ANSI/ARI/ASHRAE ISO Standard 13256-2:1998

ASHRAE STANDARD

Water-source heat pumps—

testing and rating for performance—
Part 2: Water-to-water and
brine-to-water heat pumps

Approved by ARI on August 10, 2001; by the ASHRAE Standards Committee on March 20, 2002; by the ASHRAE
Board of Directors on July 3, 2003; and by the American National Standards Institute on August 15, 2003.

ASHRAE Standards are scheduled to be updated on a five-year cycle; the date following the standard number is
the year of ASHRAE Board of Directors approval. The latest copies may be purchased from ASHRAE Customer
Service, 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329-2305. E-mail: orders@ashrae.org. Fax: 404-321-5478. Tele-
phone: 404-636-8400 (worldwide) or toll free 1-800-527-4723 (for orders in U.S. and Canada).

© ISO 1998 © ASHRAE, ARI 2005

ISSN 1041-2336

When addenda or interpretations to this standard have been approved, they can be downloaded free of charge
from the ASHRAE Web site at http://www.ashrae.org/template/TechnologyLinkLanding/category/1631 or
http://www.ashrae.org/template/TechnologyLinkLanding/category/1686.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating

and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.
1791 Tullie Circle NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
www.ashrae.org
 SPECIAL NOTE
This American National Standard (ANS) is a national voluntary consensus standard developed under the auspices of the American Society
of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Consensus is defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI),
of which ASHRAE is a member and which has approved this standard as an ANS, as “substantial agreement reached by directly and materially
affected interest categories. This signifies the concurrence of more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires
that all views and objections be considered, and that an effort be made toward their resolution.” Compliance with this standard is voluntary until
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ARI SAFETY DISCLAIMER

ARI does not set safety standards and does not certify or guarantee the safety of any products, components or systems designed,
rested, rated, installed or operated in accordance with this standard/guideline. It is strongly recommended that products be designed,
constructed, assembled, installed and operated in accordance with nationally recognized safety standards and code requirements
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certify or guarantee that any tests conducted under its standards/guidelines will be non-hazardous or free from risk.

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 CONTENTS

ANSI/ARI/ASHRAE ISO Standard 13256-2

Water-Source Heat Pumps—Testing and Rating for Performance
Part 2: Water-to-Water and Brine-to-Water Heat Pumps

This standard is an identical adoption of the ISO standard.

SECTION PAGE
Foreword ................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................... 2
1 Scope ............................................................................................................................................................. 2
2 Normative Reference...................................................................................................................................... 2
3 Definitions....................................................................................................................................................... 2
4 Rating and Test Conditions............................................................................................................................. 3
5 Performance Requirements............................................................................................................................ 5
6 Test Methods .................................................................................................................................................. 6
7 Marking Provisions ......................................................................................................................................... 8
8 Publication of Ratings ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Normative Annex A:Test Procedures ................................................................................................................... 9
Normative Annex B:Liquid Enthalpy Test Method................................................................................................ 9
Informative Annex C:Instrumentation and Measurements.................................................................................. 10
Informative Annex D:Bibliography ...................................................................................................................... 11

© ISO 1998 ©ASHRAE 2005 ©ARI 2005

American Society of Heating,
International Organization for Standardization Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute
1, rue de Varembé, Case postale 56 1791 Tullie Circle NE 4100 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 200
CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland Atlanta, GA 30329 Arlington, VA 22203
www.iso.org www.ashrae.org www.ari.org

All rights reserved. All rights reserved. All rights reserved.

