Design of test method and detailed ratings of variable air volume fan-coil units

The purpose of this paper is to proceed with a series of performance tests for variable air volume (VAV) fan-coil units to establish complete testing and rating procedures. Based on the guidelines described in ASHRAE standard 79-1984 (ANSI/ASHRAE 79-1984. Methods in testing for rating room fan-coil air conditioners) for constant air-volume (CAV) fan-coil units, we have proposed a unique testing method by considering VAV features and established a testing platform for VAV fan-coil units. It is expected that the difference between VAV and CAV fan-coil units can be differentiated as a result of using our proposed platform and procedures. The present VAV fan-coil units have proven to be very energy efficient through detailed ratings.