Performance evaluation of vapor-compression air conditioners in contemporary research houses. Topical report, June 1987-September 1988

Under the sponsorship of the Gas Research Institute, a high-efficiency electric air conditioner was tested at two unoccupied contemporary research houses in the Washington, D.C. area during two summer seasons. The research houses were moderately furnished to approximate conditions of occupancy for a family of three. Presence of occupants and use of appliances were simulated. Window openings were also simulated to increase latent load on the air conditioner. Performance of the air conditioner was characterized on the basis of indoor comfort, dynamic response to changing indoor/outdoor conditions, energy consumption, and efficiency. Such characterization will provide a basis for comparison with new or prototypical systems to be tested during subsequent cooling seasons.