Lead Performer: Oak Ridge National Laboratory – Oak Ridge, TN
July 12, 2023
minute read time
Lead Performer: Oak Ridge National Laboratory – Oak Ridge, TN
Partner: A.O. Smith
DOE Total Funding: $80,000
Cost Share: $20,000
Project Term: March 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022
Funding Type: CRADA
Project Objective
Heat pump water heater (HPWH) technology has been validated and proven to be successful through lab and field experiments. While the technology is mature, there are still opportunities to further enhance the performance of the systems, such as using a hybrid configuration that can be used to meet the demand when the HPWH cannot provide sufficient heating. The overall system performance depends on several factors, including tank thermal stratification, condenser design, compressor, and working fluid. This project will evaluate the potential of propane (R290) to replace R134a as a drop-in replacement refrigerant in residential hybrid heat pump water heaters (HPWHs). The project will also evaluate various charge reduction approaches and analyze the impact of various component and system modifications on the total refrigerant charge. Finally, the project will conduct a field evaluation of the optimized configuration.
Project Impact
This project will result in significant energy savings and emission reductions in the water heating industry. It is expected to save at least 250 TBtu of energy and lead to a reduction of more than 100 Mt of CO2 emissions. The project will also enable the development and deployment of A2L and A3 refrigerants. In addition to the energy savings and emission reductions, the project will also create more than 4,000 new jobs and help a U.S. manufacturer expand to international markets. The project will also have implications for other industries, such as residential air conditioning/heating, refrigeration, and process water heating.
Contacts
DOE Technology Manager: Payam Delgoshaei
Lead Performer: Kashif Nawaz