Lead Performer: Oak Ridge National Laboratory – Oak Ridge, TN
July 12, 2023
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Lead Performer: Oak Ridge National Laboratory – Oak Ridge, TN
Partner: Rheem Manufacturing Co.
DOE Total Funding: $200,000
Cost Share: $200,000
Project Term: May 1, 2023 – June 1, 2024
Funding Type: CRADA
Project Objective
This project focuses on refrigerant transitions for both residential and commercial heat pump water heaters (HPWHs). The upgraded DOE/ORNL Heat Pump Design Model (HPDM) serves as a valuable tool for product design and optimization to aid in the transition of refrigerants within HPWHs. Through laboratory investigations, the project explores low GWP refrigerant alternatives to replace R-134a in Rheem's range of residential HPWHs, encompassing both 220V and 110V products. Additionally, the project involves the development and laboratory verification of a commercial cold climate heat pump water heater.
Project Impact
This project will:
- Advance HPWH technologies to replace gas water heaters and reduce GHG emissions.
- Replace high GWP refrigerants in Rheem’s residential and commercial HPWH product families.
- Develop commercial cold climate heat pump water heaters for multifamily buildings.
- Develop and calibrate high-fidelity, public domain HPWH and heat exchanger modelling and design tool for low GWP refrigerants in wrapped-tank and forced water flow configurations.
Contacts
DOE Technology Manager: Payam Delgoshaei
Lead Performer: Bo Shen