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FIELD RESULTS: DUAL-EVAPORATIVE PRE-COOLING RETROFIT
HVAC Energy Efficiency Case Study
The Western Cooling Efficiency Center tested the DualCool®, dual evaporative pre-cooler retrofit for rooftop units (RTUs). 13 RTUs on a big box store in Palmdale CA were retrofitted with the solution. This case study highlights the results from measurements of 4 of these systems observed over a 12-month period from October 2012-October 2013. The results presented here reflect operation for climate zone 14.
PROBLEM
Cooling and ventilation account for more that 25% of annual electricity consumption in California commercial buildings and can add up to more than 50% of the summer time peak electrical demand. Conventional rooftop packaged units are predominantly responsible for these large electrical loads in commercial buildings. Efficiency for these systems must improve in order to reduce energy use and peak demand from cooling in commercial buildings, and stand as a need for significant efficiency improvements. There are many opportunities to reduce energy use from these systems without sacrificing comfort.
SOLUTION
Rooftop packaged air conditioners server more than 65% of the commercial floor area in California. Unfortunately, these systems are inefficient. The dual evaporative pre-cooling retrofit studied here increases cooling capacity for conventional rooftop air conditioners while also reducing the electrical power input. At peak, the technology has been measured to reduce peak electrical demand for cooling by more than 40%.
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