Advanced Onboard Diagnostics for HVAC Systems

70382 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 will analyze existing research on air conditioner monitoring and the critical parameters that determine or indicate performance. Numerous methods of determining problems and pinpointing problem causuality will be tested. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the 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.