Short Summary
High-Efficiency
Single Phase Air Conditioner
Dr. Otto Smith
99-39
EISG Project Title: High-Efficiency Single Phase Air Conditioner
EISG Grant Number: 99-39
PIER Area: Building End-Use Efficiency
Principal Investigator: Otto Smith
Contact Information: (510) 525-9126 ojmsmith@earthlink.net
Organization: N/A
Grant Amount: $75,000
Grant Term: 18 months
Project Description:
The purpose of this project is to research the feasibility of a motor controller that enables high-efficiency three-phase air conditioners to be operated from a single-phase power source which is typical in residential and rural locations. Prototype controller will be fabricated and tested.
Proposed Outcomes:
· Prototype motor controller.
· Quantitative test data of three phase and single phase AC units operating on single phase power under controlled conditions.
· Feasibility analysis based on prototype performance.
Anticipated Benefits:
· Reduces air conditioning electrical consumption by 10%.
· Reduces voltage drop and current spike during start up.
· Improves power factor