Question-and-Answer Resource for the Building Energy Modeling Community
 | 1 | initial version |
The EnergyPlus.IDD file currently defines the minimum compressor operation temperature as 5C . (This file lives in the same directory as the EnergyPlus executable). If I were you, the first thing I'd try is modifying this file to a lower value that is more realistic for your particular heat pumps. I think this minimum limit was established before cold climate heat pumps. I have encountered the same issue with air source heat pumps.
WaterHeater:HeatPump,
...
N4 , \field Minimum Inlet Air Temperature for Compressor Operation
\type real
\units C
\minimum 5
\default 10
\note Heat pump compressor will not operate when the inlet air dry-bulb temperature
\note is below this value.
