Objective
To monitor 10 heat pumps, type "GT 150 Leroy Somer" filled with Frimip (R) placed with private users for a whole heating season. Data recording is made both automatically using a Hewlett-Packard system and manually on a weekly basis.
Laboratory trials showed that a 20% gain in heating power could be achieved.
Due to the market conditions, only 8 pumps could be installed, instead of the planned 10. In spite of some recording difficulties, the pumps showed the same results in real life as in laboratory trials. Frimip caused no specific problem but required close attention as small variations in its mixture ratio diminish its properties, leading to additional after-sales requirements. Also leaks even micro-leaks can change the pump characteristics.
No sub-licence for the technology was granted by us. As a matter of fact, we are one of the licensees of the "Institut Francais du Petrole".
The heat pumps, all fitted with recording instruments and filled with non azeotropic fluid, were installed in users' homes in four selected regions of France :
1) the Paris region
2) Eastern France
3) Southern France
4) South-West France.
Each of these regions has a distinct climate of its own of which records are kept. It's therefore possible to extrapolate the results to other parts of France or Europe.
Details of the programme were worked out with the regional authorities concerned,who were asked to perform a number of specific tasks, including :
1. keeping a log book
2. recording certain data e.g. temperature, pressure, time in operation, etc.
3. noting any anomalies observed.
Three of the pumps were specially built and fitted with all the test points and sensors needed to keep track of any changes in their performance. First they were sent to the laboratory to ascertain their condition and exact performance figures on day zero. Arrangements were also made for connecting the temperature, pressure and other sensors to recording devices. The other seven pumps were fitted with simpler sensors to take periodic readings. One technician constantly monitored each of the ten pumps, recorded their performance and the readings taken, detected any anomalies and made any repairs necessary.
All the readings were passed on to the Leroy-Somer laboratory at Angouleme for processing.
Finally, a computer program written with the aid of engineers from the Institut Francais du Petrole (IFP) calculated the following data from readings and measurements recorded:
-heat output
-energy consumption
-coefficient of performance
-operating cycle, length and frequency
-temperatures of heating and cooling water
-operating pressure.
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
DEM - Demonstration contractsCoordinator
16015 ANGOULEME
France