Commercial Heat Pump/Air Conditioning

Contract #:  100-98-001  Project #:  4

Contractor:  Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)

BLDG Contact:  Martha Brook P.E., Energy Efficiency Research Office, Buildings End-Use Energy Efficiency Program (916) 651-9575

Status:  Completed 2000

The purpose of this project is to continue developing higher-efficiency, climate-wise refrigerants for the commercial heat pump and unitary air conditioner market. In California, this accounts for approximately one-third of the commercial sector’s electricity use. Manufacturers are slowly developing electric equipment for the best refrigerants emerging from research. The slow pace of equipment development is a barrier to the broader use of commercial heat pumps. This project includes developing environmentally superior heat pumps, water-loop, and geothermal systems, and improving indoor air quality and dehumidification. The target also includes work on improved refrigerants and equipment to achieve greater comfort, lower noise, and lower capital and operating costs.

This project supports the PIER Program objectives of:

• Improving the energy cost/value of California’s electricity by developing and enhancing the performance and efficiency of heat pump technology for space heating and cooling applications.
• Improving the environmental and public health costs/risks of California’s electricity by reducing energy use which in turn decreases power plant emissions and supporting the changeover from ozone-depleting refrigerants to zero ozone-depleting (ZODP) fluids.

1. Provide practical technical information to increase the market penetration of energy efficient heat pumps and new air conditioning technologies.
2. Support development and introduction into the market of commercial heat pump products with substantially improved comfort, efficiency, and environmental impact.
3. Support development and application of Water-loop and Ground-coupled/Geothermal Heat Pump (WL/GCHP) Systems.
4. Support development and application of energy efficient and cost-effective solutions to treat ventilation air and improve indoor air quality and dehumidification.

1. Technical information.
• A status review report was published on EPRI commercial heat pump innovations.
• Updates on industry news were published on refrigerant availability, refrigerant properties, and the ASHRAE 90.1 Standard.
• The Geothermal Information Office provided information to EPRI members on the use of geothermal systems in commercial and residential buildings.
2. EPRI teamed with Lennox International to develop the first prototypes of Zero-Ozone Depletion Potential commercial rooftop heat pumps with 7.5 and 10-ton capacities. A lab test report was published.
3. Water-loop and ground-coupled heat pump technology.
• EPRI sponsored development by ClimateMaster of a water-source air heat pump for conditioning of 100% make-up air. The design is more energy efficient than existing units and has features for improved occupant comfort.
• An evaluation was made of variable pumping strategies and operation of the SmartLoop Controller in buildings with water-loop heat pump systems.
• A field test report and a tech brief were published on results of energy performance monitoring of a geothermal heat pump in a quick service restaurant.
4. A report was published providing a summary of current and advanced strategies for designing HVAC systems to meet indoor air quality requirements.

This project is part of the research portfolio of the California Energy Commission. The Energy Commission supports energy research and development that improves the quality of life in California by bringing environmentally sound, safe, reliable, and affordable energy services and products to the marketplace.