ANSI/AHRI Standard 420

(Formerly ARI Standard 420)

2008 Standard for

Performance Rating of
Forced-Circulation
Free-Delivery Unit Coolers
for Refrigeration
 IMPORTANT

SAFETY DISCLAIMER
AHRI does not set safety standards and does not certify or guarantee the safety of any products, components or
systems designed, tested, rated, installed or operated in accordance with this standard/guideline. It is strongly
recommended that products be designed, constructed, assembled, installed and operated in accordance with
nationally recognized safety standards and code requirements appropriate for products covered by this
standard/guideline.

AHRI uses its best efforts to develop standards/guidelines employing state-of-the-art and accepted industry
practices. AHRI does not certify or guarantee that any tests conducted under its standards/guidelines will be
non-hazardous or free from risk.

Note:

This standard supersedes ARI Standard 420-2000.

©Copyright 2008, by Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute

Registered United States Patent and Trademark Office
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1 Purpose..............................................................................................................................1

Section 2 Scope .................................................................................................................................1

Section 3 Definitions.........................................................................................................................1

Section 4 Test Requirements ............................................................................................................3

Section 5 Rating Requirements .........................................................................................................4

Section 6 Minimum Data Requirements for Published Ratings .......................................................5

Section 7 Marking and Nameplate Data ...........................................................................................5

Section 8 Conformance Conditions ..................................................................................................5

TABLES

Table 1 Standard Rating Conditions ..............................................................................................3

Table 2 Instrumentation Accuracy .................................................................................................4

APPENDICES

Appendix A References – Normative ....................................................................................................6

Appendix B References – Informative ..................................................................................................6

Appendix C Methods of Testing Forced-Circulation Free-Delivery Unit Coolers for

Refrigeration – Normative ................................................................................................7

TABLES FOR APPENDICES

Table C1 Test Readings ....................................................................................................................9

Table C2 Additional Test Conditions .............................................................................................11

Table C3 Test Condition Tolerances ..............................................................................................11

Table C4 Refrigerant Temperature Tolerances .............................................................................................12

 FIGURES FOR APPENDICES

Figure C1 Method 1: DX – Dual Instrumentation ...........................................................................24

Figure C2 Method 2: DX – Calibrated Box. ....................................................................................25

Figure C3 Method 3: Liquid Overfeed ............................................................................................26

 ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

PERFORMANCE RATING OF FORCED-CIRCULATION

FREE-DELIVERY UNIT COOLERS FOR REFRIGERATION

Section 1. Purpose

1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to establish for Forced-Circulation Free-Delivery Unit Coolers for
Refrigeration: definitions; test requirements; rating requirements; minimum data requirements for Published Ratings; marking
and nameplate data; and conformance conditions.

1.1.1 Intent. This standard is intended for the guidance of the industry, including manufacturers, engineers,
installers, contractors, and users.

1.1.2 Review and Amendment. This standard is subject to review and amendment as technology advances.

Section 2. Scope

2.1 Scope. This standard applies to factory-made, Forced-Circulation, Free-Delivery Unit Coolers, as defined in Section 3,
operating with a Volatile Refrigerant fed by either direct expansion or liquid overfeed at wet and/or dry conditions.

2.1.1 Exclusions. This standard does not apply to:

2.1.1.1 Air-conditioning units used primarily for comfort cooling for which testing methods are given in
other standards.

2.1.1.2 Unit Coolers operating at latent load conditions with Refrigerant Saturation Temperature < 32 ºF
[0.0 ºC] to prevent frost.

2.1.1.3 Unit Coolers installed in or connected to ductwork.

2.1.1.4 Unit Coolers using zeotropic refrigerants with Glides greater than 2.0 ºF [1.1 ºC].

2.1.1.5 Field testing of Unit Coolers.

Section 3. Definitions

All terms in this document follow the standard industry definitions in the current edition of ASHRAE Terminology of
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration unless otherwise defined in this section.

3.1 Dew Point. Refrigerant vapor saturation temperature at a specified pressure.

3.2 Enthalpy Difference (HD). The difference between the enthalpy of the air entering the Unit Cooler and the calculated
enthalpy of saturated air at the Refrigerant Saturation Temperature at the Unit Cooler outlet, Btu/lb [J/kg].

3.3 Forced-Circulation Free-Delivery Unit Coolers (Unit Coolers). A factory-made assembly, including means for forced
air circulation and elements by which heat is transferred from air to refrigerant without any element external to the cooler
imposing air resistance. These may also be referred to as Air Coolers, Cooling Units, Air Units or Evaporators.

3.3.1 Direct Expansion Unit Cooler. A Unit Cooler in which the leaving refrigerant vapor is superheated.

3.3.2 Liquid Overfeed Unit Cooler. A Unit Cooler in which the refrigerant liquid is supplied at a Recirculation
Rate greater than 1.

3.4 Glide. The absolute value of the difference between the starting and ending temperatures of a phase-change process
(condensation or evaporation) for a zeotropic refrigerant exclusive of any liquid subcooling or vapor superheating.
1
ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

3.5 Gross Total Cooling Effect (Cooling Capacity). The heat absorbed by the refrigerant, Btu/h [W]. This is the sum of
the Net Total Cooling Effect and the heat equivalent of the energy required to operate the Unit Cooler. This includes both
sensible and latent cooling.

3.6 Net Total Cooling Effect. The refrigeration capacity available for space and product cooling, Btu/h [W]. It is equal to
the Gross Total Cooling Effect less the heat equivalent of energy required to operate the Unit Cooler. This includes both
sensible and latent cooling.

3.7 Overfeed Ratio. The mass ratio of liquid to vapor at the outlet of the Liquid Overfeed Unit Cooler. This may also be
referred to as overfeed rate.

3.8 Published Rating. A statement of the assigned values of those performance characteristics, under stated Rating
Conditions, by which a unit may be chosen to fit its application. These values apply to all units of like nominal size and type
(identification) produced by the same manufacturer. The term Published Rating includes the rating of all performance
characteristics shown on the unit or published in specifications, advertising or other literature, controlled by the
manufacturer, at stated Rating Conditions.

3.8.1 Application Rating. A rating at conditions other than Standard Rating Conditions.

3.8.2 Standard Rating. A rating at one of the Standard Rating Conditions shown in Table 1 that is an accurate
representation of test data.

3.9 Rated Power.

3.9.1 For single phase motors, total fan motor input power, W or kW.

3.9.2 For polyphase motors, individual fan motor output power, hp [kW].

3.10 Rating Conditions. Any set of operating conditions under which a single level of performance results and which
causes only that level of performance to occur.

3.10.1 Standard Rating Conditions. Rating Conditions listed in Table 1 that can be used as a basis of comparison
for performance characteristics.

3.10.1.1 Dry Rating Condition. Rating Condition where latent cooling is not present.

3.10.1.2 Wet Rating Condition. Rating Condition where both sensible and latent cooling are present and
the coil surface temperature is above freezing.

3.11 Recirculation Ratio. (Recirculation Rate) The mass ratio of liquid circulated to the amount of liquid vaporized.

3.12 Refrigerant Saturation Temperature. Refrigerant temperature at the Unit Cooler inlet or outlet determined either by
measuring the temperature at the outlet of the two-phase refrigerant flow, for a Liquid Overfeed Unit Cooler, or by measuring
refrigerant pressure and determining the corresponding temperature from reference thermodynamic tables or equations for the
refrigerant ºF [ºC]. For zeotropic refrigerants, the corresponding temperature to a measured pressure is the refrigerant Dew
Point.

