High-Efficiency Low Global-Warming Potential (GWP) Packaged Rooftop System

Lead Performer: United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) — East Hartford, CT
DOE Total Funding: $1,320,000
Cost Share: $565,410
Project Term: September 2017 — November 2019
Funding Type: Buildings Energy Efficiency Frontiers & Innovation Technologies (BENEFIT) – 2017 (DE-FOA-0001632)
Related Project: High-Efficiency Low Global-Warming Potential (GWP) Compressor

Project Objective

United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) will develop and validate a high-efficiency, high-speed 5TR packed rooftop system that uses a sustainable, nonflammable, nontoxic and high-efficiency refrigerant. It utilizes an advanced compressor with low-pressure-drop highly parallel compact evaporator and compact high-velocity fan condenser. This technology would be a major departure from the common compressor used today in that it is an integrated system with the potential to provide >30% annual energy savings, and uses Hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) as coolant. HFO:

• Has very low direct GWP of ~1 versus 2088 for R410A
• Has high cycle efficiency — latent heat of vaporization and reduced compression and throttling losses
• Is safer as it is nontoxic and nonflammable versus alternatives (e.g. R32)

The compressor used in this project stems from UTRC’s previous project, designed for enabling low direct global warming potential high-efficiency small commercial rooftop and residential systems.

Project Impact

UTRC will improve upon the current state-of-the-art standards, improving the primary COP to >20 SEER (i.e. 2.1 primary seasonal COP) leading to a 30% primary energy reduction, and decreasing the payback time to two years for new construction and retrofit applications.

Contacts

DOE Technology Manager: Antonio Bouza
Lead Performer: Dr. Ahmad M. Mahmoud, United Technologies Research Center

Related Publications