What is the standard testing procedure for the AC to AC efficiency and degradation verification ?

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The standard testing procedure for AC-to-AC efficiency and degradation verification—especially for air conditioners and heat pumps—follows a combination of DOE regulations, AHRI standards, and ISO protocols. Here's a consolidated overview of the key procedures and standards:

๐Ÿ”ง 1. DOE Test Procedures (U.S. Department of Energy)

The DOE mandates testing under Appendix M1 and Appendix M2 of 10 CFR Part 430 for central air conditioners and heat pumps:

  • Appendix M1 uses updated metrics:
    • SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2)
    • EER2 (Energy Efficiency Ratio 2)
    • HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2)
  • Appendix M2 introduces:
    • SCORE (Seasonal Cooling and Off-mode Rating Efficiency)
    • SHORE (Seasonal Heating and Off-mode Rating Efficiency)

These procedures include:

  • Controls verification for variable speed systems
  • Low-temperature heating performance
  • Defrost cycle impact
  • Power consumption of auxiliary components
  • Represented values and enforcement provisions [Energy Con...al Air ...]

๐Ÿ“ 2. AHRI Standards

The AHRI 210/240-2024 and AHRI 1600-2024 standards are referenced for performance rating:

  • Testing includes full-load and part-load conditions.
  • External static pressure is increased up to 5× to simulate real-world conditions.
  • Products tested under M1 are approximately 7% more efficient than those under M. [2023 Energ...rds | AHRI]

๐ŸŒ 3. ISO 5151-2017 Standard (International)

For global compliance, ISO 5151 outlines procedures for non-ducted AC and heat pumps:

  • Voltage Immunity Testing:
    • Units are tested at 90% (Low Line) and 110% (High Line) of nominal voltage.
    • Requires programmable AC power sources to simulate grid fluctuations.
  • Performance Testing:
    • Conducted using Air Enthalpy Calorimeter or Balanced Room-Type Calorimeter setups.
    • Data collection spans multiple cycles (3–6 hours depending on method).
  • Measurement Accuracy:
    • Voltage: ±1.0% mean, ±2.0% max
    • Power input, current, and frequency must be logged with <0.5% uncertainty. [ISO 5151 S...quirements]

๐Ÿงช Degradation Verification

Efficiency degradation is typically assessed by:

  • Repeated testing over time under identical conditions.
  • Monitoring changes in SEER2/EER2/HSPF2 values.
  • Evaluating component wear, refrigerant leakage, and control system drift.

As per the ISO and BIS Indian Standards,

As per Indian ISO and BIS standards, the AC-to-AC efficiency and degradation verification for air conditioning systems involves a structured testing and evaluation process. Here's a detailed summary based on the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) documentation:

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ Indian Standard Testing Procedure for AC Efficiency & Degradation

๐Ÿ” 1. Applicable Standards

  • IS 1391 (Part 1 & 2): 2023 – Room Air Conditioners (Unitary & Split)
  • IS 8148: 2018 – Ducted and Package Air Conditioners
  • IS 18848: 2024 – Non-Ducted Portable Air Conditioners
  • IS 16590: 2023 – Liquid Chilling Package Units
  • IS 18728: 2024 – VRF Systems
  • IS 11561: 2018 – Water Cooling Towers [REFRIGERAT...NDITIONING]

๐Ÿงช 2. Performance Assessment Procedure (BEE Guidelines)

Objective: To verify actual energy performance under field conditions.

Key Metrics:

  • Net Refrigeration Capacity (TR)
  • Compressor Power Input (kW)
  • Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
  • Coefficient of Performance (COP)
  • kW/ton rating

Steps:

  1. Establish steady-state conditions.

  2. Take three sets of readings at 5-minute intervals.

  3. Measure:

    • Water flow rate
    • Temperature difference (inlet vs outlet)
    • Compressor power (via power analyzer or tong tester)

  4. Calculate:

    • Net refrigeration capacity:
      Q=m˙⋅Cp⋅ฮ”TQ = \dot{m} \cdot C_p \cdot \Delta TQ=m˙⋅Cp​⋅ฮ”T
    • kW/ton = Compressor Power / Net Refrigeration Capacity
    • COP = 3.516 / kW/ton
    • EER = 12 / kW/ton

  5. Air-side testing (for centralized systems):

    • Use anemometer at AHU
    • Measure dry and wet bulb temperatures
    • Use psychrometric chart to calculate enthalpy difference
    • Estimate heat load:
      Heat Load (TR)=m⋅(hin−hout)4.18⋅3024\text{Heat Load (TR)} = \frac{m \cdot (h_{in} - h_{out})}{4.18 \cdot 3024}Heat Load (TR)=4.18⋅3024m⋅(hin​−hout​)​ [Ch-09_gops...Efficiency]

๐Ÿ“‰ 3. Degradation Verification

Approach:

  • Repeat performance tests periodically.
  • Compare current EER/COP/kW/ton with baseline values.
  • Identify degradation due to:
    • Component wear
    • Refrigerant leakage
    • Fouling in heat exchangers
    • Control system drift

๐Ÿ“š 4. Accessing Standards

You can search and download specific Indian Standards using the Know Your Standard portal by entering the IS number or product name. [Know Your...Standards]

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