Results of tests to characterise the performance of a gas-engine-driven air conditioner in an unoccupied research house with respect to system performance, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency are summarised for a one-storey house located in Chicago. The house had a living area of 1,150 ft2 on the first floor and had a full basement. The house was uninhabited during testing, although the presence of occupants was simulated. A computerised data acquisition system was used to obtain hourly data on weather, energy consumption, and comfort parameters. Testing of the gas-engine-driven air conditioner was performed between July and September 1988. Seasonal energy consumption was determined by correlating daily energy consumption with average daily outdoor temperature and annualising to a full cooling season using historical weather data. Dynamic response was based on statistical analysis of hourly data.

KEYWORDS: gas engines, unit air conditioners, performance, housing, research, testing, thermal comfort, energy, efficiency, USA, basements, calculating, weather, energy consumption, cooling load, summer, air conditioning