Measured effect of airflow and refrigerant charge on the seasonal performance of an air-source heat pump using R-410A

The objective of this study was to measure the effects of improper airflow and refrigerant charge on the seasonal performance of a typical 10.6 kW, R-410A residential heat pump with a thermostatic expansion valve.Heating and cooling tests were performed in combinations of three refrigerant charges of 75%, 100%, and 125% of nominal value and two airflows of 75% and 100% of rated airflow. In addition, cyclic tests were performed to estimate the heating and cooling seasonal coefficient of performance (COP) at six climate zones specified by Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Standard 210/240-2008. Results showed that, in each climate zone, increases in refrigerant charge at the rated airflow could improve the unit's heating seasonal COP by as much as 5%. However, combined decreases in airflow and refrigerant charge could penalize the unit's heating seasonal COP by as much as 10%.

► Seasonal heating COP varies strongly with climate zone.
► Improper charge and airflow penalizes the seasonal heating performance by up to 10%.
► Refrigerant overcharging improves the seasonal heating performance by up to 5%.