The Efficiency Lab

We have concluded our initial testing, giving us the information we need to start installing combo systems in houses.  As the lab testing continues (as there are many more questions to be answered), we have already learned an amazing amount about how these systems work.  One very interesting take away thus far has been the importance of properly optimizing these systems once they are installed.  The balance of supply water temp, air flow, and pump speed (among other things) determines the return water temp; which has a dramatic effect on the overall efficiency of the system.  It is the understanding of complexities like these that makes us very thankful for this lab.

We are now testing our hydronic air handlers.  After connecting them we then vary the inlet water temperate, air fan speed, fluid pump speed, and the static pressure.  We can then get an accurate idea of how to size these units to insure that the heating needs of the house are met while allowing the heating plant to perform at its highest efficiency.

Here are two of our air handlers connected and fully instrumented

A few of the units we plan to install have a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) fully integrated as well as room for an air conditioning coil.  Conceptually we like this idea as it would allow you to properly ventilate your home without losing all the heat as you would with an exhaust only ventilation system.   We are eager to see how these units perform.

We were very pleased to be asked to present for the Minnesota Building Performance Association’s spring forum.  We gave an overview of single source heating, explained the technical specs of each unit in the lab, and laid out the basic scope of our research.  We also fired up some of the systems and showed real time performance data of both CH and DHW loads.  We had a great time and received a lot of positive feedback!

                                          www.mbpa.us

We are big supporters of the MBPA, which is a great organization that brings together a broad cross section of people interested in energy efficient homes.  Their membership is very multidisciplinary and includes building diagnosticians, mechanical and insulation contractors, academics, researchers, and more.        

We have added a BIG SCREEN to the lab!  We will be giving presentations and trainings based on our findings, and now can hold them in-house (popcorn not included). 

A single source heating system provides both the central heat (CH) and domestic hot water (DHW) for a home from a single burner.  Single Source Heating is a very broad term that encompasses many different systems, some of which we will detail more specifically later.  Generally speaking we like this approach for a number of reasons, namely it allows us to meet all the CH and DHW needs of a home with one sealed combustion, highly efficient burner.  Additionally, many units have modulating burners and outdoor sensors that allow them to act differently based on the weather and the needs of the house.  Collectively these technologies make these units safer, more adaptive, and cheaper to operate.

We have completed the installation of our 3 tank style heating plants and have begun our first tests.  The open space in the photo above is where we will eventually have hydronic air handlers after we have finished testing the heating plants. We are very excited to have things moving along.

Now that the venting and electrical systems are in place we can focus on connecting the water and gas lines.  The piping diagram for the lab is fairly complex and the folks from Aspen are doing an amazing job!