3.13 “Shall” or “Should”. “Shall” or “Should” shall be interpreted as follows:

3.13.1 Shall. Where “shall” or “shall not” is used for a provision specified, that provision is mandatory if
compliance with the standard is claimed.

3.13.2 Should. “Should” is used to indicate provisions which are not mandatory but which are desirable as good
practice.

3.14 Standard Air Conditions. Dry air at 70 ºF [21 ºC] and absolute pressure 29.92 in Hg [101.3 kPa]. Under these
conditions, dry air has a mass density of 0.075 lb/ft3 [1.2 kg/m3].

2
 ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

3.15 Steady-State Conditions. An operating state of a system, including its surroundings, in which the extent of change
with time is within the limits specified in Tables C3 and C4.

3.16 Temperature Difference (TD). The difference between the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the Unit Cooler
and the Refrigerant Saturation Temperature at the unit cooler outlet, ºF [ºC].

3.17 Test Measurement. The reading of a specific test instrument at a specific point in time. The Test Measurement may
be averaged with other measurements of the same parameter at the same time to determine a Test Reading or averaged over
the duration of the test to determine the value for the Test Run.

3.18 Test Reading. The recording of one full set of the Test Measurements required to assess the performance of the test
unit.

3.19 Test Run. Test Readings compiled during Unit Cooler operation during which steady-state conditions have been
maintained. It shall last for a minimum of 30 minutes with at least 15 consecutive Test Readings, all of which shall comply
with the requirements of Tables C1, C2, C3 and C4. It includes all the information required to determine Unit Cooler
performance at a specific rating condition.

3.20 Test Series. A group of Test Runs, performed on the same test unit, to determine performance at all required rating
conditions.

3.21 Volatile Refrigerant. A refrigerant which changes from liquid to vapor in the process of absorbing heat.

Section 4. Test Requirements

4.1 Test Requirements. All Standard Ratings of Unit Coolers shall be verified by tests conducted at Standard Rating
Conditions in accordance with one of the methods set forth in Appendix C.

Table 1. Standard Rating Conditions

Entering Air Refrigerant
Temperature
Condition Coil Dry-bulb Wet-bulb Relative Dew Point Saturation
Difference
number condition temperature temperature humidity1 temperature1 Temperature2
ºF ºC ºF ºC % ºF ºC ºF ºC ºF ºC
1 Wet 50 10 46.1 7.83 75 - - 35 1.7 15 8.3
2 Dry 50 10 - - < 45 < 30 < -1.1 35 1.7 15 8.3
3 Dry 35 1.7 - - < 50 < 20 < -6.7 25 -3.9 10 5.6
4 Dry 10.0 -12.2 - - < 46 < -5.0 < -21 0.00 -17.8 10 5.6
5 Dry -10.0 -23.3 - - < 43 < -25 < 32 -20.0 -28.9 10 5.6
Notes:

1. The dry coil condition can be confirmed by measuring either the entering air dew point or relative humidity according to
the instrumentation requirements of Table 2. At wet coil condition, relative humidity is for reference only.

2. Measured at coil outlet.

4.1.1 All regularly furnished equipment that will affect performance shall be in place during the test.

4.1.2 The refrigerant used during the test shall be one that is published for use with the Unit Cooler.

4.1.3 Each Standard Rating test shall be performed at either 50 Hz or 60 Hz and at the highest rated voltage as
specified by the manufacturer on the unit or motor nameplate.

4.1.4 Instrumentation Requirements. Precision instruments and automated electronic data acquisition equipment
shall be used to measure and record temperature, pressure and refrigerant flow rate test parameters. The use of
advanced technologies or methods of measurement not described in this appendix are acceptable, provided the
accuracy requirements of this appendix are achieved by the alternative method.

3
 ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

4.1.4.1 Calibration All measuring instruments and instrument systems (e.g. data acquisition coupled to
temperature, pressure, or flow sensors) shall be calibrated by comparison to primary or secondary standards
with calibrations traceable to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) measurements, other
recognized national laboratories, or derived from accepted values of natural physical constants. All test
instruments shall be calibrated annually, whenever damaged, or when the accuracy is called into question.

4.1.4.2 Selection and Accuracy. All measuring instruments shall be selected to meet or exceed the
accuracy criteria listed in Table 2 for each type of measurement.

Table 2. Instrumentation Accuracy

Minimum Accuracy
Measurement Medium Instrument Examples
I-P SI
Air dry-bulb Resistance Temperature Device (RTD)
Air wet-bulb ± 0.10 °F ± 0.06 °C Thermistor
Refrigerant liquid
Temperature
Refrigerant vapor ± 0.5 °F ± 0.3 °C Special calibrated thermocouple
Air Dew Point ± 0.5 °F ± 0.3 °C Chilled mirror hygrometer
Others ± 1.0 °F ± 0.6 °C Liquid-in-glass thermometer
1
Relative humidity Air ± 3 % points rh Capacitive or resistive rh sensor
Pressure Pressure
corresponding to corresponding to
Refrigerant ± 0.2 °F of ± 0.1 °C of Transducer
Pressure saturation saturation
temperature temperature
± 0.05 inches of
Air 169 Pa Barometer
mercury
Flow Refrigerant 1 % of reading Mass flow meter
Liquids 1 % of reading Venturi
Motor
Power meter
kilowatts/amperes/voltage
Electrical 1 % of reading Amp probe
Auxiliary kilowatt input (e.g.
heater) Multimeter
Speed Motor / fan shaft 1 % of reading Tachometer
Weight Oil / refrigerant solution 0.5 % of reading Gravimeter (scale or analytical balance)
Specific Gravity Brine 1 % of reading Hydrometer

Time Hours / minutes / seconds 0.5 % of time interval Electronic clock

Note:

1. Relative humidity and air dew point measurements are intended to confirm the dry coil condition for test condition
numbers 2 through 5.

Section 5. Rating Requirements

5.1 Standard Ratings. Standard Ratings shall include Rated Power and Gross Total Cooling Effect established at all
applicable Standard Rating Conditions specified in Table 1.

5.2 Application Ratings. Application Ratings shall include Rated Power and Gross Total Cooling Effect at conditions
other than Standard Rating Conditions. Application Ratings with Refrigerant Saturation Temperatures below 32 ˚F [0.0 ˚C]

4
 ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

shall be rated at dry conditions. Application Ratings published by the manufacturer shall be clearly identified as Application
Ratings.

5.3 Tolerances. To comply with this standard, any representative production unit selected at random, when tested at the
Standard Rating Conditions, shall have a Gross Total Cooling Effect not less than 95 % of its published Standard Rating and
not exceed 105 % of its Rated Power.

Section 6. Minimum Data Requirements for Published Ratings

6.1 Minimum Data Requirements for Published Ratings. As a minimum, Published Ratings shall include all Standard
Ratings at which the unit will be produced, marketed or sold. All claims to ratings for products within the scope of this
standard shall be accompanied by the statement “Rated in accordance with ARI Standard 420.” All claims to ratings outside
the scope of this standard shall include the statement “Outside the scope of ARI Standard 420.” Wherever Application
Ratings are published or printed, they shall include a statement of the conditions at which the ratings apply.

