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2019 Cycle

Hybrid Condensers

Nonresidential
Covered Processes
Mechanical

Measure Description

The proposed measure will add adiabatic condensers to the California Energy Code. For the purposes of this code change proposal the Statewide CASE Team defines adiabatic condensers as follows:

A refrigeration system component that condenses refrigerant vapor by rejecting heat to air mechanically circulated over its heat transfer surface, causing a temperature rise in the air, with the additional capability to utilize evaporative precooling of the entering air, for operation only during high ambient temperatures, and accomplished as part of a single factory-made and rated unit.

The mandatory requirements in Section 120.6 cover air cooled and evaporative condensers. Adiabatic condensers are not currently mentioned in the code, even as an exception and therefore there is confusion in the industry.

The new mandatory code requirements will be added to Section 120.6 (a) and (b) and applies to refrigerated warehouses and commercial refrigeration, respectively.

The Statewide CASE Team discussed including adiabatic condensers for the 2013 Title 24, Part 6 code update cycle but product information was limited at that time and the Statewide CASE. Team did not feel there was adequate time to address the energy savings and cost issues within the adoption schedule.

Since the development of the 2013 Title 24, Part 6 CASE Report analysis (approximately six years) market interest as greatly increased due to:

  • Large water savings compared with evaporative condensers.
  • Large kW savings and potential kWh savings compared with air-cooled condensers.

Resources

The Statewide CASE Team 2019 Title 24, Part 6 Final CASE Report is available below. The Final CASE Report incorporates feedback received during utility-sponsored stakeholder meetings, Energy Commission Pre-Rulemaking workshops, and personal communication with stakeholders.

Presentations and Meetings

  1. Presentation from Stakeholder Meeting on December 12, 2016
  2. Notes from Stakeholder Meeting on December 12, 2016
  3. Presentation from Stakeholder Meeting on March 21, 2017
  4. Notes from Stakeholder Meeting on March 21, 2017

Reports

  1. CASE Study Results Report
  2. Final CASE Report
  3. Draft CASE Report

Give Us Your Feedback

The Statewide CASE Team values input from all stakeholders engaged in the Title 24, Part 6 code change process. We encourage the open exchange of code change comments and concerns.

  • Use the form above to provide feedback on this measure.