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization)
is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO
member bodies). The work of preparing International Stan-
dards is normally carried out through ISO technical commit-
tees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a
technical committee has been established has the right to be
represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also
take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the Inter-
national Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical
committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by
at least 75% of the member bodies casting a vote.
This part of ISO 13256 was developed by ISO Technical
Committee TC 86, Refrigeration, Subcommittee SC 6, Testing
and rating of air-conditioners and heat pumps.
ISO 13256 consists of the following parts, under the gen-
eral title Water-source heat pumps—Testing and rating for
performance:
• Part 1: Water-to-air and brine-to-air heat pumps
• Part 2: Water-to-water and brine-to-water heat pumps
Annexes A and B form an integral part of this part of
ISO 13256. Annexes C and D are for information only.
Introduction
This part of ISO 13256 covers heating and cooling
systems which are generally referred to as “water-source heat
pumps.” These systems generally include an indoor coil with
air-moving means, a compressor, and a refrigerant-to-water or
refrigerant-to-brine heat exchanger. A system may provide
both heating and cooling, cooling-only, or heating-only func-
tions.
1. Scope
1.1 This part of ISO 13256 establishes performance testing
and rating criteria for factory-made residential, commercial
and industrial, electrically driven, mechanical-compression
type, water-to-water and brine-to-water heat pumps. The
requirements for testing and rating contained in this part of
ISO 13256 are based on the use of matched assemblies.
1.2 Equipment designed for rating at one application under
this part of ISO 13256 may not be suitable for rating at all
applications covered in this part of ISO 13256.
1.3 This part of ISO 13256 does not apply to the testing and
rating of individual assemblies for separate use or to units
having two or more indoor sections connected to a single out-
door section. It does not apply to heat pumps covered in ISO
5151, ISO 13253, or ISO 13256-1.
2 ANSI/ARI/ASHRAE ISO Standard 13256-2:1998
Note: For the purpose of the remaining clauses, the terms
“equipment” or “heat pump” may be used to mean “water-to-
water heat pumps” or brine-to-water heat pumps,” and the
term “liquid” refers to either “water” or “brine.”
2. Normative reference
The following standard contains provisions which,
through reference in this text, constitute provisions of this part
of ISO 13256. At the time of publication, the edition indicated
was valid. All standards are subject to revision, and parties to
agreements based on this part of ISO 13256 are encouraged to
investigate the possibility of applying the most recent edition
of the standard indicated below. Members of IEC and ISO
maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
ISO 817:2005, Refrigerants — Designation system.
3. Definitions
For the purposes of this part of ISO 13256, the following
definitions apply.
3.1 water-to-water and brine-to-water heat pump
heat pump which consists of one or more factory-made
assemblies which normally include an indoor-side refrigerant-
to-water heat exchanger, compressor(s), and an outdoor-side
refrigerant-to-water or refrigerant-to-brine heat exchanger(s),
including means to indirectly provide both cooling and heat-
ing, cooling-only, or heating-only functions
Notes
1. When such equipment is provided in more than one assem-
bly, the separated assemblies should be designed to be used
together.
2. Such equipment may also provide functions for sanitary
water heating.
3.1.1 water-loop-heat pump application
Water-to-water heat pump using liquid circulating in a
common piping loop functioning as a heat source/heat sink.
Note—The temperature of the liquid loop is usually mechani-
cally controlled within a temperature range of 15°C to 40°C.
3.1.2 ground-water heat pump application
Water-to-water heat pump using water pumped from a
well, lake or stream functioning as a heat source/heat sink
Note—The temperature of the water is related to the climatic
conditions and may vary from 5°C to 25°C for deep wells.
3.1.3 ground-loop heat pump application
brine-to-water heat pump using a brine solution circulat-
ing through a subsurface piping loop functioning as a heat
source/heat sink
Notes
1. The heat exchange loop may be placed in horizontal
trenches or vertical bores, or be submerged in a body of
surface water.
2. The temperature of the brine is related to the climatic condi-
tions and may vary from –5°C to 40°C.
3.2 cooling capacity 4.1.2.1 If no indoor-side liquid pump is provided with
amount of heat that the equipment can remove from the the heat pump, a pump power adjustment is to be included in
water used to condition the indoor space in a defined interval the effective power consumed by the heat pump using the fol-
of time, in watts, as determined by the specified test methods lowing formula:
3.3 net cooling capacity q × ∆p
φ pai = ----------------
cooling capacity with indoor-side pump power adjust- η
ment
where
(See 4.1.2.)
φpai is the pump power adjustment, indoor, in watts;
3.4 heating capacity
η = 0.3 × 103 by convention;
amount of heat that the equipment can add to the water
used to condition the indoor space in a defined interval of time, ∆p is the measured indoor-side internal static pressure
in watts, as determined by the specified test methods difference, in pascals;
q is the nominal indoor-side liquid flow rate, in litres per
3.5 net heating capacity second.
heating capacity with indoor-side pump power adjust-
This value shall be added to the heating capacity and
ment
subtracted from the cooling capacity.
(See 4.1.2.)
4.1.2.2 If an indoor-side liquid pump is an integral part
3.6 rated voltage of the heat pump, only the portion of the pump power required
voltage shown on the nameplate of the equipment, in volts to overcome the internal resistance shall be included in the
3.7 rated frequency effective power input to the heat pump. The fraction which is
to be excluded from the total power consumed by the pump
frequency shown on the nameplate of the equipment, in
shall be calculated using the following formula:
hertz
3.8 q × ∆p
energy efficiency ratio (EER) φ pai = ----------------
η
ratio of the net cooling capacity to the effective power
input at any given set of rating conditions, in watts per watt. where
3.9 coefficient of performance (COP) φpai is the pump power adjustment, indoor, in watts;
ratio of the net heating capacity to the effective power η = 0.3 × 103 by convention;
input of the equipment at any given set of rating conditions, in ∆p is the measured indoor-side external static pressure
watts per watt difference, in pascals;
3.10 effective power input q is the nominal indoor-side liquid flow rate, in litres per
average electrical power input to the equipment within a second.
defined interval of time, in watts; i.e., the sum of: This value shall be subtracted from the heating capacity
and added to the cooling capacity.
— the power input for operation of the compressor exclud-
4.1.3 Power input to outdoor-side liquid pumps
ing additional electrical heating devices,
— the power input of all control and safety devices of the 4.1.3.1 If no outdoor-side liquid pump is provided with
equipment, and the heat pump, a pump power adjustment is to be included in
— the proportional power input of the conveying devices the effective power consumed by the heat pump, using the fol-
for the transport of the heat transfer media through the lowing formula:
heat pump only (e.g., indoor-side and outdoor-side q × ∆p
pumps, whether internal or external, whether provided φ pao = ----------------
η
with the equipment or not)
(See 4.1.2 and 4.1.3.) where
φpao is the pump power adjustment, outdoor, in watts;
4. Rating and test conditions η = 0.3 × 103 by convention;
4.1 Rating conditions for the determination of capacity ∆p is the measured outdoor-side internal static pressure
4.1.1 Standard ratings difference, in pascals;
Standard ratings shall be established at the standard rating q is the nominal outdoor-side liquid flow rate, in litres
conditions specified in 4.2, using the test procedures described per second.
in clause 6. Standard ratings relating to cooling and heating 4.1.3.2 If an outdoor-side liquid pump is an integral part
capacities shall be net values, including the effects of the circu- of the heat pump, only the portion of the pump power required
lating-pump heat, but not including supplementary heat. Stan- to overcome the internal resistance shall be included in the
dard efficiency ratings shall be based on the effective power effective power input to the heat pump. The fraction which is
input as defined in 3.10. to be excluded from the total power consumed by the pump
4.1.2 Power input to indoor-side liquid pumps shall be calculated using the following formula:

