Midea Exceeds Performance Benchmarks in Department of Energy’s Cold Climate Heat Pump Technology Challenge

Midea America, a manufacturing partner of the Department of Energy’s Cold Climate Heat Pump Technology Challenge, has completed lab testing with its forthcoming cold-climate heat pump system. Midea’s 3-ton model achieved 118% of rated capacity heating output at -15 F, meaning the unit can utilize the heat pump for primary heating, reducing the need for auxiliary heat strips or other heating sources. The system delivered efficiency at -15 F with a coefficient of performance of 1.92 – surpassing the Energy Star cold climate benchmark of 1.7 COP at 5 F – despite doing it at a temperature 20 degrees below the testing standard.

Advancements in heat pump technology mark a notable step forward in energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions. As a result, over the past five years, heat pump sales in the U.S. have grown by more than 50%, even surpassing gas furnace sales in 2022. With new DOE minimum energy efficiency standards established in 2023, the demand for inverter heat pumps boasting high seasonal energy efficiency ratings is climbing.

Midea’s EVI technology is the driving force behind its benchmark-exceeding cold climate heating performance. This technology hinges on a two-stage refrigerant compression process, with an intermediary injection of additional refrigerant vapor. This not only bolsters the heat pump’s heating output, making it a reliable choice during cold weather, but also ramps up its efficiency or COP score. The injection of vapor refrigerant facilitates higher output temperatures while simultaneously expanding the operational range of the heat pump, thereby ensuring outstanding functionality even in sub-zero conditions. Through EVI technology, the company is combining performance and efficiency, marking a substantial stride toward energy-saving heating solutions.

By utilizing electricity more efficiently, Midea is helping to reduce overall energy consumption, presenting a more environmentally friendly and economically sensible heating solution. This blend of cost-saving and efficient energy usage underscores the role of innovative heat pump technologies in fostering a sustainable energy landscape.

Midea’s forthcoming cold climate heat pump system now advances into the DOE’s field test phase, with production units slated to be available in the summer of 2024.