4E TCP has developed a new test procedure to better reflect the benefits of dynamic load control, beyond a test which locks the fans and compressors at a fixed speed. This report provides the results of a round-robin testing across multiple international laboratories to evaluate the reproducibility and representativeness of this new Test Method for AC/HP products.

The key takeaways on the new 4E TCP test method:

• has high reproducibility. Comparing results from lab to lab, the coefficients of variance were below 10% in all but one test condition for one unit.
• is more representative than locked controls tests. The 4E Test Method highlights differences in efficiency when compared to locked-controls testing.
• has a higher test burden than locked controls tests; though a virtual building load can help improve the stability of units.

The 4E Test Method is already influencing test procedures. The United States regulatory test procedure for air conditioners and heat pumps now includes a controls verification procedure based on the 4E method. By incorporating a virtual building load, the research team expects the 4E Test Method will improve the representativeness of air conditioner and heat pump testing in other jurisdictions as well.

Download the report here.