This is the first of a series of papers on ASHRAE Special Project SP43 that is directed to the development and validation of a dynamic computer simulation model for predicting seasonal performance of various residential forced-warm-air systems. The model includes the dynamic interaction among the key system components (furnace, vent system, and duct system), the house structure, air infiltration/exfiltration, and weather conditions For validation of the model, test data are being obtained in two unoccupied houses that are highly instrumented to track dynamic performance.

The three-year project has two overall objectives: 1) to provide information for the ASHRAE Handbook on system design, component selection, sizing, and control for energy-efficient seasonal operation of the entire system, and 2) to provide a basis for refinements in ASHRAE and DOE test procedures and consensus standards for furnace performance. Special Project SP43 is sponsored jointly by ASHRAE, the Gas Research Institute, and the U.S. Department of Energy through Brookhaven National Laboratory.

The paper describes the SP43 project and its status in January1984–including the SP43 simulation model, the test houses, and results of initial comparisons of model predictions to measured system response parameters. Plans are also presented for future model development and model validation by field tests with different heating systems and system components.