PROJECT INFORMATION
Team: University of Central Florida/FSEC
Building Component: HVAC
Application: Retrofit
Climate Zones: Hot-Humid
This project refined a new approach to using mini-split heat pumps in existing homes. The team focused on using a single, centrally located mini-split heat pump as the primary system, while only using the existing, lower-efficiency central system as needed. Previous research documented 34% average heating and cooling energy savings for Florida homes that utilize this novel approach.
The team also developed an integrated controller to better coordinate operation of the mini-split and the central system, enabling additional savings and improving comfort. Best-practice guidance for optimum design, installation, system control, and central system replacement at end-of-life was developed to foster mainstream adoption of the approach.
Over the course of this project, the team:
- Demonstrated persistence of cooling energy savings with a supplemental mini-split heat pump
- Demonstrated the ability to maintain comfort within Air Conditioning Contractors of America Manual Residential Systems guidelines
- Demonstrated the ability to enhance cooling energy savings and maintain comfort with set point optimization and periodic (nighttime) fan cycling
- Selected hardware and developed a software algorithm for Integrated Controller Design
- Conducted central system end-of-life simulations
Read more about this success story on the project web page.
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