New Method of Testing Standard, High Performance Sequences Guideline Published, Two Standards Updated

From eSociety, June 2018

ASHRAE has added a new method of testing standard and a high performance sequence guideline to its library.

The new publications are ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 215-2018, Method of Test to Determine Leakage of Operating HVAC Air Distribution Systems, and ASHRAE Guideline 36-2018, High-Performance Sequences of Operation for HVAC Systems.

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 215-2018, Method of Test to Determine Leakage of Operating HVAC Air Distribution Systems, a new ASHRAE standard, specifies a method of test for determining leakage airflow and fractional leakage of operating HVAC air distribution systems.

The standard includes:

• test procedures and requirements for measuring inlet and outlet airflows during system operation,

• methods for calculating leakage airflows to/from system surroundings,

• methods for calculating leakage test uncertainties, methods for documenting the test plan

• and methods for reporting test results.

The test procedures are limited to single-duct supply and independent exhaust air systems.

ASHRAE Guideline 36-2018, High-Performance Sequences of Operation for HVAC Systems, provides uniform sequences of operation for HVAC systems that are intended to:

• maximize the systems' energy efficiency and performance,

• provide control stability

• and allow for real-time fault detection and diagnostics.

Standardized advanced control sequences provide benefits including:

• reduced engineering time,

• reduced programming and commissioning time,

• reduced energy consumption,

• improved indoor air quality

• and a common set of terms to facilitate communication between specifiers, contractors and operators.

Updated Standards

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.2-2018, Standard Methods for Air Velocity and Airflow Measurement, prescribes methods for air velocity and airflow measurement, including consideration of density effects.

The 2018 edition revises the 1987 edition of the standard. It was reaffirmed in 1992.

The newest version incorporates air velocity measurements in addition to airflow measurements, and the scope has been broadened to include field test measurements in addition to laboratory measurements.

The updated standard includes:

• New sections on  test requirements, measurement uncertainty calculations and test report.

• More airflow measurement methods.

• Updated nozzle airflow measurement test requirements and calculations

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 128-2018, Methods of Rating Portable Air Conditioners, establishes a uniform set of requirements for rating the cooling capacity of portable air conditioners. The previous edition of the standard was released in 2011.