CREARE LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N221-052

Description

Cooling loads on modern warships are increasingly dominated by electronics and modern weapons systems. In contrast to traditional space cooling loads, these systems operate at higher temperatures to prevent condensation. In many applications it has become more energy efficient to operate shipboard chiller loops at warmer temperatures and use point-of-use heat pumps to generate lower temperatures for space cooling and dehumidification. These heat pumps must meet the new cooling requirements with lower power consumption; present low hazard to personnel and the environment; and meet other demanding Navy requirements for size, mass, emitted sound, and limited maintenance. To address this need, Creare proposes a highly unique CO2 heat pump powered by a miniature, high speed turbo-compressor. This technology builds upon decades of experience building similar maintenance-free compressors and expanders for challenging DoD and NASA applications, and recent efforts to develop low cost, high volume production methods. In Phase I we will prove the feasibility of this approach through detailed design work and laboratory demonstration of key performance attributes. In Phase II we will design, fabricate, and assemble the full-scale turbo-compressor, assemble the heat pump system, demonstrate performance in a representative thermal environment, and deliver the assembly for further performance evaluation.