6.2 Required Published Ratings. All published Standard Ratings and Application Ratings shall include:

a. Model Number
b. Gross Total Cooling Effect, Btu/h [W]
c. Temperature Difference, ºF [ºC]
d. Refrigerant designation(s) in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34 with Addenda
e. Refrigerant Saturation Temperature, ºF [ºC]
f. Rated Power W [kW] or hp [kW]
g. Number of motors
h. Coil fin density, fins per inch or coil fin spacing [mm]; Actual fin density or fin spacing shall be within 10 %
of published values.
i. Airflow rate, cfm [m3/s]

6.3 Recommended Published Ratings. It is recommended that the following data be published in addition to the required
Published Ratings per Section 6.2:

a. Type of defrost
b. Unit Cooler motor current, A; voltage, V; and frequency, Hz
c. Defrost heater power, W; and voltage, V (if used)

Section 7. Marking and Nameplate Data

7.1 Marking and Nameplate Data. As a minimum, the manufacturer name or trade-name; model number; refrigerant(s);
current, A; voltage, V; frequency, Hz; and phase shall be shown in a conspicuous place on the unit.

Nameplate voltages for 60 Hertz systems shall include one or more of the equipment nameplate voltage ratings shown in
Table 1 of ARI Standard 110. Nameplate voltages for 50 Hertz systems shall include one or more of the utilization voltages
shown in Table 1 of IEC Standard Publication 60038.

Section 8. Conformance Conditions

8.1 Conformance. While conformance with this standard is voluntary, conformance shall not be claimed or implied for
products or equipment within the standard’s Purpose (Section 1) and Scope (Section 2) unless such product claims meet all
of the requirements of the standard and all of the testing and rating requirements are measured and reported in complete
compliance with the standard. Any product that has not met all the requirements of the standard shall not reference, state, or
acknowledge the standard in any written, oral, or electronic communication.

5
ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

APPENDIX A. REFERENCES – NORMATIVE

A1. Listed here are all standards, handbooks and other publications essential to the formation and implementation of the
standard. All references in this appendix are considered as part of the standard except where deviations are noted.

A1.1 ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2007, Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants, 2007, American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329,
U.S.A.

A1.2 ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.1-1986 (RA 2006), Standard Method for Temperature Measurement, 2006,
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle, N.E., Atlanta,
GA 30329, U.S.A.

A1.3 ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.3-1989, Standard Method for Pressure Measurement, 1989, American Society
of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329, U.S.A.

A1.4 ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.4-1996 (RA 2006), Standard Method for Measurement of Proportion of
Lubricant in Liquid Refrigerant, 2006, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers,
Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329, U.S.A.

A1.5 ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.10-2003, Flow Meter Test Methods for Mass Flow Measurements of Volatile
Refrigerants, 2003, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie
Circle, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329, U.S.A.

A1.6 AHRI Standard 110-2002 (formerly ARI Standard 110-2002), Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Equipment
Nameplate Voltages, 2002, Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, 2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 500,
Arlington, VA 22201, U.S.A.

A1.7 ASHRAE Handbook Fundamentals, 2005, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning
Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329, U.S.A.

A1.8 ASHRAE Psychrometric Analysis software, version 6, 2007, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and
Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329, U.S.A.

A1.9 ASHRAE Terminology of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Second Edition, 1991,
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle, N.E., Atlanta,
GA, 30329, U.S.A.

A1.10 IEC Standard Publication 60038-2002, IEC Standard Voltages, 2002, International Electrotechnical
Commission, 3, rue de Varembé, P.O. Box 131, CH - 1211 GENEVA 20, Switzerland.

A1.11 NIST Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties, REFPROP, Version 8.0, 2007, National
Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO 80303, USA.

APPENDIX B. REFERENCES – INFORMATIVE

B1. Listed here are standards, handbooks, and other publications that may provide useful information and background but
are not considered essential. References in this appendix are not considered part of the standard.

B1.1 Ammonia Refrigeration Piping Handbook, 2000, International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration, 1110
North Glebe Road, Suite 250, Arlington, VA 22201, U.S.A.

B1.2 ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.9-2000 (RA 2006), Calorimeter Test Methods for Mass Flow Measurements of
Volatile Refrigerants, 2006, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1791
Tullie Circle, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329, U.S.A.

6
 ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

APPENDIX C. METHODS OF TESTING

FORCED-CIRCULATION FREE-DELIVERY UNIT COOLERS
FOR REFRIGERATION – NORMATIVE

C1. Purpose. The purpose of this appendix is to provide a method of testing for Forced-Circulation Free-Delivery Unit
Coolers for Refrigeration.

C2. Scope. These methods of testing apply to factory-made, Forced-Circulation, Free-Delivery Unit Coolers, as defined in
Section 3, operating with a Volatile Refrigerant fed by either direct expansion or liquid overfeed at wet and/or dry conditions.

C2.1 Exclusions. These methods of testing do not apply to:

C2.1.1 Air-conditioning units used primarily for comfort cooling for which testing methods are given in
other standards.

C2.1.2 Unit Coolers operating at latent load conditions with Refrigerant Saturation Temperature < 32 ºF
[0.0 ºC] to prevent frost

C2.1.3 Unit Coolers installed in or connected to ductwork

C2.1.4 Unit Coolers using zeotropic refrigerants with Glides greater than 2.0 ºF [1.1 ºC]

C2.1.5 Field Testing of Unit Coolers

C3. Measurements

C3.1 Refer to ARI 420 Table 2 for required instrumentation accuracy.

C3.2 Temperature Measurements

C3.2.1 Temperature measurements shall be made in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.1.

C3.2.2 Air wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures entering the Unit Cooler shall be measured based on the
airflow area at the point of measurement. One measuring station is required for each 2.0 ft2 [0.19 m2] of the
first 10.0 ft2 [0.93 m2] of airflow area and one additional measuring station is required for each 4.0 ft2 [0.27
m2] of airflow area above 10.0 ft2 [0.93 m2]. A minimum of two stations shall be used and the number of
measuring stations shall be rounded up to the next whole number.

C3.2.3 The airflow area shall be divided into the required number of equal area rectangles with aspect
ratios no greater than 2 to 1. Additional measuring stations may be necessary to meet this requirement. The
measuring stations shall be located at the geometric center of each rectangle.

C3.2.4 The maximum allowable deviation between any two air temperature measurement stations shall be
2.0 °F [1.1 °C].

C3.2.5 If sampling tubes are used, each tube opening may be considered a temperature measuring station
provided the openings are uniformly spaced along the tube, the airflow rates entering each port are relatively
uniform (± 15%) and the arrangement of tubes complies with the location requirements of C3.2.3.
Additionally, a one time temperature traverse shall be made over the measurement surface, prior to the test to
assess the temperature variation and ensure it complies with the allowable deviation specified in C3.2.4.
(Refer to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.1 for more information and diagrams).

C3.2.6 Refrigerant temperatures entering and leaving the Unit Cooler shall be measured by a temperature
measuring instrument placed in a thermometer well and inserted into the refrigerant stream. These wells shall
be filled with non-solidifying, thermal conducting liquid or paste to ensure the temperature sensing

7
ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

instrument is exposed to a representative temperature. The entering temperature of the refrigerant shall be
measured within six pipe diameters upstream of the control device.

C3.3 Pressure Measurements. Connections for pressure measurements shall be smooth and flush within the pipe
wall and shall be located not less than six pipe diameters downstream from fittings, bends, or obstructions. (Refer to
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.3 for more information and diagrams).