ANSI/ARI/ASHRAE ISO Standard 13256-2:1998 3

 q × ∆p
φ pao = ----------------
η trol
where
φpao is the pump power adjustment, outdoor, in watts;
η = 0.3 × 103 by convention;
∆p is the measured outdoor-side external static pressure
difference, in pascals;
q is the nominal outdoor-side liquid flow rate, in litres
per second.
4.1.4 Liquid flow rates
4.1.4.1 All standard ratings shall be determined at the
liquid flow rates described below, expressed as litres per sec-
ond.
4.1.4.2 Heat pumps with integral liquid pumps shall be
tested at the liquid flow rates specified by the manufacturer or
those obtained at zero external static pressure difference,
whichever provides the lower liquid flow rates.
4.1.4.3 Heat pumps without integral liquid pumps shall
be tested at the flow rates specified by the manufacturer.
4.1.4.4 The manufacturer shall specify a single liquid
flow rate for the indoor-side and a single liquid flow rate for
the outdoor-side for all of the tests required in this part of
ISO 13256 unless automatic adjustment of the liquid flow rate
is provided by the equipment. A separate control signal out-
put for each step of liquid flow rate will be considered as an
automatic adjustment.
4.1.5 Requirements for separated assemblies
In the case of heat pumps consisting of separate matched
assemblies, the following installation procedures shall be
followed.
(a) Each refrigerant line shall be installed in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions with the maximum stated
length or 7.5 m, whichever is shorter. If the interconnect-
ing tubing is furnished as an integral part of the equip-
ment and not recommended for cutting the length, the
equipment shall be tested with the complete length of tub-
ing furnished.
(b) The lines shall be installed without any significant differ-
ence in elevation (not more than 2 m).
Table 1—Test conditions for the determination of cooling capacity
Liquid entering indoor side
Air surrounding unit, dry bulb
Standard rating test
Liquid entering heat exchanger
Part-load rating test
Liquid entering heat exchanger
a
Frequency
Voltageb
aEquipment with dual-rated frequencies shall be tested at each frequency.
bEquipment with dual-rated voltages shall be performed at both voltages or at the lower of the two voltages if only a single rating is published.
4 ANSI/ARI/ASHRAE ISO Standard 13256-2:1998
4.1.6 Requirements for heat pumps with capacity con-
4.1.6.1 Part-load conditions shall be used for rating tests
at levels or steps less than that of maximum capacity.
4.1.6.2 Heat pumps with fixed steps of capacity control
shall be rated at each step of capacity. Heat pumps with vari-
able capacity control shall be rated at no less than two capac-
ity levels, the minimum and the maximum capacities.
4.1.7 Test liquids
4.1.7.1 The test liquid for the indoor-side of all heat
pumps shall be water.
4.1.7.2 The test liquid for the outdoor-side of water-loop
heat pumps and ground-water heat pumps shall be water.
4.1.7.3 The test liquid for the outdoor-side of ground-
loop heat pumps shall be a 15% solution by mass of sodium
chloride in water.
4.1.7.4 The test liquids shall be sufficiently free of gas to
ensure that the measured results are not influenced by the
presence of gas.
4.2 Standard rating and part-load rating test conditions
4.2.1 The test conditions for the determination of standard
and part-load cooling ratings are specified in Table 1.
4.2.2 The test conditions for determination of standard
and part-load heating ratings are specified in Table 2.
4.2.3 Heat pumps intended for a specific application shall
be rated at the conditions specified for that application, for
example, water-loop, ground-water, or ground-loop, and shall
be identified as such (i.e., water-loop pump, ground-water
heat pump, or ground-loop heat pump). Heat pumps intended
for two or three applications shall be rated at the conditions
specified for each of these applications and shall be so identi-
fied (see 7.3).
4.2.4 For each test, the equipment shall be operated con-
tinuously until equilibrium conditions are attained, but for not
less than one hour before capacity test data are recorded. The
data shall then be recorded for 30 min at 5 min intervals until
seven consecutive sets of readings have been attained within
the tolerances specified in 6.4. The averages of these data
shall be used for the calculation of the test results.
Water-loop Ground-water Ground-loop
heat pumps heat pumps heat pumps
12°C 12°C 12°C
15°C to 30°C 15°C to 30°C 15°C to 30°C
30°C 15°C 25°C
30°C 15°C 20°C
Rated Rated Rated
Rated Rated Rated
 Table 2—Test conditions for the determination of heating capacity

