation and controls.  As the sophistication of the equipment increases, the units become more sensitive to installation and manufacturing errors.  Through detailed monitoring of the equipment, the exact control errors and installation faults that lead to this reduced performance were identified and repaired.  In general, these problems were not apparent without performance data - all the units had passed a thorough installation inspection.  Since the project only monitored a small sample of cases, one expects that there are additional failure modes that have not yet been observed.

Based on the previous monitoring, it is apparent that installation and control errors are frequent for residential heat pumps.  Furthermore, the new and technically advanced units are sufficiently complicated that unsuspected control errors occur.  Once these problems have been identified, installation guidelines and performance tests can be suggested to installers.  However, without actual performance monitoring, there is no assurance that a unit is operating appropriately under all conditions.

SEO staff will conduct on-site inspections to verify that known problems have been addressed.  We propose to provide inspectors with a short-term monitoring (STM) system that can be left in place to verify proper performance or to identify if control errors are occurring.

Previously applied monitoring protocols are not adequate for two important reasons.  First, the installer needs a simplified instrumentation set to minimize installation and eliminate running sensor wires.  We propose to utilize new technology, including wireless sensors, to minimize installation complexity.  Second, if one relies on collecting frequent time-interval data, one is overwhelmed by the amount of data and subsequent analysis.  The proposed monitoring package includes software that will accomplish analysis in real-time and streamline the output data.

The goal of this task is to develop the proof of concept for the hardware and software, utilizing results from several beta test sites (including the sites metered in 2004-2005).  The data logging equipment will be a simplified subset of that used to conduct the detailed monitoring in the previous work.

Activities or Strategies

• Stellar processes will develop a hard package that could be used as part of state and/or utility heat pump quality control programs.
• Stellar Processes will develop software that could trace and identify failure modes consistent with the observed faults developed in the previous research.
• Stellar Processes and Ecotope will install detailed metering on up to three homes and use these installations as a test bed for the prototype SMP equipment.

Deliverables and Outcomes

• A minimum of three hardware/software packages (STM) that could be used by the states to implement their field protocol.
• A report detailing the faults and commissioning identified in the testing process and the performance of the STM in the context of those faults.
• Documentation and training that will enable the state field personnel to use the equipment as part of their quality control or data collection tasks.

Task 6. Develop HVAC Technician Training, Recruit Contractors, Train and Provide Technical Assistance, and Monitoring Results (SEOs)

Background

The SEOs have been working on HVAC installation training and certification since the mid 1990s.  They are now the certifying agencies for Performance Tested HVAC Systems in their respective states under authority of the Pacific Northwest Regional Technical Forum.  As such they have relationships with hundreds of certified technicians.  The SEOs are also experienced training organizations and provide training to HVAC technicians in efficient and safe system design and installation.

The SEOs will develop a training curriculum that incorporates the field commissioning protocol.  It will be tested with HVAC installers in each state.  Follow up monitoring of commissioned systems will be performed using the Short Term Monitoring protocol developed in Task 4.

Activities or Strategies

• The SEOs will develop a draft HVAC Training Curriculum.  It will be reviewed by the project researchers and then presented to the broader project consortium for review.
• The finalized draft curriculum will be used by the SEOs to develop a draft manual.
• Certified Performance Testing HVAC technicians will be recruited and trained by the SEOs using the draft manual.
• Systems commissioned by the trainees will be monitored by the SEOs using the short term monitoring protocol.
• The Idaho Energy Division will develop a training video that will be reviewed by the other SEOs, revised, and distributed for review to the researchers.  The final draft video will be presented to the broader project consortium for review.  The final edited version will be placed on a DVD as a companion to the final commissioning booklet.

