Intertek Breaks Ground on First Multi-Split HVAC Test Facility in North America
28 Sep 2009
Dallas, TX facility leads safety and performance testing of next-generation, energy efficient HVAC products
Chicago, IL - Intertek, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification services, announced it has begun construction in its Dallas, TX laboratory of the first independent, North American test facility designed to support the unique testing needs of Multi-Split Air Conditioning & Heating Equipment. The new facility is uniquely constructed to conduct testing to the new AHRI 1230 Standard, “Performance Rating of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Multi-Split Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment”, developed by the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute. What’s more, the new facility provides manufacturers with third-party energy efficiency testing of Multi-Split Air Conditioning and Heating Equipment to Department of Energy (DOE) requirements. Many of these products are no longer waived under DOE minimum energy efficiency regulations.
Traditional “single-split” air conditioners connect a single outdoor condenser with a single indoor evaporator, which provides the cooling effect. Multi-split units connect a single outdoor condenser to multiple indoor evaporators; providing individually controlled cooling units for each room of the house or office. This greatly simplifies the installation of central air conditioning in a home or commercial building. In addition, it can enhance the system’s overall cost- and energy-efficiency. Multi-split systems have been widely used in Europe and Asia, and are now gaining popularity in the North American market.
To accommodate testing to the new AHRI 1230 Standard and DOE requirements, Intertek’s new facility will consist of four test chambers, capable of testing multi-split systems (single condenser and up to 8 evaporators) by configuring the test facility for one outdoor chamber and multiple indoor rooms.
“By working closely with AHRI and industry, Intertek is able to develop and deploy leading edge laboratories in step with advancing HVAC technologies,” said Gregg Tiemann, executive vice president of Intertek’s Commercial and Electrical division. “Our relationship with AHRI began in 1959, and our work in the HVAC industry long before that. Decades later we’re still on the forefront of HVAC testing and certification for product safety, performance and energy efficiency.”
The new test facility has been designed to meet the requirements of AHRI Standard 1230. Designed as a Quad Cell Psychrometric room, the facility will be equipped with controls and instrumentation required to produce performance ratings, and safety and reliability verification tests on air conditioners and heat pumps.
Contacts
Roy Strunin
Senior Marketing Manager
Telephone: 978-263-2662
roy.strunin@intertek.com
About Intertek
Intertek is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world.
From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace.
Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 24,000 people in more than 100 countries around the world.