Water-loop Ground-water Ground-loop

heat pumps heat pumps heat pumps
Liquid entering indoor side 40°C 40°C 40°C
Air surrounding unit, dry bulb 15°C to 30°C 15°C to 30°C 15°C to 30°C
Standard rating test
Liquid entering outdoor-side heat exchanger 20°C 10°C 0°C
Part-load rating test
Liquid entering outdoor-side heat exchanger 20°C 10°C 5°C
a
Frequency Rated Rated Rated
Voltageb Rated Rated Rated
aEquipment with dual-rated frequencies shall be tested at each frequency.
bEquipment with dual-rated voltages shall be performed at both voltages or at the lower of the two voltages if only a single rating is published.

5. Performance requirements
5.1 General
5.1.1 To comply with this part of ISO 13256, water-to-
water and brine-to-water heat pumps shall be designed and
produced such that any production unit will meet the applica-
ble requirements of this part of ISO 13256.
5.1.2 For heat pumps with capacity control, the perfor-
mance requirement tests shall be conducted at maximum
capacity.
5.2 Maximum operating conditions test
5.2.1 Test conditions
The maximum operating conditions test shall be
conducted for cooling and heating at the test conditions estab-
lished for the specific applications (see 4.2.3) specified in
Tables 3 and 4. Heat pumps intended for use in two or more
applications shall be tested at the most stringent set of condi-
tions specified in Tables 3 and 4.
5.2.2 Test procedures
5.2.2.1 The equipment shall be operated continuously
for one hour after the specified temperatures have been estab-
lished at each specified voltage level.
5.2.2.2 The 110 % voltage test shall be conducted prior
to the 90 % voltage test.
5.2.2.3 All power to the equipment shall be cut off for 3
min at the conclusion of the one hour test at 90 % voltage level
and then restored for one hour.
5.2.3 Test requirements
Heat pumps shall meet the following requirements when
operating at the conditions specified in Tables 3 and 4.
(a) During the entire test, the equipment shall operate with-
out any indication of damage.
(b) During the test period specified in 5.2.2.1, the equipment
shall operate continuously without tripping any motor
overload or other protective devices.
(c) During the test period specified in 5.2.2.3, the motor over-
load protective device may trip only during the first 5 min
of operation after the shutdown period of 3 min. During
the remainder of the test period, no motor overload pro-
tective device shall trip. For those models so designed
that resumption of operation does not occur within the
first 5 min after initial trip, the equipment may remain out
of operation for not longer than 30 min. It shall then
operate continuously for the remainder of the test period.

Table 3—Maximum cooling test conditions

Water-loop Ground-water Ground-loop

heat pumps heat pumps heat pumps
Liquida entering indoor-side 30°C 30°C 30°C
Air surrounding unit, dry bulb 15°C to 30°C 15°C to 30°C 15°C to 30°C
Liquidaentering outdoor-side heat
exchanger 40°C 25°C 40°C
Frequencyb Rated Rated Rated
Voltage 1) 90% and 110% of rated volt- 1) 90% and 110% of rated volt- 1) 90% and 110% of rated volt-
age for equipment with a single age for equipment with a single age for equipment with a single
nameplate rating. nameplate rating. nameplate rating.
2) 90% of minimum voltage and 2) 90% of minimum voltage and 2) 90% of minimum voltage and
110% of maximum voltage for 110% of maximum voltage for 110% of maximum voltage for
equipment with dual nameplate equipment with dual nameplate equipment with dual nameplate
voltage ratings. voltage ratings. voltage ratings.
aLiquid flow rates shall be established in 4.1.4.
bEquipment with dual-rated frequencies shall be tested at each frequency.

