METHODS AND POTENTIAL FOR ON-SITE PERFORMANCE VALIDATION OF AIR CONDITIONING, REFRIGERATION, AND HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS.
This paper describes an innovative method using a “Refrigeration Performance Analyzer” based on on-line measurements and analyses of the refrigeration process. The method is cost-effective to establish the performance of virtually any refrigeration, heat-pump or air-conditioning system. The method gives performance as well as detailed information of all components characteristics, within 30 minutes from entering the plant room, without the need for fixed installation of measuring equipment. The method uses easy to apply sensors to measure pressure, temperature and electrical power. Through thermodynamic calculations it is possibly to calculate the refrigeration cycle. Through the innovative approach of establishing the mass flow of refrigerant based on an energy balance of the compressor the cooling and heating capacity can be established with an accuracy that can normally not be achieved outside the laboratories at reasonable cost. Currently the method is used by equipment manufacturer, service companies and consultants to get detailed information of capacities and optimization in a cost effective way both in development laboratories, production test facilities and in the field. The method has been proven by theoretical analyses as well as parallel measurements with traditional methods. Due to its inherent insensitivity to measurement errors, it is cost effective for field measurements. Theory as well as experience shows an accuracy of 7% or better in measured cooling and heating capacity.