|
Thermonomics® field test as
performed by CDH Energy Corporation
Background
In order to verify the performance, an independent laboratory performed a significant field test. After several discussions with the Air Conditioning Refrigeration Institute (ARI), it was determined that the standard ARI 210/240 test procedure was unacceptable for heat transfer products. Under the direction of ARI, Thermonomics obtained the services of Intertek Testing Services in Courtland, NY. Intertek is the approved testing laboratory for ARI and provides ARI certificates. ITS also provides ETL listings, CE listings, and many other certificates.
The engineering firm that performed the field-testing was CDH Engineering, located in Cazenovia, NY.
The product performance characteristics were tested in accordance with “ASHRAE 37-methods of testing for rating unitary air-conditioning and heat pump equipment”
Test Procedures
The test was conducted on two Carrier 50 DJ Series packaged roof top units. The units provided space conditioning for a local Houston retail store.
For each unit, 18 individual data points, including temperature, relative humidity, pressure, power, runtime status, and condensate removal, were measured at 5 minute intervals. Seven data loggers were
used to measure airside measurements. Suction and discharge pressure was monitored using Serta model no. C206 Transducers. Power and condensate were measured using Veris mode H900, H8053. and Veris 800
sensors.
Impact of Thermonomics Additive on Evaporator Performance
After Thermonomics was installed, the saturated suction temperature was decreased by 3 degrees F. This was due to an increase in the amount of lower temperature supplied to the TXV from increased sub cooling. While the unit displayed no change in airside temperature across the coils, there was an increase in moisture removal.
Impact of Thermonomics Additive on System Efficiency
The baseline and post additive were statistically analyzed to qualify the impact of adding Thermonomics to the system. Using regression analysis, the test reported a significant increase in unit efficiency. Impact of Thermonomics on Condenser Performance
On the condensing side of an air-cooled package rooftop unit, the driving potential for heat transfer is the difference between the saturated condensing temperature and the air temperature entering the condenser (ambient). The desired result of this condenser side heat transfer is to produce liquid refrigerant at the thermal expansion valve (TXV), which is as close to the ambient as possible. The theory behind Thermonomics refrigerant oil additive is to increase this condenser side heat transfer, therefore, lowering the liquid temperature delivered to the TXV. Any combination of the following factors should be observed if the net condenser heat transfer is increased.
• Decreased saturating condensing temperature from lower head pressure.
• Lower liquid refrigerant temperature to the TXV
• Higher air temperature leaving the condenser
The test results indicated a significant change in liquid line temperature.
• Unit # 1 was decreased by 6.5 degrees F.
• Unit # 2 was decreased by 4.2 degrees F.
• Lower saturated condensing temperature also decreased on unit # 2.
All of this data reflects a definite and distinct heat transfer improvement.
Summary
During the post period, Thermonomics showed a significant increase in efficiency.
The primary physical mechanism for the increase in Energy Efficiency Ratio observed during the test was a decrease in liquid refrigerant. Both units displayed decreases from 4.0 degrees F to 6.5 degrees F.
A series of parametric runs were performed on the Oak Ridge National Labs Heat Pump Design Model (HPDM). Raising the condenser U-valve by a fixed percentage for each run simulated the impact of raising refrigerant side heat transfer. The results of the parametric runs approximate that for each 1% increase in refrigerant side heat transfer; Energy Efficiency Ratio will increase by 0.1%.
The observed increase in EER and sub-cooling from field monitored data combined with the results from HPDM simulations indicated that Thermonomics product increased refrigerant side heat transfer by approximately 10-20%.
The above information was taken from the final report from CDH Engineering.
The complete report is available upon request.
E-mail: info@thermonomics.net |