Deliverables and Outcomes

• Training curriculum
• Training video on DVD
• Commissioning booklet

Task 7. Conduct Data on Cost of HVAC Equipment and Commissioning (Oregon and WSU)

Background

Significant heat pump research efforts in the PNW have focused on thermal performance issues.  Equally important is a strong understanding of current HVAC system and commissioning costs in order to provide an accurate assessment of HVAC program cost-effectiveness.  Regional cost collection assumptions are old, based on limited anecdotal information and do not reflect new equipment entering the market in 2006.  More installation "check-out" cost data is also needed, since HVAC system commissioning is also a key component of the regional HVAC programs.

Activities or Strategies

• SEOs develop cost data collection forms with input from IAG and other stakeholders.
• SEOs collect and archive equipment, systems and commissioning costs.
• SEOs conduct cost analysis, distribute draft for comment and refine for final report.

Deliverables or Outcomes

• Cost collection data forms and procedures
• Cost collection database
• Final cost report

Task 8. Develop Final Report (SEOs)

Background

The project will produce a wealth of information, and it will all be contained in a final report for NASEO submitted in written and DVD format.  It will also be placed on key websites for further distribution and presented to BPA and key policy makers in the Pacific Northwest.

The intent of the project partners is to produce a report that gives the big picture.  Thus it will summarize the previous research that stimulated this proposal and incorporate all information at our disposal to provide a report of the greatest possible value to the SEOs, utilities and policy makers for program design, implementation and assessment.

Activities or Strategies

The final report will contain the following information:

1. Background:
   • Cost Effectiveness info from RTF & Power plan
   • Previous 2004-05 HP research efforts & working group
2. Research:
   • Lab testing
   • Field testing (long & short term)
   • Cost data collection results
   • Modeling
   • Commissioning & fault diagnostics
   • Training effectiveness
3. Recommendations:
   • Cost effectiveness
   • Utility specifications and program design
   • Mfg recommendations
   • HVAC contractor installer training proposal
4. Appendices:
   • Technical papers
   • Reports
   • Meeting Minutes
   • Suggested Specifications
   • Field Testing Protocols
   • Training curriculum, video and field booklet

Deliverables or Outcomes

• Cost collection data forms and procedures
• Cost collection database
• Final report on CD and Web
• Training curriculum, video on DVD and field booklet

Task 9. Manage Project (IDWR)

Background

The Project Management Team consists of the Idaho Department of Water Resources Energy Division, Oregon Department of Energy, Washington State University Extension Energy Service with representatives from the research contractors, Ecotope Inc., and Stellar Processes.

The team will hold a series of initial and on-going planning meetings, quarterly conference calls, and E-mail user group correspondence.  An FTP site will be established where all data and work products will reside and be refined over the products will reside and be refined over the project period.

Activities or Strategies

• IED will develop and manage the project implementation plan, achieve milestones, deliverables, and reports that are on time and within budget.  As primary contractor, IDWR will write all sub-contracts to WSU and ODOE and review/comment on WSU sub-contracts with Ecotope.
• IED will begin developing subcontracts with the SEOs and the work plan for the technical subcontract as soon as a project award is announced.  The target is to have subcontracts and the technical subcontract ready to put in place as soon as IED's agreement with NASEO is executed.  The entire project contract structure will be in place within four weeks of the project contract with the goal of actual project launch on January 1, 2006.
• IED will conduct initial and on-going quarterly meeting and monthly conference with team members and invited stakeholders.
• IED will provide status reports and/or presentation's at BPA's Regional Technical Forum and other utility meetings.
• WSU will manage the Ecotope sub-contract, but IED will retain final approval on all deliverables and payments to Ectoope in IED's contract with WSU in order to ensure consistency with project goals.
• WSU will provide status reports and/or presentations at ASHRAE meetings.
• WSU will provide status reports and/or presentations at Building America meetings.

Deliverables or Outcomes

• Subcontracts and technical work plans
• Quarterly reports and final report
• Eight partnership face-to-face meetings over the next 24 months with three of the meetings for planning, coordination and implementation. (All partners)
• Aligned work plans for each partner that address project needs. (All partners)

Project Tasks, Status, and Deliverables

Last Updated: 11/03/06