PNNL

Abstract

The Departments of Energy and Defense have joined forces to devise an innovative approach to acquiring more efficient unitary air conditioners that minimize life-cycle cost through improved technology. The resulting procurement solicitation challenges manufacturers to offer products with reduced life-cycle cost, taking into account both the initial prices of their units and the costs of their ongoing electric consumption. Competing products are evaluated according to a formula that reflects both full- and part-load efficiencies under a simulated set of time-varying climate conditions. The authors will report on the progress of the procurement, including the choice of target product based on market prospects and technology readiness, development of the technical specifications and electric consumption simulator, approaches to administrative and procedural challenges, responses from manufacturers, and plans for product promotion in the future.