HVAC&R Equipment Performance Group

The Group's research focuses on ways and means that improve the energy efficiency of HVAC&R equipment, which is the predominant end-user of energy in buildings.  The current projects include: 

• System studies through laboratory measurements and computer simulations
• Development of Computational Intelligence-based tools for optimization of component and system designs
• Development of fully automated fault detection and diagnostic methods
• Fundamental two-phase heat transfer measurements for single-component refrigerants, refrigerant mixtures, and refrigerant/nanolubricant mixtures
• Development of testing and rating procedures for refrigerators, air conditioners, and heat pumps for the U.S. Department of Energy Appliance Program

The best known contributions of the Group are those related to the research of alternative ozone-safe refrigerants and refrigerant mixtures, the development of advanced simulation tools, and the formulation of the SEER and HSPF performance descriptors for the test procedures of residential air conditioners and heat pumps.

Piotr A. Domanski, Leader
HVAC&R Equipment Performance Group
(301) 975-5877
piotr.domanski@nist.gov