ET23SWE0069 - Light Commercial Variable Speed Heat Pump Performance Map

CPUC Resolution E-5221 (DEER2024) governs updates to the EE portfolio measures, and Section R directed program administrators to collect and update performance data for a variety of high efficiency variable capacity heat pump equipment (VCHPs) types (with and without heat recovery) in the deemed portfolio for PY2026-27 including light commercial VCHPs. Subsequent coordination with the CPUC and SDG&E agreed a focus on residential-grade equipment in 2023. In addition, CPUC seeks data for equipment charged with low-GWP refrigerants, which will impact essentially all HVAC equipment other than fossil fuel heating. Energy Solutions undertook an in-depth data gathering effort in 2023 to satisfy this regulatory requirement for <65,000 Btu/h “SEER2 class” equipment. Similar work is needed on commercial-grade equipment in 2024, including VRFs and light commercial unitary heat pumps with capacity >65,000 Btu/h. SDG&E, as Measure Lead, identified this as a pressing measure need, similar to other CalNEXT Fast Track projects performed previously on CPUC-requested measures. The Energy Solutions team will coordinate with SDG&E, CPUC, and other measure developers as stakeholders and collect the remaining performance data called for under E-5221.  

Variable capacity light commercial heat pumps are an important emerging technology for energy efficient building electrification and are a promising replacement to current Roof Top Unit (RTU) air conditioners with gas furnaces. VCHPs use variable speed compressors and fans to increase efficiency. Performance maps are required to properly model them in EnergyPlus. Current DEER performance maps only capture equipment features such as two-speed compressors and fans, which field data suggests performs differently than variable-speed.