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Multi-Source Hydronic Heat Pump System Performance Test Bed
Abstract
An extensive independent evaluation recently was completed of the Multi-Source Hydronic Heat Pump
(MSHHP) system, a proprietary heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system developed by Meckler
Systems Group. The MSHHP tests were conducted on a unique test bed designed and constructed by National
Technical Systems (NTS) through a research and development grant program funded by Southern California
Edison Company. This paper outlines testing methods and results, including evaluations of peak power and
energy savings allowed by the innovative system. The main difference between the MSHHP and a conventional
HVAC system is use of a chilled water "diversity" cooling loop interconnecting air to water coils (located
at each water source heat pump unit) with a central chilled water storage tank. The MSHHP system uses
significantly less energy than a conventional HVAC system, and lowers peak demand by shifting required
electrical energy consumption to lower-cost, off-peak and mid-peak rates. Lower heat pump capacities are a
main feature of the MSHHP. This is accomplished by pre-cooling return air from the zone space, a process
that also allows the heat pump to operate at a higher Coefficient of Performance (COP), thereby contributing
to further energy savings.
Citation
Meckler, M. (1984). Multi-Source Hydronic Heat Pump System Performance Test Bed. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu). Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /6477.