October 2012

Conference Paper

Air Conditioning Stall Phenomenon – Testing, Model Development, and Simulation

By:
Irminger, Philip R; Rizy, Dwight T; Li, Huijuan ; Smith, Travis ; Rice, Clifford K; Li, Fangxing ; Adhikari, Sarina
Page Number:
1-8
Volume:
N/A
Publication Date:
October 2012
Publisher Location:
IEEE, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
Conference Name:
2012 IEEE Power & Energy Society Transmission & Distribution Conference & Exposition
Conference Location:
Orlando, Florida, United States of America
Conference Sponsor:
IEEE

Abstract

Electric distribution systems are experiencing power quality issues of extended reduced voltage due to fault-induced delayed voltage recovery (FIDVR). FIDVR occurs in part because modern air conditioner (A/C) and heat pump compressor motors are much more susceptible to stalling during a voltage sag or dip such as a sub-transmission fault. They are more susceptible than older A/C compressor motors due to the low inertia of these newer and more energy efficient motors. There is a concern that these local reduced voltage events on the distribution system will become more frequent and prevalent and will combine over larger areas and challenge transmission system voltage and ultimately power grid reliability. The Distributed Energy Communications and Controls (DECC) Laboratory at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has been employed to (1) test, (2) characterize and (3) model the A/C stall phenomenon.