C3.4 Volatile Refrigerant Flow Measurement

C3.4.1 Refrigerant flow meters shall be installed and the flow rate of Volatile Refrigerants shall be
measured in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.10.

C3.4.1.1 Refrigerant liquid must be sub-cooled both upstream and downstream of the meter to
ensure the liquid remains single phase.

C3.4.1.2 Refrigerant vapor must be superheated both upstream and downstream of the meter
to ensure the vapor remains single phase.

C3.4.1.3 Flow meters shall be installed with at least ten pipe diameters upstream and five
diameters downstream of the meter, in straight pipe free of valves and fittings, or in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.

C3.4.1.4 A direct reading mass-flow-rate measuring device, such as a Coriolis meter, is the
preferred instrument for measuring the refrigerant flow rate. Other flow meters that demonstrate
the capability to measure flow rate with the specified accuracy are also acceptable.

C3.5 Oil-in-Refrigerant Mass Ratio Measurement. The ratio of oil to refrigerant shall be less than 1 % by weight.
Unless the system does not contain refrigerant oil, tests for oil concentration shall be made a minimum of once per
Test Series per ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.4.

C3.6 Rated Power Measurement. Prior to conducting a capacity Test Series, the following shall be measured and
recorded, refer to Section C11.1.

E Total electrical power input to fan motor(s) of Unit Cooler, W [W]

FS Fan speed (s), rpm [rev/s]
N Number of motors
Pb Barometric pressure, in Hg [kPa]
Tdb Dry-bulb temperature of air at inlet, °F [°C]
Twb Wet-bulb temperature of air at inlet, °F [°C]
V Voltage of each phase, V [V]

For a given motor winding configuration, the total power input shall be measured at the highest nameplated voltage.
For three-phase power, voltage imbalance shall be no more than 2 %.

8
 ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

C3.7 Measurement Intervals. Measurement intervals shall be in accordance with Table C1.

Table C1. Test Readings

Minimum Data
Minimum Number
Collection Rate,
Test Parameter of Test Readings
Test Readings per
per Test Run 2
Hour

Temperature 30 15
Pressure 30 15
Refrigerant mass flow rate 30 15
Test room barometric pressure 1 1
Fan speed(s) 1 1
Total electrical power input to fan motor(s)1 3 2
Total electrical power input to heater and
3 2
auxiliary equipment 1
Notes:

1. For calibrated box only (Method 2)

2. Duration of test run shall be a minimum of 30 minutes

C4. Unit Cooler General Data. The following data shall be recorded, where applicable, for each unit tested, including the
units of measurement used:

C4.1 Physical data

a. Manufacturer name and address

b. Identification number (model/serial)
c. Size (external dimensions), in × in × in [mm × mm × mm]
d. Nameplate motor data (for each motor)
1. Type
2. Frame size
3. Power, hp [kW]
4. Speed, rpm [rev/s]
5. Voltage, V
6. Amps, A
7. Phase
8. Frequency, Hz
9. Efficiency (NEMA nominal or manufacturer’s certificate for polyphase motors)
10. Manufacturer
11. Serial number or manufacturer identification number
e. Fan data
1. Diameter, in [mm]
2. Width (centrifugal fans only), in [mm]
3. Speed, rpm [rev/s]
4. Number of blades
5. Manufacturer
6. Model number or part number
7. Number of fans

9
ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

f. Cooling coil data

1. Finned length, in [mm]
2. Fin height and depth, in [mm]
3. Number of rows deep
4. Number of tubes high
5. Fin density, fins per inch or fin spacing, mm based on total fin count
6. If fins are staged, fin density per stage, fins per inch or fin spacing per stage [mm]
7. Measured fin material thickness, in [mm] {Note: fin thickness for hot dipped galvanized coils will
vary.}
8. Fin material
9. Finished fin geometry
10. Tube material
11. Tube description {i.e. outside diameter (or equivalent), enhancements}
12. Number of refrigerant circuits
13. Coil or fin coatings
g. Accessories (e.g. louvers, distributor orifice, grills)

C4.2 Specific to the test

a. Test location, test company and address

b. Method of test
c. Date and time of Test Run
d. Names of observers – responsible engineers and all data takers
e. Published Gross Total Cooling Effect at Standard Rating Conditions, Btu/h [W]
f. Refrigerant
g. Recirculation Ratio (Method 3) - manufacturer specified
h. Refrigerant flow rate, lbm/h [kg/s] (Method 3) - manufacturer specified

C5. Methods of Testing. The Gross Total Cooling Effect of Unit Coolers shall be determined by one of the following
methods. In all methods, the reported Gross Total Cooling Effect, qt, shall be the average of two independent determinations.

C5.1 Method 1, DX Dual Instrumentation. The Cooling Capacity shall be determined by measuring the enthalpy
change and the mass flow rate of the refrigerant across the Unit Cooler using two independent measuring systems.

C5.2 Method 2, DX Calibrated Box. The Cooling Capacity shall be determined concurrently by measuring the
enthalpy change and the mass flow rate of the refrigerant across the Unit Cooler and the heat input to the calibrated
box.

C5.3 Method 3, Liquid Overfeed. The Cooling Capacity shall be determined by measuring the enthalpy change and
the mass flow rate of the refrigerant across the Unit Cooler and also measured with a condenser calorimeter. The
refrigerant outlet pressure shall be measured and the corresponding Refrigerant Saturation Temperature shall agree
with the measured temperature within 0.2 °F [0.1 °C]. The Recirculation Ratio and refrigerant flow rate through Unit
Cooler shall be specified by the manufacturer.

C6. Test Chamber Dimensions. The Unit Cooler shall be installed in a room of sufficient size to avoid airflow restrictions
or recirculation such that:

a. No obstacle is positioned within a distance of 2 AB from the discharge of the Unit Cooler, where A and B are
the air inlet dimensions, in [mm] per fan section of the Unit Cooler.

b. All other distances correspond to the minimum requirements of the installation instructions provided by the
manufacturer.

c. The minimum volume, ft3 [m3], of the test chamber shall be 20 % [1200 %] of the airflow rate, ft3/min [m3/s]
produced by the Unit Cooler together with all auxiliary air moving devices that operate simultaneously with the Unit
Cooler.

10
 ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

C7. General Test Conditions. Test acceptance criteria listed in Tables C2, C3 and C4 apply to all methods of test:

Table C2. Additional Test Conditions

Inlet Saturation Temperature
Condition Inlet Subcooling Outlet Superheat
Method Excluding R-717 R-717 only
Number
ºF ºC ºF ºC ºF ºC ºF ºC
1, 2 All 105 40.5 95 35 15 8.3 6.5 3.6
1 40 4.4 40 4.4 3 1.7 - -
2 40 4.4 40 4.4 3 1.7 - -
3 3 30 -1.1 30 -1.1 3 1.7 - -
4 7.0 -14.0 7.0 -14.0 4 2.2 - -
5 -10 -23 -10 -23 6 3.3 - -

Table C3. Test Condition Tolerances

Allowable Deviation of Average Test
Test Condition Stability Over Test Run
Temperatures from Standard Rating
Duration
Variable Description Conditions
Dry Condition Wet Condition Dry Condition Wet Condition
ºF ºC ºF ºC ºF ºC ºF ºC
Dry-bulb Temperature - - - - ± 1.0 ± 0.6 ± 1.0 ± 0.6
Wet-bulb Temperature - - ± 0.5 ± 0.3 - - ± 0.5 ± 0.3
Dew Point Temperature - - - - + 0.0 + 0.0 - -
Temperature Difference ± 0.51 ± 0.31 ± 0.51 ± 0.31 - - - -
Refrigerant Flow Rate ± 3.0 % - - - -