ANSI/ARI/ASHRAE ISO Standard 13256-2:1998 5

 Table 4—Maximum heating test conditions

Water-loop Ground-water Ground-loop

heat pumps heat pumps heat pumps
Liquida entering indoor-side 50°C 50°C 50°C
Air surrounding unit, dry bulb 15°C to 30°C 15°C to 30°C 15°C to 30°C
Liquidaentering outdoor-side heat
exchanger 30°C 25°C 25°C
Frequencyb Rated Rated Rated
Voltage 1) 90% and 110% of rated volt- 1) 90% and 110% of rated volt- 1) 90% and 110% of rated volt-
age for equipment with a single age for equipment with a single age for equipment with a single
nameplate rating. nameplate rating. nameplate rating.
2) 90% of minimum voltage and 2) 90% of minimum voltage and 2) 90% of minimum voltage and
110% of maximum voltage for 110% of maximum voltage for 110% of maximum voltage for
equipment with dual nameplate equipment with dual nameplate equipment with dual nameplate
voltage ratings. voltage ratings. voltage ratings.
aLiquid flow rates shall be established in 4.1.4.
bEquipment with dual-rated frequencies shall be tested at each frequency.

5.3 Minimum operating conditions test
5.3.1 Test conditions
Heat pumps shall be tested at the minimum operating test
conditions for cooling and heating at the test conditions estab-
lished for the specific application (see 4.2.3) specified in
Tables 5 and 6. Heat pumps intended for use in two or more
applications shall be tested at the most stringent set of condi-
tions specified in Tables 5 and 6.
5.3.2 Test procedures
For the minimum operating cooling test, the heat pump
shall be operated continuously for a period of not less than 30
min after the specified temperature conditions have been
established. For the minimum operation heating test, the heat
pump shall soak for 10 min with liquid at the specified temper-
ature circulating through the coil. The equipment shall then be
started and operated continuously for 30 min.
5.3.3 Test requirements
No protective device shall trip during these tests and no
damage shall occur to the equipment.
5.4 Enclosure sweat test
5.4.1 Test conditions
The enclosure sweat test shall be conducted in the cooling
mode at the test conditions established for the specific appli-
cations specified in Table 7. Heat pumps intended for two or
more applications shall be tested at the most stringent set of
conditions.
5.4.2 Test procedures
After establishment of the specified temperature condi-
tions, the heat pump shall be operated continuously for a
period of four hours.
5.4.3 Test requirements
No condensed water shall drip or run off the equipment’s
casing during the test.
6. Test methods
6.1 General
The standard capacity ratings shall be determined by the
test methods and procedures established in this clause and
Annex A. The total cooling and heating capacities shall be the
average of the results obtained for the indoor and outdoor sides
using the liquid enthalpy test method in Annex B. The results
obtained by these two methods must agree within 5 % in order
for a particular test to be valid. Measurements should be made
in accordance with the provisions of Annex C.
6.2 Uncertainties of measurement
The uncertainties of measurement shall not exceed the
values specified in Table 8.

Table 5—Minimum cooling test conditions

Water-loop Ground-water Gound-loop

heat pumps heat pumps heat pumps
Liquida entering indoor-side 12°C 12°C 12°C
Air surrounding unit, dry bulb 15°C to 30°C 15°C to 30°C 15°C to 30°C
Liquidaentering outdoor-side heat
exchanger 20°C 10°C 10°C
Frequencyb Rated Rated Rated
Voltagec Rated Rated Rated
aLiquid flow rates shall be as established in 4.1.4.
bEquipment with dual-rated frequencies shall be tested at each frequency.
cEquipment with dual-rated voltages shall be performed at the low of the two voltages.

6 ANSI/ARI/ASHRAE ISO Standard 13256-2:1998

 Table 6—Minimum heating test conditions

Water-loop Ground-water Ground-loop

heat pumps heat pumps heat pumps
Liquida entering indoor side 15°C 15°C 15°C
Air surrounding unit, dry bulb 15°C to 30°C 15°C to 30°C 15°C to 30°C
Liquidaentering outdoor-side heat
exchanger 15°C 5°C –5°C
b
Frequency Rated Rated Rated
Voltagec Rated Rated Rated
aLiquid flow rates shall be as established in 4.1.4.
bEquipment with dual-rated frequencies shall be tested at each frequency.
cEquipment with dual-rated voltages shall be performed at the low of the two voltages.

Table 7—Enclosure sweat test conditions

Water-loop Ground-water Ground-loop

heat pumps heat pumps heat pumps
Liquida entering indoor-side 12°C 12°C 12°C
Air surrounding unit:
dry bulb 27°C 27°C 27°C
wet bulb 24°C 24°C 24°C
Liquida entering indoor-side heat
exchanger 20°C 10°C 10°C
Frequencyb Rated Rated Rated
Voltagec Rated Rated Rated
aLiquid flow rates shall be as established in 4.1.4.
bEquipment with dual-rated frequencies shall be tested at each frequency.
cEquipment with dual-rated voltages shall be performed at the low of the two voltages.

