Photo of a High-Efficiency Low Global-Warming Potential (GWP) Compressor.

Image courtesy of United Technologies Research Center and BTO Peer Review.

Lead Performer: United Technologies Research Center – East Hartford, CT
DOE Total Funding: $974,000
Cost Share: $417,000
Project Term: September 2015 – August 2017
Funding Opportunity: Building Energy Efficiency Frontiers and Innovation Technologies (BENEFIT) – 2015, DE-FOA-0001166

Project Objective

United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) proposes to demonstrate a high-efficiency compressor design that is critical to enabling low direct-GWP high-efficiency small-commercial rooftop and residential systems (1.5 TR to 10 TR). UTRC will leverage state-of-the-art proprietary design tools and rich HVAC experience to demonstrate compressor performance through calorimetric testing advancing the compressor TRL from 2 to 5. Additionally UTRC shall design a high-efficiency small building HVAC packaged system, that uses this compressor and refrigerant, and has a primary seasonal COP >2.1.

Project Impact

The targeted system would use low GWP refrigerant, and can provide 30% annual energy savings with < 2 years payback by 2020 and have the potential to save 2.5 quads of energy by 2030 upon full commercialization.

Contacts

DOE Technology Manager: Antonio Bouza
Lead Performer: Frederick Cogswell, United Technologies Research Center

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