The objectives of ASHRAE Research Project 1254-RP "Evaluating the Ability of Unitary Equipment to Maintain Adequate Space Humidity Levels, Phase II" were: a) to compare various unitary air conditioning system humidity control configurations in terms of humidity control performance and operating costs; and b) develop guidelines to help identify the important application characteristics and climate factors that determine which option is most appropriate. This research project builds on the Phase I project, ASHRAE 1121-RP, which was completed in June 2001 (Brandemuehl and Katejanekarn 2001). The Phase I final report describes the Evaluation Plan which guided this work.

The EnergyPlus whole-building energy simulation software (EnergyPlus 2005) was used to perform a parametric analysis of eighteen HVAC system types in seven commercial building types (Small Office, Large Retail, Classroom 9-month, Classroom 12-month, Restaurant Dining Area, Small Hotel/Motel Guest Room, and Theater) using two sets of ventilation rates (ASHRAE Standards 62-2001 and 62.1- 2004) in 10 locations. To meet the needs of this project, new equipment models were developed and added to EnergyPlus to provide advanced modeling capabilities for multi-stage multi-mode DX cooling coils, and enhanced component configuration and control options. The systems types included singlepath and dual-path DX with and without enhancements such as enthalpy wheel, demand controlled ventilation, desiccant dehumidifier, subcool reheat, hot gas reheat, and air-to-air heat exchangers around the cooling coil. Energy Plus Input files can be obtained from ASHRAE, please contact Mike Vaughn directly

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