This paper reports on laboratory and field investigation of the effect of refrigerant charge level on DX packaged air-conditioner electric power demand, cooling capacity, and energy efficiency. In the laboratory, numerous performance parameters were analyzed as refrigerant charge level was incrementally adjusted above and below the manufacturer nameplate charge amount at a range of operating conditions. Automated charging controls along with performance monitoring systems were installed on package units at field sites in three climate zones: 3A (temperate-humid), 3B (hot-dry), and 2A (hot-humid).
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