Laboratory Test of a Dedicated Outside Air Supply

The primary goal for this project was to characterize energy efficiency of the Munters EPX 5000 in all modes of operation, in all possible configurations, and across a full range of operating conditions. Laboratory test results were carefully analyzed to consider the technical opportunities and challenges related to the equipment and to identify opportunities for additional improvements to the technology. Analysis indicates that addition of the Munters EPX 5000 to a big-box commercial building where fresh air ventilation is currently provided by individual rooftop packaged air conditioners could reduce peak demand from air conditioning for the entire building by 20 percent. Annual energy savings will vary by climate and by application, but the performance characteristics presented within the report should provide a solid basis for analysis by simulation. This study was followed by a field test of the unit at a grocery store in San Ramon. Additionally, both the lab and field assessments were performed in parallel and/or in sequence with four other studies, all of which assessed the performance of RTUs that employ evaporative technologies in different ways or configurations. These include: • A lab assessment of four direct evaporative condenser pre-coolers, and one air supply indirect evaporative pre-cooler. http://www.etcc-ca.com/reports/laboratory-testing-performance-enhancements-rooftop-packaged-air-conditioners • A field assessment at a big box retail store and grocery in Bakersfield, CA of indirect evaporative cooling units from two different manufacturers applied as retrofits to existing RTUs: http://www.etcc-ca.com/reports/indirect-evaporative-air-conditioners-added-existing-rtus • A field assessment of indirect evaporative cooling for a mall in Fairfield, CA in which a new RTU was retrofitted with a direct evaporative pre-cooler at the condenser inlet, and a water to air heat exchanger at the ventilation air inlet. http://www.etcc-ca.com/reports/indirect-evaporative-cooling-shopping-mall • A field assessment of an indirect evaporative unit, serving as a dedicated outside air supply (DOAS) at a restaurant in Rocklin, CA. http://www.etcc-ca.com/reports/indirect-evaporative-air-conditioning-restaurant • The field assessment of the Munters hybrid unitary dedicated outside air supply (DOAS) system at a grocery store in San Ramon, CA. http://etcc-ca.com/reports/climate-appropriate-cooling-grocery-store-hybrid-unitary-doas-system-san-ramon-ca