Note:

1. The Dry-bulb temperature tolerance is set by the Temperature Difference.

11
ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

Table C4. Refrigerant Temperature Tolerances

Allowable Deviation of Average Test
Test Condition Stability Over Test Run
Temperatures from Standard Rating
Duration
Variable Description Conditions
Methods 1, 2 Method 3 Methods 1, 2 Method 3
ºF ºC ºF ºC ºF ºC ºF ºC
Inlet Saturation
± 5.0 ± 2.8 ± 2.0 ± 1.1 ± 2.5 ± 1.4 ± 1.0 ± 0.6
Temperature
Inlet Subcooling ± 5.0 ± 2.8 ± 1.0 1 ± 0.6 1 ± 2.0 ± 1.1 ± 1.0 ± 0.6
Outlet Saturation
- - - - ± 0.5 ± 0.3 ± 0.5 ± 0.3
Temperature
Outlet Superheat ± 1.5 ± 0.8 - - ± 1.0 ± 0.6 - -

Note:

1. For Test Condition 5, ± 2.0 ºF [± 1.1 ºC].

C8. DX Dual Instrumentation Test Procedure (Method 1)

C8.1 Test Setup and Procedure. Refer to Section C6, C7 and Figure C1 for specific test setup.

C8.2 Data to be Measured and Recorded

C8.2.1 Air side (as required for dry or wet coil conditions)

FS Fan speed (s), rpm [rev/s]

Pb Barometric pressure, in Hg [kPa]
rh Air inlet relative humidity
Tdb Dry-bulb temperature of air at inlet, °F [°C]
Tdp Dew point temperature of air at inlet, °F [°C]
Twb Wet-bulb temperature of air at inlet, °F [°C]

C8.2.2 Refrigerant side

P0a, P0b Pressure of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering the expansion valve, psi [kPa]
P2a, P2b Pressure of superheated refrigerant vapor leaving the Unit Cooler, psi [kPa]
t0a, t0b Temperature of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering the expansion valve, °F [°C]
t2a, t2b Temperature of superheated refrigerant vapor leaving the Unit Cooler, °F [°C]
wv1 Mass flow rate of subcooled refrigerant liquid through M1, lbm/h [kg/s]
wv2 Mass flow rate of subcooled refrigerant liquid through M2 or superheated refrigerant
vapor through M2ALT, lbm/h [kg/s]

C8.3 Calculations (refer to Section C11 for calculated values)

C8.3.1 For each independent refrigerant mass flow measurement at a Dry Rating Condition, calculate the
Gross Total Cooling Effect, refer to C12.1.1.

C8.3.2 For each independent refrigerant mass flow measurement at a Wet Rating Condition, calculate the
Gross Total Cooling Effect, refer to C12.1.2.

C8.3.3 Calculate the Gross Total Cooling Effect and heat balance, refer to C12.1.3 and C12.1.4.

12
 ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

C9. DX Calibrated Box Test Procedure (Method 2)

C9.1 Test Setup and Procedure. Refer to Section C6, C7 and Figure C2 for specific test setup.

C9.1.1 Apparatus Setup for Calibrated Box Calibration and Test

C9.1.1.1 The calibrated box shall be installed in a temperature controlled enclosure in which
the temperature can be maintained at a constant level.

C9.1.1.2 The temperature controlled enclosure shall be of a size that will provide clearances
of not less than 18 in [457 mm] at all sides, top and bottom, except that clearance of any one
surface may be reduced to not less than 5.5 in [140 mm].

C9.1.1.3 In no case shall the heat leakage of the calibrated box exceed 30 % of the Gross
Total Cooling Effect of the Unit Cooler under test. The ability to maintain a low temperature in
the temperature controlled enclosure will reduce the heat leakage into the calibrated box and may
extend its application range.

C9.1.1.4 Refrigerant lines within the calibrated box shall be well insulated to avoid
appreciable heat loss or gain.

C9.1.1.5 Instruments for measuring the temperature around the outside of the calibrated box
shall be located at the center of each wall, ceiling, and floor at a distance of 6 in [150 mm] from
the calibrated box. Exception: in the case where a clearance around the outside of the calibrated
box, as indicated above, is reduced to less than 18 in [457 mm], the number of temperature
measuring devices on the outside of that surface shall be increased to six, which shall be treated as
a single temperature to be averaged with the temperature of each of the other five surfaces. When
the clearance is reduced below 12 in [305 mm] (one surface only), the temperature measuring
instruments shall be located midway between the outer wall of the calibrated box and the adjacent
wall. The six temperature measuring instruments shall be located at the center of six rectangular
sections of equal area.

C9.1.1.6 Heating means inside the calibrated box shall be shielded or installed in a manner to
avoid radiation to the Unit Cooler, the temperature measuring instruments, and to the walls of the
box. The heating means shall be constructed to avoid stratification of temperature, and suitable
means shall be provided for distributing the temperature uniformly.

C9.1.1.7 The average air dry-bulb temperature in the calibrated box during Unit Cooler tests
and calibrated box heat leakage tests shall be the average of eight temperatures measured at the
corners of the box at a distance of 2 in to 4 in [50 mm to 100 mm] from the walls. The
instruments shall be shielded from any cold or warm surfaces except that they shall not be
shielded from the adjacent walls of the box. The Unit Cooler under test shall be mounted such
that the temperature instruments are not in the direct air stream from the discharge of the Unit
Cooler.

C9.1.2 Calibration of the Calibrated Box. A calibration test shall be made for the maximum and the
minimum forced air movements expected in the use of the calibrated box. The calibration heat leakage shall
be plotted as a straight line function of these two air quantities and the curve shall be used as calibration for
the box.

C9.1.2.1 The heat input shall be adjusted to maintain an average box temperature not less than
25.0 ºF [13.8 ºC] above the test enclosure temperature.

C9.1.2.2 The average dry-bulb temperature inside the calibrated box shall not vary more than
1.0 ºF [0.6 ºC] over the course of the calibration test.

C9.1.2.3 A calibration test shall be the average of eleven consecutive hourly readings when
the box has reached a steady-state temperature condition.

13
ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

C9.1.2.4 The box temperature shall be the average of all readings after a steady-state
temperature condition has been reached.

C9.1.2.5 The calibrated box has reached a steady-state temperature condition when:

1. The average box temperature is not less than 25.0 ºF [13.8 ºC] above the test
enclosure temperature.

2. Temperature variations do not exceed 5.0 ºF [2.8 ºC] between temperature

measuring stations.

