Evaluation of the Duct Leakage Estimation Procedures of ASHRAE Standard 152P

Primary Author(s)

Florida Solar Energy Center
James Cummings, Florida Solar Energy Center

Secondary Author(s)

Withers Jr., Charles; Moyer, Neil

Report Number

FSEC-RR-239-00

URL

http://publications.energyresearch.ucf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FSEC-RR-239-00.pdf

Keywords

Ducts; Buildings; Air Flow, Duct leakage; ASHRAE Standard 152P; Residential thermal distribution systems; Duct system airtightness test; House pressure test; Duct leakage estimation; HVAC efficiency

Abstract

Research was performed at two houses to evaluate the duct system airtightness test (DSAT) and the house pressure test (HPT) duct leak estimation procedures of the proposed ASHRAE Standard 152P, Method of Test for Determining the Design and Seasonal Efficiencies of Residential Thermal Distribution Systems. Two hybrid estimation methodologies were also examined. Duct leaks were created so that direct measurement of duct leakage could be performed as a basis for comparison.In general the various test methods do not predict duct leakage accurately, with deviation of 24% of more (from measured leakage) for most test methods. Some deviation results from inaccurate characterization of duct operating pressure. The standard DSAT appears to predict duct leakage accurately when duct operating pressures are well known. However, accurately characterizing duct operating pressure is no trivial task; therefore, the prospect of accurately characterizing duct leakage using currently available methods appears to be uncertain.

Date Published

7-7-2000

Identifiers

632

Notes

Original Publication: Cummings, J., Withers, C., Moyer, N., "Evaluation of the Duct Leakage Estimation Procedures of ASHRAE Standard 152P",ASHRAE Transactions 2000, V. 106, July 7, 2000.

Preprint available, for discussion purposes only. Not to be reprinted in whole or in part without permission.

Subjects

Standards, Engineering; Heating--Standards; Air conditioning--Standards; Buildings--Thermal properties

Local Subjects

Buildings - Air Flow; Buildings - Ducts

Type

Text; Document

Collection

FSEC Energy Research Center® Collection

STARS Citation

Florida Solar Energy Center and Cummings, James, "Evaluation of the Duct Leakage Estimation Procedures of ASHRAE Standard 152P" (2000). FSEC Energy Research Center®. 632.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/fsec/632