Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Professor of Practice Ian M. Shapiro has added a new video to the “Building Evidence” series, designed to provide insights into heat pump technology, building performance, and related energy-efficiency topics.
The latest video, Air Bypass in Heat Pump Outdoor Units, showcases research conducted by students in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) at Syracuse University. Working with Shapiro, ECS students Maheswar Chaudhary, Madeline Scott, and Kittapas (Pun) Tulananda demonstrated how air in a typical outdoor heat pump unit can bypass the heat exchanger, reducing the unit’s efficiency. The video presenting their tests and results was edited by Tulananda.
The students identified several bypass locations on units from several major manufacturers and used a variety of measurement techniques to visualize and quantify bypass airflow. They compare bypass percentages across different manufacturer’s units and present potential solutions for reducing energy losses.
The Building Evidence video series is offered through the Building Training and Assessment Center (BTAC). The BTAC provides hands-on training for engineering students to perform assessments focused on reducing the energy burden for commercial and institutional buildings. Professor Shapiro and MAE Associate Teaching Professor Jackie Anderson serve as co-directors of the BTAC.
Watch the video here.