Information flow schematic for an integrated heat pump design model and wrapped tank model.
Information flow schematic for an integrated heat pump design model and external forced flow heat exchanger tank model.
Lead Performer: Oak Ridge National Laboratory – Oak Ridge, TN
FY16 DOE Funding: $150,000
Project Term: October 1, 2015 – TBD
Funding Type: Annual Operating Plan (AOP)
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
The heat pump water heater (HPWH) market is currently dominated by units based on R-134a refrigerant, but eventually a lower GWP refrigerant will be required. The objective of this project is to evaluate refrigerant options, cycle configurations, and system designs to determine the best path forward for advanced low-GWP-based electric HPWHs.
Initially an evaluation of different cycle configurations, refrigerant options (pure fluids and mixtures), and system designs to identify the maximum technical efficiency potential for an electric HPWH using lower-GWP refrigerant and refrigerant mixtures will be conducted for applicability in the U.S. market. Assuming sufficiently promising (efficient and cost-competitive) options are identified, ORNL and a CRADA partner will collaborate to advance the development to a field test prototype evaluation stage. Performance and cost targets are a primary energy factor of ≥0.81 and a cost premium of ≤$11.94/gallon installed.
PROJECT IMPACT
Assuming project field test prototype(s) meets the performance and cost targets above, the CRADA partner would be encouraged to advance the development to a production model for the U.S. commercial buildings market. Successful development will ensure market availability of efficient HPWHs with reduced global environmental impact.
CONTACTS
DOE Technology Manager: Tony Bouza
Lead Performer: Van Baxter, Oak Ridge National Laboratory