Advanced Rotating Heat Exchangers

Lead Performer: Oak Ridge National Laboratory - Oak Ridge, TN
Partners: Sandia National Laboratory - Albuquerque, NM
DOE Funding: $350,000
Project Term: October 2013 - September 2015

Project Objective

This project aims at creating a synergy between BTO performers to develop high-impact technology with significant potential for national energy savings. The project builds upon a recently developed technology at Sandia National Laboratory (SNL) – air bearing heat exchanger, also known as rotating heat exchangers – and the HVAC and refrigeration expertise at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). ORNL and SNL will collaborate in an effort to develop the first HVAC&R application employing the rotating heat exchangers, which will result in a proof-of-concept for the HVAC&R industry.

Project Impact

When successful, this technology will be adopted for other HVAC&R applications and may lead to a significant increase in air side heat transfer coefficient with the potential of 0.7 to 1.1. quads of energy savings, according to Westphalen et al. 2006 (Westphalen, D., Roth, K. W. and Brodrick,J. (2006) 'Heat transfer enhancement', ASHRAE Journal,48(4), 68-71.)

Contacts

DOE Technology Manager: Tony Bouza
Performer: Omar Abdelaziz, Oak Ridge National Laboratory