RP-309 -- Dynamic and Seasonal Performance of Central Forced Warm Air Heating Systems Installed in Residences

The dynamic interactions between components of residential central forced-air systems are sufficiently complex that it is difficult to assess the impact of systems options on annual energy use for the total system. ASHRAE Special Project SP43 was initiated in 1982 to provide the HVAC industry with a means to assess options of system components and control modes, in a way that would account for the dynamic interaction of equipment and building structure in response to varying weather patterns. The project has been conducted at Battel 1e-Columbus over the past six years under the joint sponsorship of ASHRAE, the Gas Research Institute, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

This report covers Phase IV, which had as its focus the following: the upgrading of the single-zone version of the SP43 Simulation Model, and in particular, its duct system submodel; the updating of the validation of that model; the use of the single-zone version of the model to evaluate heating system and control options that would be the basis for information on annual energy use for the ASHRAE Handbook; the extending of the SP43 Simulation Model to include a multi-zone capability; and the validating of its predictive capability against field data obtained in two unoccupied test houses during multi-zone operation.

Phases I and II, conducted in 1982 through 1985, included the development and validation of the single-zone version of the SP43 Simulation Model with tests in the heating mode carried out in two unoccupied houses that were extensively instrumented. Phase III was conducted in 1985 and 1986 to validate the SP43 model in the cooling mode.



Product Code(s): D-RP-309