Rheem Completes DOE Testing Milestone for Cold Climate Rooftop Heat Pump

DOE Testing Milestone

USA: Rheem has completed laboratory validation testing for commercial rooftop heat pump equipment under the United States Department of Energy (DOE) testing milestone Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge. The programme aims to support the development of heat pump systems for commercial buildings, including equipment designed for cold climate operation. Testing confirmed that the company’s rooftop heat pump in the 10–14 ton category met the DOE’s performance and efficiency benchmarks for cold climate conditions. Results verified by the DOE and the National Laboratory of the Rockies indicated that the unit maintained 110% heating capacity at 5 degrees Fahrenheit and 90% heating capacity at minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

The system also recorded higher performance metrics compared with DOE benchmarks, including improvements in ventilation, cooling and heating efficiency indicators and a higher coefficient of performance at low temperatures. The rooftop heat pump is based on the Renaissance commercial HVAC platform manufactured in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Field testing is currently underway to evaluate the equipment under operating conditions in colder climates as part of the DOE initiative aimed at supporting energy efficiency and electrification in commercial buildings.

Source: PHC Ppros