Table 8—Uncertainties of measurement for indicated values

Uncertainty of measurementa
Measured quantity Unit of indicated values
Water
- temperature °C ±0.1°C
- temperature difference °C ±0.1°C
- volume flow l/s ±1%
- static pressure difference Pa ±5 Pa (p ≤ 100 Pa)
±5 % (p >100 Pa)
Electrical inputs ±0.5%
Time ±0.2%
Mass ±1.0%
aUncertainty of measurement: an estimate characterizing the range of values within which the true value of a measurand lies (measurand: a quantity subject to measurement).
NOTE: Uncertainty of measurement comprises, in general, many components. Some of these components may be estimated on the basis of the statistical distribution of the results
of series of measurements and can be characterized by experimental standard deviations. Estimates of other components can be based on experience or other information.

6.3 Data to be recorded Applied voltages(s),in volts

The data to be recorded during the test include the follow- Frequency, in hertz
ing. External static pressure difference, liquid indoor-side
(for units with integral pumps), in pascals
Date Internal static pressure difference, liquid indoor-side
Test room identification (for units without integral pumps), in pascals
Observer(s) External static pressure difference, liquid outdoor-side
Equipment nameplate data (for units with integral pumps), in pascals
Time data was recorded Internal static pressure difference, liquid outdoor-side
Total power input to equipment, in watts (for units without integral pumps), in pascals

ANSI/ARI/ASHRAE ISO Standard 13256-2:1998 7

 Table 9—Variations allowed in capacity test readings

Maximum variation of individual Variations of arithmetical average values from

Readings reading from rating conditions specified test conditions
Voltage ±2% ±1%

Liquid temperature
- inlet ±0.5°C ±0.2°C

Liquid volume flow rate ±2% ±1%

External resistance to liquid flow, Pa ±10% ±5%

Table 10—Variations allowed in performance test readings

Allowable variations in individual readings from stated performance

Quantity measured test conditions
For minimum operating conditions test:
- liquid temperatures +0.6°C
For maximum operating conditions test:
- liquid temperatures –0.6°C
For other tests:
- liquid temperatures ±0.6°C

Temperature of liquid entering indoor-side, in degrees
Celsius
Temperature of liquid entering outdoor-side, in degrees
Celsius
Temperature of liquid leaving indoor-side, in degrees
Celsius
Temperature of liquid leaving outdoor-side, in degrees
Celsius
Liquid flow rate, indoor-side, in litres per second
Liquid flow rate, outdoor-side, in litres per second
6.4 Test tolerances
6.4.1 The maximum permissible variation of any observa-
tion during the capacity test is listed in the first column of
Table 9. The maximum permissible variation of any observa-
tion during the performance tests is listed in Table 10.
6.4.2 The maximum permissible variations of the average
of the test observations from the standard or desired test con-
ditions are shown in Table 9, second column.
6.5 Test results
The results of a capacity test shall express quantitatively
the effects produced upon the indoor-side liquid by the equip-
ment tested. For given test conditions, the capacity test results
shall include such of the following quantities as are applicable:
(a) cooling capacity (see 6.1), in watts
(b) heating capacity (see 6.1), in watts
(c) measured power input to equipment, in watts
(d) liquid pump power adjustment, indoor-side (see 4.1.2), in
watts
(e) liquid pump power adjustment, outdoor-side (see 4.1.3),
in watts
(f) effective power input to equipment or power inputs to all
equipment components (see 3.10), in watts
(g) net cooling capacity (see 3.3), in watts
(h) net heating capacity (see 3.5), in watts
(i) energy efficiency ratio (see 3.8), in watts per watt
(j) coefficient of performance (see 3.9), in watts per watt
7. Marking provisions
7.1 Nameplate requirement
Each water-to-water and brine-to-water heat pump,
whether composed of a single package or separate assemblies,
shall have a durable nameplate, firmly attached to each sepa-
rate assembly in a location accessible for reading.
7.2 Nameplate information
The nameplate shall provide the following minimum
information in addition to the information required in interna-
tional safety standards.
(a) Manufacturer’s name or trademark1.
(b) Distinctive type or model designation and serial number.
(c) Full-load capacity rating (see 7.3). Equipment rated for
more than one application shall state capacity ratings for
both heating and cooling, as appropriate for each applica-
tion.
(d) Rated voltage(s).
(e) Rated frequency(ies).
(f) Refrigerant designation and refrigerant mass charge.
The information required in 7.2 a, b, d, e and the refrig-
erant designation shall be placed on each element (matched
assembly) of the system.
7.3 Designation of capacity ratings
The designation of capacity rating shall be established in
such a way that the heat transfer media are indicated (IW =
1
The manufacturer is considered to be the firm identified on the
nameplate.