3. Temperatures do not vary by more than 2.0 ºF [1.1 ºC] at any one temperature-
measuring station.

C9.2 Data to be Measured and Recorded

C9.2.1 Air Side (as required for dry coil conditions)

E Total electrical power input to fan motor(s) of Unit Cooler, W [W]

FS Fan speed (s), rpm [rev/s]
Pb Barometric pressure, in Hg [kPa]
rh Air inlet relative humidity
Tcb Average dry-bulb temperature of air within the calibrated box, °F [°C]
Tdb Dry-bulb temperature of air at inlet, °F [°C]
Tdp Dew point temperature of air at inlet, °F [°C]
Ten Average dry-bulb temperature of air within the temperature controlled enclosure, °F [°C]
Twb Wet-bulb temperature of air at inlet, °F [°C]

C9.2.2 Heat load provided to calibrated box

Ec Total electrical power input to heater and auxiliary equipment, W [W]

C9.2.3 Refrigerant Side

P0 Pressure of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering the expansion valve, psi [kPa]
P2 Pressure of superheated refrigerant vapor leaving the Unit Cooler, psi [kPa]
t0 Temperature of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering the expansion valve, °F [°C]
t2 Temperature of superheated refrigerant vapor leaving the Unit Cooler, °F [°C]
wv1 Mass flow rate of subcooled refrigerant liquid through M1, lbm/h [kg/s]

C9.3 Calculations (refer to Section C11 for calculated values)

C9.3.1 Calculate the heat leakage coefficient of the calibrated box, refer to C12.2.1.

C9.3.2 For each Dry Rating Condition, calculate the air-side Gross Total Cooling Effect, refer to C12.2.2.

C9.3.3 For each Dry Rating Condition, calculate the refrigerant-side Gross Total Cooling Effect, refer to
C12.2.3.

C9.3.4 Calculate the Gross Total Cooling Effect and heat balance, refer to C12.2.4 and C12.2.5.

14
 ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

C10. Liquid Overfeed Test Procedure (Method 3)

C10.1 Test Setup and Procedure. Refer to Section C6, C7 and Figure C3 for specific test setup.

C10.2 Data to be Measured and Recorded

C10.2.1 Air side (as required for dry or wet coil conditions)

FS Fan speed (s), rpm [rev/s]

Pb Barometric pressure, in Hg [kPa]
rh Air inlet relative humidity
Ta Local pipe ambient temperature, °F [°C]
Ta1 Condenser calorimeter ambient temperature, °F [°C]
Ta2 Liquid/vapor separator ambient temperature, °F [°C]
Tdb Dry-bulb temperature of air at inlet, °F [°C]
Tdp Dew point temperature of air at inlet, °F [°C]
Twb Wet-bulb temperature of air at inlet, °F [°C]

C10.2.2 Refrigerant side

P0 Pressure of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering the expansion valve, psi [kPa]
P3 Pressure of saturated refrigerant liquid/vapor mixture leaving the Unit Cooler, psi [kPa]
P4 Pressure of refrigerant in liquid/vapor separator, psi [kPa]
P5 Pressure of refrigerant entering condenser calorimeter, psi [kPa]
P6 Pressure of subcooled refrigerant liquid leaving condenser calorimeter and entering
condensate pump, psi [kPa]
P7 Pressure of subcooled refrigerant liquid leaving condensate pump, psi [kPa]
P8 Pressure of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering recirculation pump, psi [kPa]
P9 Pressure of subcooled refrigerant liquid leaving recirculation pump, psi [kPa]
Pc1 Pressure of fluid entering condenser calorimeter, psi [kPa]
Pc2 Pressure of fluid leaving condenser calorimeter, psi [kPa]
t0 Temperature of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering the expansion valve, °F [°C]
t3 Temperature of saturated refrigerant liquid/vapor mixture at outlet, °F [°C]
t5 Temperature of refrigerant entering condenser calorimeter, °F [°C]
t6 Temperature of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering condensate pump, °F [°C]
t7 Temperature of subcooled refrigerant liquid leaving condensate pump, °F [°C]
t8 Temperature of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering recirculation pump, °F [°C]
t9 Temperature of subcooled refrigerant liquid leaving recirculation pump, °F [°C]
tc1a, tc1b Temperature of fluid entering condenser calorimeter, °F [°C]
tc2a, tc2b Temperature of fluid leaving condenser calorimeter, °F [°C]
ts Local pipe refrigerant temperature, °F [°C]
wc Mass flow rate of fluid through M1 entering the condenser calorimeter, lbm/h [kg/s]
wv2 Mass flow rate of subcooled refrigerant liquid through M2, lbm/h [kg/s]
wv3 Mass flow rate of subcooled refrigerant liquid through M3, lbm/h [kg/s]

C10.3 Calculations (refer to Section C11 for calculated values)

C10.3.1 Calculate system heat losses or gains, refer to C12.3.1.

C10.3.2 Calculate the Recirculation Ratio, refer to C12.3.2.

C10.3.3 Calculate the condenser calorimeter capacity, refer to C12.3.3.1

C10.3.4 Calculate the Independent Gross Total Cooling Effect: Dry Rating Condition, refer to C12.3.3.3.

C10.3.5 Calculate the Independent Gross Total Cooling Effect: Wet Rating Condition, refer to C12.3.3.4.

C10.3.6 Calculate the Gross Total Cooling Effect and heat balance, refer to C12.3.3.5 and C12.3.3.6.

15
ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

C10.3.7 Calculate the system heat loss or gain as a percent of the Gross Total Cooling Effect, refer to
C12.3.3.7.

C11. Calculated values. Results from these calculations are required for Section C12.

C11.1 Calculating Rated Power (all methods)

C11.1.1 Air Density for Rated Power Test

Determine the test air density (ρtest) using dry-bulb temperature (Tdb), barometric pressure (Pb) and wet-bulb
temperature (Twb) by referencing ASHRAE Psychrometric Analysis software.

C11.1.2 Rated Power, for units with single phase motors:

p fmi =
(E )(ρsa ) (C1)
ρ test

C11.1.3 Rated Power, for units with polyphase motors:

p fmo =
(E )(efm )(ρsa ) (C2)
746(ρ test )(N )

⎡ (E )(efm )(ρsa )⎤
⎢p fmo =
⎣ (ρ test )(N ) ⎥⎦
C11.2 Average measured temperatures

C11.2.1 Dry-bulb temperature (all methods)

∑T db n
Tdb = 1
(C3)
n
C11.2.2 Wet-bulb temperature (all methods)

∑T wb n
Twb = 1
(C4)
n
C11.2.3 Temperature of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering the expansion valve (Method 1)

t 0a + t 0 b
t0 = (C5)
2
C11.2.4 Temperature of refrigerant vapor leaving the Unit Cooler (Method 1)

t 2a + t 2 b
t2 = (C6)
2

16
 ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

C11.2.5 Temperature of fluid entering and leaving condenser calorimeter (Method 3)

t c1a + t c1b
t c1 = (C7)
2

t c 2a + t c 2b
t c2 = (C8)
2
C11.2.6 Temperature controlled enclosure temperature (Method 2)

∑T en n
Ten = 1
(C9)
n
C11.2.7 Calibrated box temperature (Method 2)

∑T cb n
Tcb = 1
(C10)
n
C11.3 Average measured pressures

C11.3.1 Pressure of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering the expansion valve (Method 1)

P0a + P0 b
P0 = (C11)
2
C11.3.2 Pressure of refrigerant vapor leaving the Unit Cooler (Method 1)

P2a + P2 b
P2 = (C12)
2
C11.4 Calculated Saturation Temperatures

C11.4.1 Refrigerant Liquid Saturation Temperature entering the expansion valve (all methods)

Determine t0s for P0 by referencing thermophysical properties in texts from ASHRAE Handbook
Fundamentals or NIST REFPROP Software.

C11.4.2 Unit Cooler Outlet Saturation Temperature (Methods 1, 2)

Determine t2s for P2 by referencing thermophysical properties in texts from ASHRAE Handbook
Fundamentals or NIST REFPROP Software.

C11.4.3 Unit Cooler Outlet Saturation Temperature (Method 3) for comparison to measured t3.

