38
Advanced
Onboard Diagnostics for HVAC Systems--Proctor
Engineering Group, 418 Mission Avenue, San Rafael, CA
94901; 415-451-2480, www.proctoreng.com
Mr.
John P. Proctor, P.E., Principal Investigator, john@proctoreng.com
Ms.
Patty Avery, Business Official,
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER83853
Amount:
$300,000
The majority of air conditioning systems are not
installed or maintained correctly. Recent
studies have shown that 60% of the systems are significantly deficient in
evaporator airflow, refrigerant charge, or both.
When duct efficiency problems are included, over 95% of the systems are
running well below their design efficiency.
This project will introduce a continuous measuring device for residential
and small commercial air conditioners. The
device will determine an air conditioner’s performance and pinpoint corrective
actions, direct a responding technician to the cause of the problem, and confirm
that it has been fixed. Phase I determined the
identification of that critical parameters of proper HVAC operation is possible
with appropriate sensor elements. Updated
algorithms for detecting air conditioner faults were generated from analyzing
air conditioner data, and potential designs and costs were analyzed.
Phase II will develop a prototype of the continuous measuring device, and
test it in residential and small commercial air conditioners.
Issues of final cost, ease of installation, ease of use, and reliability
also will be considered.
Commercial
Applications and Other Benefits as
described by awardee: The device should be applicable to all residential and
small commercial air conditioners. It
can be applied in the factory, or retrofitted to existing equipment. The
device also would provide a ready platform for monitoring and reacting to
pollutants important to building occupants.