8 ANSI/ARI/ASHRAE ISO Standard 13256-2:1998

indoor-side water, W = outdoor-side water and B = outdoor-
side brine), together with their temperatures, followed by their
capacities in kilowatts. The capacities shall be stated to the
nearest kilowatt. The figure following the first “W” shall be
the liquid temperature of the water-loop heat pump; the figure
following the second “W” shall be the liquid temperature of
the ground-water heat pump; the figure following the “B” shall
be the liquid temperature of the ground-loop heat pump.
Example:
Cooling: IW 12 - W30/W15/B 25 10/12/11 kW
Heating: IW 40 - W 20/W10/B 5 10/9/8 kW
7.4 Refrigerant Designation
The refrigerant designation shall be in accordance with
ISO 817.
8. Publication of ratings
8.1 Standard ratings
8.1.1 Standard ratings shall be published for the net heat-
ing capacity, the net cooling capacity, part-load ratings (where
applicable), energy efficiency ratio and coefficient of perfor-
mance, as appropriate, for each heat pump produced in con-
formance with this part of ISO 13256 for each intended
application. These ratings shall be based on data obtained at
the established rating conditions in accordance with the test-
ing procedures specified in this part of ISO 13256.
8.1.2 The values of the standard capacities shall be
expressed in kilowatts, rounded to the nearest 0.1 kW.
8.1.3 The values of energy efficiency ratios and coeffi-
cients of performance shall be rounded to the nearest 0.01.
8.1.4 Each capacity rating shall be followed by the corre-
sponding voltage and frequency ratings.
8.1.5 Standard ratings are representative of equipment
operating at zero external static pressure for liquid flows.
Additional calculations using the methods specified in this
part of ISO 13256 may be needed to derive performance of
specific applications.
8.2 Application ratings
Additional ratings may be published based on conditions
other than those specified as standard rating conditions if they
are clearly specified and the data is determined by the methods
specified in this part of ISO 13256, or by analytical methods
which are verifiable by the test methods prescribed in clause
6, and are accompanied by the standard net capacity ratings,
energy efficiency ratios, and the coefficients of performance.
Annex A (normative)
Test procedures
A1 General test room requirements
A1.1 The indoor condition test room shall be a room or
space in which the desired test conditions can be maintained
within the prescribed tolerances.
ANSI/ARI/ASHRAE ISO Standard 13256-2:1998
A1.2 It is recommended that air velocities in the vicinity of
the equipment under test do not exceed 2.5 m/s.
A2 Equipment installation
A2.1 The equipment to be tested shall be installed in accor-
dance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions using
recommended installation procedures and accessories. If the
equipment can be installed in several orientations, the tests
shall be conducted using the worst possible orientation.
A2.2 No alterations to the equipment shall be made except
for the attachment of required test apparatus and instruments
in the prescribed manner.
A2.3 Where necessary, equipment shall be evacuated and
charged with the type and amount of refrigerant specified in
the manufacturer’s instructions.
A3 Cooling and heating capacity tests
A3.1 The test room reconditioning apparatus and the equip-
ment under test shall be operated until equilibrium conditions
are attained, but for not less than one hour, before capacity test
data are recorded.
A3.2 Data shall then be recorded for 30 min at 5-min inter-
vals until seven consecutive sets of readings within the toler-
ances prescribed in 6.4 have been attained. The averages of
these data shall be used for the calculation of test results.
Annex B (normative)
Liquid enthalpy test method
B1 General
In the liquid enthalpy test method, capacities are deter-
mined from measurements of the liquid temperature change
and associated flow rate.
B2 Application
This method shall be used for liquid side tests of all equip-
ment, subject to the additional requirements of Annex C.
B3 Calculations
B3.1 Cooling capacity
Measured total cooling capacity based on liquid-side data
is calculated as follow
φ tco = w f c pf ( t f4 – t f3 ) – φ t
where
φtco is the total cooling capacity (liquid-side data), in watts
wf is the mass flow rate, liquid, in kilograms per second
cpf is the specific heat of liquid, J/kg × K
tf4 is the temperature, liquid leaving equipment (outdoor-
side), in degrees Celsius
tf3 is the temperature, liquid entering equipment
(outdoor-side), in degrees Celsius
φt is the total power input, in watts
B3.2 Heating capacity
Measured total heating capacity based on liquid side data
is calculated as follows:
9
 φ tho = w f c pf ( t f3 – t f4 ) + φ t C1.7 Temperature measuring instruments should be ade-
quately shielded from radiation from any adjacent heat
where sources.
φtho is the total heating capacity (liquid-side data), in watts C2 Pressure
wf is the mass flow rate, liquid, in kilograms per second
C2.1 Pressure measurements should be made with one or
cpf is the specific heat of liquid, J/kg · K more of the following instruments:
tf4 is the temperature, liquid leaving equipment (outdoor- (a) mercury columns,
side), in degrees Celsius (b) bourdon tube gages, or
tf3 is the temperature, liquid entering equipment (c) electronic pressure transducers.
(outdoor-side), in degrees Celsius C2.2 The accuracy of the pressure measuring instruments
φt is the total power input, in watts should be within ±2.0% of the indicated value.