Determine t3s for P3 by referencing thermophysical properties in texts from ASHRAE Handbook
Fundamentals or NIST REFPROP Software..

C11.4.4 Liquid/Vapor Separator Saturation Temperature (Method 3)

Determine t4s for P4 by referencing thermophysical properties in texts from ASHRAE Handbook
Fundamentals or NIST REFPROP Software..

17
ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

C11.4.5 Condenser Calorimeter Saturation Temperature (Method 3)

Determine t5s for P5 by referencing thermophysical properties in texts from ASHRAE Handbook
Fundamentals or NIST REFPROP Software..

C11.5 Liquid Subcooling entering expansion valve (all methods)

t 0 sc = t 0 s − t 0 (C13)

C11.6 Vapor Superheat leaving Unit Cooler (Methods 1, 2)

t 2sh = t 2 − t 2s (C14)

C11.7 Enthalpies

C11.7.1 Air Enthalpies (Methods 1, 3)

Determine enthalpies using dry-bulb (Tdb), barometric pressure (Pb) and wet-bulb (Twb) by referencing
ASHRAE Psychrometric Analysis software.

C11.7.2 Refrigerant Enthalpies

Determine enthalpies for the appropriate refrigerant by using average pressure and temperature measured at
each location and referencing thermodynamic software or texts from ASHRAE Handbook Fundamentals or
NIST REFPROP Software..

C11.8 Temperature Difference Correction Factor

TD test = Tdb − t 2s (Methods 1, 2) (C15)

TD test = Tdb − t 3s (Method 3) (C16)

⎛ TD rated ⎞
TD CF = ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ (C17)
⎝ TD test ⎠

Refer to Table 1 for TDrated values.

C11.9 Air Enthalpy Correction Factor (Methods 1, 3)

HD rated = h a1 − h ar (C18)

HD test = h a 2 − h at (C19)

⎛ HD rated ⎞
HD CF = ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ (C20)
⎝ HD test ⎠

C12. Capacity Calculations for each Method

C12.1 Gross Total Cooling Effect (Method 1)

C12.1.1 Independent Measurement Gross Total Cooling Effect: Dry Rating Condition

18
 ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

q tr1 = w v1 (h 2 − h 0 )(TD CF ) (C21)

q tr 2 = w v 2 (h 2 − h 0 )(TD CF ) (C22)

C12.1.2 Independent Measurement Gross Total Cooling Effect: Wet Rating Condition

q tr1 = w v1 (h 2 − h 0 )(HD CF ) (C23)

q tr 2 = w v 2 (h 2 − h 0 )(HD CF ) (C24)

C12.1.3 Gross Total Cooling Effect

q tr1 + q tr 2
qt = (C25)
2
C12.1.4 Allowable Cooling Capacity heat balance

100(q tr1 − q tr 2 )
+ 5% ≥ ≥ −5% (C26)
qt

C12.2 Gross Total Cooling Effect – Dry Rating Condition only (Method 2)

C12.2.1 Heat Leakage Coefficient of Calibrated Box

Ec
K cb = 3.41 (C27)
(Ten − Tcb )

⎡ Ec ⎤
⎢ K cb = (T -T ) ⎥
⎣ en cb ⎦

C12.2.2 Air-Side Gross Total Cooling Effect

q ta = [K cb (Ten − Tcb ) + 3.41(E c + E )](TD CF ) (C28)

[q ta = {K cb (Ten − Tcb ) + E c + E}(TD CF )]

C12.2.3 Refrigerant-Side Gross Total Cooling Effect

q tr = w v1 (h 2 − h 0 )(TD CF ) (C29)

C12.2.4 Gross Total Cooling Effect

q ta + q tr
qt = (C30)
2
C12.2.5 Allowable Cooling Capacity heat balance

100(q ta − q tr )
+ 5% ≥ ≥ −5% (C31)
qt

19
ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

C12.3 Gross Total Cooling Effect Calculation. (Method 3)

C12.3.1 System heat loss or gain

C12.3.1.1 Condenser Heat Loss or Gain

⎡ t +t ⎤
q c1 = A c k c ⎢Ta1 − 5s 6 ⎥ (C32)
⎣ 2 ⎦

C12.3.1.2 Liquid/Vapor Separator Heat Loss or Gain

q s = A s k s (Ta 2 − t 4s ) (C33)

C12.3.1.3 Piping heat loss or gain

( )
n
q p = ∑ A pn k pn Ta n − t sn (C34)
1

C12.3.1.4 Pump heat gain

q cp = w v 2 (h 7 − h 6 ) (C35)

q rp = w v 3 (h 9 − h 8 ) (C36)

C12.3.2 Recirculation Ratio

⎛w ⎞
RR = ⎜⎜ v 3 ⎟⎟ (C37)
⎝ w v2 ⎠

C12.3.3 Gross Total Cooling Effect

C12.3.3.1 Condenser Calorimeter Capacity

q c = w c (h c 2 − h c1 ) (C38)

q v = w v 2 (h 5 − h 6 ) + q c1 (C39)

w v 2 (h 5 − h 6 ) + q cl
w cc = (C40)
(h c 2 − h c1 )

20
 ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

C12.3.3.2 Independent Gross Total Cooling Effect: Dry Rating Condition

q tr1 = w c (h c 2 − h c1 )(TD CF ) − (q p + q s + q cp + q rp ) (C41)

q tr 2 = w cc (h c 2 − h c1 )(TD CF ) − (q p + q s + q cp + q rp ) (C42)

C12.3.3.3 Independent Gross Total Cooling Effect: Wet Rating Condition

q tr1 = w c (h c 2 − h c1 )(HDCF ) − (q p + q s + q cp + q rp ) (C43)

q tr 2 = w cc (h c 2 − h c1 )(HDCF ) − (q p + q s + q cp + q rp ) (C44)

C12.3.3.4 Gross Total Cooling Effect

q tr1 + q tr 2
qt = (C45)
2
C12.3.3.5 Allowable Cooling Capacity heat balance

100(q tr1 − q tr 2 )
+ 5% ≥ ≥ −5% (C46)
qt

C12.3.3.6 Allowable system heat loss or gain

100(q cl + q s + q p + q cp + q rp )
+ 5% ≥ ≥ −5% (C47)
qt

C13. Symbols and Subscripts

Ac Surface area of exposed external area of the condenser calorimeter, ft2 [m2]
Ap Pipe surface area, ft2 [m2]
As Liquid/vapor separator surface area, ft2 [m2]
E Total electrical power input to fan motor(s) of Unit Cooler, W [W]
Ec Total electrical power input to heater and auxiliary equipment, W [W]
efm Fan motor efficiency
FS Fan speed (s), rpm [rev/s]
h0 Enthalpy of refrigerant liquid entering the Unit Cooler, Btu/lb [W/kg]
h2 Enthalpy of refrigerant leaving the Unit Cooler, Btu/lb [W/kg]
h5 Enthalpy of refrigerant vapor entering the condenser, Btu/lb [W/kg]
h6 Enthalpy of refrigerant liquid leaving condenser calorimeter and entering condensate pump, Btu/lb [W/kg]
h7 Enthalpy of refrigerant liquid leaving the condensate pump, Btu/lb [W/kg]
h8 Enthalpy of refrigerant liquid leaving the liquid/vapor separator, Btu/lb [W/kg]
h9 Enthalpy of refrigerant liquid leaving the recirculation pump, Btu/lb [W/kg]
ha1 Enthalpy of the air entering the Unit Cooler at Standard Rating Conditions, Btu/lb [J/kg]
ha2 Enthalpy of the air entering the Unit Cooler at the test condition, Btu/lb [J/kg]
har Enthalpy of saturated air at Standard Rating Refrigerant Saturation Temperature, Btu/lb [J/kg]
hat Enthalpy of saturated air at the test Refrigerant Saturation Temperature, Btu/lb [J/kg]
hc1 Enthalpy of fluid entering the condenser, Btu/lb [W/kg]
hc2 Enthalpy of fluid leaving the condenser, Btu/lb [W/kg]
HDCF Enthalpy of air correction factor
HDrated Enthalpy difference of air at Rating Conditions, Btu/lb [W/kg]
HDtest Enthalpy difference of air at test conditions, Btu/lb [W/kg]
kc Conductance of condenser calorimeter insulation, Btu/h·°F·ft² [W/°C·m²]
21
ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

