| Abstract: | The construction and operation of a controlled-environment laboratory for the testing of domestic heat pumps is described. the operational range of the laboratory is - 5°C to 20°C with relative humidity up to 100%. Air-to-water heat pumps of up to 16 kW heating capacity can be tested with the present design, but modifications to allow for the testing of larger units or of air-to-air units are also described. the laboratory is stable to within 1°C and 5% relative humidity, and has a recovery time of 12 min to a perturbation of 3 kW. the test procedure for air-to-water heat pumps is described in detail and some preliminary results presented. |
