Low evaporator airflow detection using fan power for rooftop units

Yunhua Li, Bei Zhang, Josephine Lau, Mingsheng Liu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Low evaporator airflow is one of the common faults for rooftop units. It can be caused by dirty filters, evaporator fouling, or loose belts. Low airflow could result in frozen evaporator coils, reduced cooling capacity, and indoor comfort issues. Accordingly, more fan power is consumed as longer operating time is required. With the widespread use of variable-frequency drives (VFDs) on rooftop units (RTUs), low evaporator airflow can be potentially detected by monitoring the fan-power variation. In this paper the principle of fan-power-based detection is introduced first. Then, the detection algorithm is proposed, including development of the baseline and comparison of operational data with the baseline. Finally, the conducted field test is discussed, verifying the proposed methods. The test results indicate that the fan-power-based method can effectively detect low evaporator airflow for rooftop units.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationASHRAE Transactions
PublisherAmerican Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Pages233-239
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781939200464
StatePublished - 2016
Event2016 ASHRAE Annual Conference - St. Louis, United States
Duration: Jun 25 2016Jun 29 2016

Publication series

NameASHRAE Transactions
Volume122
ISSN (Print)0001-2505

Other

Other2016 ASHRAE Annual Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySt. Louis
Period6/25/166/29/16

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Building and Construction
  • Mechanical Engineering

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