Kcb Heat leakage coefficient of calibrated box, Btu/h·°F [W/°C]

kp Conductance of piping insulation, Btu/h·°F·ft² [W/°C·m²]
ks Conductance of liquid/vapor separator insulation, Btu/h·°F·ft² [W/°C·m²]
n Number of measurement stations
N Number of motors
P0 Pressure of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering the expansion valve (method 1 average value), psi [kPa]
P0a Pressure of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering the expansion valve, psi [kPa]
P0b Pressure of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering the expansion valve, psi [kPa]
P2 Pressure of superheated refrigerant vapor leaving the Unit Cooler (method 1 average value), psi [kPa]
P2a Pressure of superheated refrigerant vapor leaving the Unit Cooler, psi [kPa]
P2b Pressure of superheated refrigerant vapor leaving the Unit Cooler, psi [kPa]
P3 Pressure of saturated refrigerant liquid/vapor mixture leaving the Unit Cooler, psi [kPa]
P4 Pressure of refrigerant in liquid/vapor separator, psi [kPa]
P5 Pressure of refrigerant entering condenser calorimeter, psi [kPa]
P6 Pressure of subcooled refrigerant liquid leaving condenser calorimeter and entering condensate pump, psi
[kPa]
P7 Pressure of subcooled refrigerant liquid leaving condensate pump, psi [kPa]
P8 Pressure of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering recirculation pump, psi [kPa]
P9 Pressure of subcooled refrigerant liquid leaving recirculation pump, psi [kPa]
Pb Barometric pressure, in Hg [kPa]
Pc1 Pressure of fluid entering condenser calorimeter, psi [kPa]
Pc2 Pressure of fluid leaving condenser calorimeter, psi [kPa]
pfmi Input rated power, W [kW]
pfmo Output rated power, hp [kW]
ρsa Density of air at Standard Air Conditions, 0.075 lb/ft3 [1.201 kg/m3]
ρtest Density of air at test conditions, lb/ft3 [kg/m3]
qc Capacity of the condenser calorimeter calculated from the non-volatile side, Btu/h [W]
qcl Heat gain or loss to condenser calorimeter, Btu/h [W]
qcp Heat gain from condensate pump, Btu/h [W]
qp Total piping heat loss or gain, Btu/h [W]
qrp Heat gain from recirculation pump, Btu/h [W]
qs Heat gain or loss from liquid/vapor separator, Btu/h [W]
qt Gross Total Cooling Effect, Btu/h [W]
qta Air-side Gross Total Cooling Effect, Btu/h [W]
qtr Refrigerant-side Gross Total Cooling Effect, Btu/h [W]
qtr1 Refrigerant-side Gross Total Cooling Effect established by first independent measurement, Btu/h [W]
qtr2 Refrigerant-side Gross Total Cooling Effect established by second independent measurement, Btu/h [W]
qv Capacity of the condenser calorimeter calculated from the volatile side, Btu/h [W]
rh Air inlet relative humidity
RR Recirculation Ratio
t0 Temperature of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering the expansion valve (method 1 average value), °F [°C]
t0a Temperature of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering the expansion valve, °F [°C]
t0b Temperature of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering the expansion valve, °F [°C]
t0s Temperature of saturated refrigerant entering the expansion valve, °F [°C]
t0sc Subcooling entering the expansion valve, °F [°C]
t2 Temperature of superheated refrigerant vapor leaving the Unit Cooler (method 1 average value), °F [°C]
t2a Temperature of superheated refrigerant vapor leaving the Unit Cooler, °F [°C]
t2b Temperature of superheated refrigerant vapor leaving the Unit Cooler, °F [°C]
t2s Temperature of saturated refrigerant leaving Unit Cooler, °F [°C]
t2sh Amount of superheat leaving test Unit Cooler, °F [°C]
t3 Temperature of refrigerant liquid/vapor leaving the Unit Cooler, °F [°C]
t3s Temperature of saturated refrigerant leaving Unit Cooler, °F [°C]
t4s Temperature of saturated refrigerant in liquid/vapor separator, °F [°C]
t5 Temperature of refrigerant entering condenser calorimeter, °F [°C]
t5s Temperature of saturated refrigerant entering condenser calorimeter, °F [°C]
t6 Temperature of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering condensate pump, °F [°C]
t7 Temperature of subcooled refrigerant liquid leaving condensate pump, °F [°C]
t8 Temperature of subcooled refrigerant liquid entering recirculation pump, °F [°C]
t9 Temperature of subcooled refrigerant liquid leaving recirculation pump, °F [°C]
22
 ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

Ta Local pipe ambient temperature, °F [°C]

Ta1 Condenser calorimeter ambient temperature, °F [°C]
Ta2 Liquid/vapor separator ambient temperature, °F [°C]
tc1 Average temperature of fluid entering condenser calorimeter, °F [°C]
tc1a Temperature of fluid entering condenser calorimeter, °F [°C]
tc1b Temperature of fluid entering condenser calorimeter, °F [°C]
tc2 Average temperature of fluid leaving condenser calorimeter, °F [°C]
tc2a Temperature of fluid leaving condenser calorimeter, °F [°C]
tc2b Temperature of fluid leaving condenser calorimeter, °F [°C]
Tcb Average dry-bulb temperature of air within the calibrated box, °F [°C]
Tdb Average dry-bulb temperature of air entering Unit Cooler, °F [°C]
Tdp Dew point temperature of air entering Unit Cooler, °F [°C]
TDCF Temperature Difference correction factor
TDrated Temperature Difference at Rating Conditions, °F [°C]
TDtest Temperature Difference at test conditions, °F [°C]
Ten Average dry-bulb temperature of air within the temperature controlled enclosure, °F [°C]
ts Local pipe refrigerant temperature, °F [°C]
Twb Wet-bulb temperature of air entering Unit Cooler, °F [°C]
V Voltage of each phase, V [V]
wc Mass flow rate of fluid through M1 entering the condenser calorimeter, lbm/h [kg/s]
wcc Calculated mass flow rate of fluid through M1 entering the condenser calorimeter, lbm/h [kg/s]
wv1 Mass flow rate of subcooled refrigerant liquid through M1, lbm/h [kg/s]
wv2 Mass flow rate of subcooled liquid or superheated refrigerant vapor through M2 or M2ALT, lbm/h [kg/s]
wv3 Mass flow rate of subcooled refrigerant liquid through M3, lbm/h [kg/s]

23
ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

24
ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

25
ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 420-2008

26