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ASHP models compatible with load management controllers

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Air source heat pump (ASHP) performance in Minnesota’s cold climate has greatly improved over the past decade with the rise of inverter-driven technology, boosting ASHP popularity among Minnesota homeowners. Special “dual fuel” electric rates and off-peak programs offered by some utilities have also increased ASHP popularity. Participation in these utility programs can save homeowners hundreds of dollars each year and can drive purchasing decisions.

The key to unlocking this annual savings potential is for contractors and homeowners to work with their utility to connect a load management (LM) receiver to their qualifying dual fuel ASHP system. The receiver responds to signals from the utility to reduce the electric load for certain periods of time. With the improved performance and expected lower outdoor temperature operation of today’s ASHPs, certain manufacturers have developed instructions for connecting their ASHPs to utility load management receivers. It is important that contractors follow these instructions to ensure proper performance and prevent equipment damage.  

Compatible Product List

The list below identifies communicating ASHP models compatible with load management systems using two-wire, load management receivers and third-party wiring kits available for non-communicating equipment Listed ASHP systems have undergone a field verification test confirming that the model sufficiently responses to utility control signals. 

This resource will help you: 

1. Identify communicating ASHP models and wiring instructions that are compatible with a two-wire relay-based load management system or advanced demand response management systems (ADRMS) 

2. Identify non-communicating models that can be wired to interrupt partial or full line voltage power (120V or 240V) during a demand response event.  

3. Identify and provide wiring diagrams for units that can be connected through a list of compatible third-party controls capable of load management. 

The inclusion of any products on this compatible equipment list does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of performance by the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), the MN ASHP Collaborative, or any participating utilities. CEE makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the quality, performance, suitability, or compliance of the listed products for any particular purpose. Product suppliers and installers are solely responsible for determining the suitability of these products for their specific needs and applications. CEE shall not be held liable for any issues, damages, or failures related to the use or performance of any products included on this list. 

Download list of communicating units 

Download list of non-communicating units 

Download list of wiring controls kits for non-communicating units 

Submit New Data

This growing list only features ASHP models that have been field tested and verified, but we hope to capture as many models as possible to maximize market support. We encourage equipment distributors, manufacturers, and other industry actors to submit additional load management compatible ASHP systems by following the steps below. All submitted ASHP models will need to pass a field verification test before being included on the posted list.  

Criteria: 

  1. Each model must provide one of the following: 

    • Wiring instructions for factory equipped integrated connection points for use with 2-wire utility load management systems.
    • A manufacturer-supplied load management integration kit with manufacturer-issued instructions for connecting to a 2-wire relay-based  utility load management receiver (normally open or normally closed).
    • A manufacturer- or distributor-approved load management integration kit with manufacturer- or distributor approved instructions for connecting to a 2-wire relay-based utility load management receiver.  
       
  2. Proper functionality of each new model added to the list must be tested and confirmed in the field by a GRE member utility representative. Units using the cycled cooling approach that do not provide the full 15 minutes of on or off time will be deemed as not functioning properly.  
     

Steps to submit LM compatible ASHP models: 

  1. Download the data sheet template. 

  2. Read the instructions and confirm ASHP systems meet the listed criteria. 

  3. Fill out the data sheet template listing one base model per row.  

  4. Email the completed data sheet to info@mnashp.org. All submitted models will undergo field test verification before they can be included on the posted list. List will be updated on a quarterly basis. 

Download the data sheet template