B3.3 Line loss corrections
If line loss corrections are to be made, they shall be
included in the capacity calculations.
Annex C (informative)
Instrumentation and measurements
C1 Temperature
C1.1 Temperatures should be measured using liquid-in-
glass thermometers, thermocouples, or electric resistance
thermometers, including thermistors. The instrument charac-
teristics of Table C-1 should be met.
C1.2 Air velocities over the wet-bulb temperature measur-
ing instruments should be approximately 5 m/s.
C1.3 In no case should the smallest scale division of the
temperature measuring instrument exceed twice the specified
accuracy. For example, for the specified accuracy of ±0.05°C,
the smallest scale division should not exceed 0.1°C.
C1.4 Where an instrument accuracy of ±0.05°C is speci-
fied, the instrument should be calibrated by comparison with
a thermometer certified by a recognized authority, such as a
national standards laboratory.
C1.5 Temperature measuring instruments used to measure
the change in temperature should be arranged so that they can
be readily interchanged between inlet and outlet positions to
improve accuracy.
C1.6 Temperature of liquids within conduits should be
measured by inserting the temperature measuring instrument
directly within the liquid, or within a well inserted into the liq-
uid. If a glass thermometer is to be inserted directly into the
liquid, it should be calibrated for the effect of pressure.
C2.3 In no case should the smallest scale division of the
pressure measuring instrument exceed 2.5 times the specified
accuracy.
C3 Electrical measurements
C3.1 Electrical measurements should be made with either
indicating or integrating instruments.
C3.2 Instruments used for measuring the electrical input to
heaters or other apparatus furnishing heat loads should be
accurate to ±1.0% of the quantity measured. Instruments used
for measuring electrical input to fan motors, compressor
motors, or other electrical accessories should be accurate to
±1.0% of the indicated value.
C3.3 Voltages should be measured at the equipment termi-
nals.
C4 Liquid flow measurement
C4.1 Water and brine flow rates should be measured with a
liquid flow meter or quantity meter having an accuracy of
±1.0% of the indicated value.
C4.2 Condensate collection rates should be measured with
a liquid quantity meter measuring either mass or volume and
having an accuracy of ±1.0% of the indicated value.
C5 Time, mass and speed measurements
C5.1 Time measurements should be made with instruments
having an accuracy of ±0.20%.
C5.2 Mass measurements should be made with apparatus
having an accuracy of ±0.2%.
C5.3 Speed measurements should be made with a revolu-
tion counter, tachometer, stroboscope or oscilloscope having
an accuracy of ±1.0 %.

Table C-1—Instrument tolerances for temperature measurement

Instrument Instrument Range within which measurements

Item measured accuracy precision are usually found
Air dry-bulb temperature ±0.1°C ±0.05°C −29°C to 60°C
Air wet-bulb temperature ±0.1°C ±0.05°C −18°C to 32°C
Liquid temperatures ±0.1°C ±0.05°C −10°C to 50°C

10 ANSI/ARI/ASHRAE ISO Standard 13256-2:1998

 Annex D (informative)
Bibliography
[1] ISO 5151:1994, Non-ducted air-conditioners and heat pumps — Testing and rating for performance.
[2] ISO 13253:1995, Ducted air-conditioners and air-to-air heat pumps — Testing and rating for performance.
[3] ISO 13256-1:1998, Water-source heat pumps — Testing and rating for performance — Part 1: Water-to-air and brine-to-
air heat pumps.

ANSI/ARI/ASHRAE ISO Standard 13256-2:1998 11

 POLICY STATEMENT DEFINING ASHRAE’S CONCERN
FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF ITS ACTIVITIES

ASHRAE is concerned with the impact of its members’ activities on both the indoor and outdoor environment. ASHRAE’s
members will strive to minimize any possible deleterious effect on the indoor and outdoor environment of the systems and
components in their responsibility while maximizing the beneficial effects these systems provide, consistent with accepted
standards and the practical state of the art.
ASHRAE’s short-range goal is to ensure that the systems and components within its scope do not impact the indoor and
outdoor environment to a greater extent than specified by the standards and guidelines as established by itself and other
responsible bodies.
As an ongoing goal, ASHRAE will, through its Standards Committee and extensive technical committee structure,
continue to generate up-to-date standards and guidelines where appropriate and adopt, recommend, and promote those new
and revised standards developed by other responsible organizations.
Through its Handbook, appropriate chapters will contain up-to-date standards and design considerations as the material is
systematically revised.
ASHRAE will take the lead with respect to dissemination of environmental information of its primary interest and will seek
out and disseminate information from other responsible organizations that is pertinent, as guides to updating standards and
guidelines.
The effects of the design and selection of equipment and systems will be considered within the scope of the system’s
intended use and expected misuse. The disposal of hazardous materials, if any, will also be considered.
ASHRAE’s primary concern for environmental impact will be at the site where equipment within ASHRAE’s scope
operates. However, energy source selection and the possible environmental impact due to the energy source and energy
transportation will be considered where possible. Recommendations concerning energy source selection should be made by
its members.
86703
PC 2/05