Mitsubishi+Mini-Split


 * Definition **
 * Mitsubishi Mini-Split System** is a specific type of forced air heating and system that provides significant advantages over similar systems.

** Characteristics ** The Mitsubishi Mini-Split system has two significant advantages over other types of forced-air systems. The first of these advantages is its efficiency. Mitsubishi and it’s Mini-splits have predominated in the Solar Decathlon competition since as early as 2002, because they offer excellent efficiencies for heating and cooling small areas like solar decathlon houses. This also indicates that Mitsubishi has been in the business for long enough to work out many issues in design. These Mini-Splits are equal to or slightly below the efficiency of high SEER cooling forced air systems based on direct output, however there lack of vents increases efficiency. Further, the fact that they are often used as two or more separate units provides more responsiveness and flexibility, adjusting to the needs of each space more effectively. The final advantage is simply the flexibility that a concealable, ductless system provides both mechanically and especially architecturally. ** Uses ** Heating and Air-conditioning, flexible, simple, efficient. Can be more easily integrated into architectural design.

** Tips, Tricks, & Precautions ** ** Examples ** Maryland, and 4 other team in 2011 Colorado (winner) and 2 other teams in 2005 Missouri-Rolla in 2002 (more)
 * Though each heating/ cooling unit is separate from the others, they generally share a or a number of exterior fan-coils where the heat is exchanged, which is important to keep in mind.
 * While mini-splits are an attractive option, It is important to remember that Self-Reliance did not use them because of issues with their heating ability under cold conditions. When the outdoor temp drops below 0 degrees, the efficiency decreases significantly, and the system is forced to supplement heat-pump for inefficient heating coils.

** Sources ** [|www.] [|**solardecathlon**] [|.gov/past/.../38264tp_equipment_summaries.pdf] -cooling systems from teams in 2002 and 2005 [|https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:G7H-ytEmMDQJ:www.mitsubishielectric-usa.com/news/2011/Mitsubishi_Electric_HVAC_Systems_in_Winning_2011_Solar_Decathalon_Houses.pdf+&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjc2vttyiJmt3T33mA7vg1ZG-Zg8Vub1zYvnEKCgk_I8VKyarvnTlrB4JQAQjTNkemgdyh8BYXYxZh7c1cg_jrZnUBJVdKbcpFKTAf9WxNfba5JON3SJxL-34U-WMgty1FGCV99&sig=AHIEtbReg3y6mlVe5dxZEnIoS2evyanJJg] -Mitsubishi’s press release after 2011 [] -DOE analysis of Mini-split performance, carried out by purdue