Methods of Testing for Rating Water-Cooled Refrigerant Condensers

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 22-2007: Methods of Testing for Rating Water-Cooled Refrigerant Condensers

For engineers and designers working with HVAC and refrigeration systems, ensuring the accurate performance rating of critical components is paramount. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 22-2007, "Methods of Testing for Rating Water-Cooled Refrigerant Condensers," provides the essential framework for this crucial aspect of equipment verification. This industry-leading standard offers a comprehensive approach to testing and rating water-cooled refrigerant condensers, enabling consistent and reliable performance assessments.

What is ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 22-2007?

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 22-2007 establishes standardized methodologies for testing the thermal performance of water-cooled refrigerant condensers. Developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), its primary purpose is to provide a unified basis for obtaining consistent and comparable ratings of these vital heat exchangers. This ensures that manufacturers and users can accurately determine and verify condenser performance.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs the procedures and terminology used in testing water-cooled refrigerant condensers to determine their thermal performance. It outlines specific methods that can be employed to obtain reliable performance ratings. The scope is focused on defining the testing protocols for these specific types of condensers, including the terms used in their evaluation, and is not intended to cover the design or application of the condensers themselves, but rather their tested performance characteristics.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: HVAC Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Test Engineers, Product Development Engineers, and Building Systems Designers.
• • Industries affected: HVAC Manufacturing, Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing, Building Construction, Industrial Facilities, and Consulting Engineering firms.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but widely adopted for industry best practices and product certification.
• • Enforcement: Typically driven by market demand, product certification bodies, and contractual requirements.

Key Requirements Overview

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 22-2007 requires professionals to meticulously follow defined testing procedures to accurately assess condenser thermal performance. Key provisions include:

• • Standardized Terminology: The standard defines essential terms related to condenser operation and rating, ensuring clear communication among stakeholders.
• • Defined Test Methods: It prescribes specific, proven methods for conducting tests under controlled conditions to measure performance metrics.
• • Performance Data Collection: Professionals must ensure accurate measurement and recording of relevant parameters such as temperatures, pressures, and flow rates.
• • Rating Basis: The standard provides a framework for using test data to establish performance ratings, enabling comparative analysis.

Related Standards & References

This standard often complements other ASHRAE standards and industry practices. For instance, it works in conjunction with standards related to refrigerant properties and broader HVAC system design guidelines. While superseded by newer editions, understanding the foundational principles laid out in Standard 22-2007 remains essential for historical context and for projects that may still reference or be based on its methodologies. Professionals should consult the latest applicable ASHRAE standards for current requirements.