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Optimization, Design and Fabrication of a Prototype 5-Ton ECU Using Hydrocarbon…

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Air Force 		Award ID:
72961 		Program Year/Program:
2005 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
F051-121-2470 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Mainstream Engineering Corporation
200 Yellow Place Pines Industrial Center Rockledge, FL -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2005
Title: Optimization, Design and Fabrication of a Prototype 5-Ton ECU Using Hydrocarbon Refrigerants
Agency / Branch: DOD / USAF
Contract: FA8650-05-M-5812
Award Amount: $99,880.00
 

Abstract:

Mainstream has a long history of investigating the use of hydrocarbon refrigerants in heat pumps and air conditioners. Experimental data has demonstrated the performance of some hydrocarbon refrigerants to be about 7% better than R-410A and 10% better than HCFC-22. Experiments have also demonstrated that hydrocarbon blends can be formulated to match the saturation temperature/pressure behavior of HCFC-22. Compressor tests have shown that the hydrocarbons are compatible with conventional mineral-oil refrigeration oils. This Phase I effort proposes to: A) evaluate the performance of various hydrocarbon refrigerants and mixtures using our in-house heat pump models, B) select the optimum hydrocarbon working fluid for this Lightweight ECU application, C) experimentally determine the flammability characteristics of the potential hydrocarbon refrigerant, D) Design and Build a full-scale prototype 5-Ton Lightweight ECU, E) measure the performance of this improved ECU, and F) compare the performance, size and weight benefits to Mainstream's existing ECU which uses R-410A. Phase I also includes the delivery of the prototype 5-ton Lightweight hydrocarbon-refrigerant ECU. Our accelerated schedule not only reduces the risk to the government and provides more value, it also allows the follow-on Phase II to focus on Military Field Tests, Life Tests, and more extensive performance testing.

Principal Investigator:

Robert P. Scaringe
PI/Sr. Research Engineer
3216313550
rps@mainstream-engr.com

Business Contact:

Michael Rizzo
Controller
3216313550
mar@mainstream-engr.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

MAINSTREAM ENGINEERING CORP.
200 Yellow Place, Pines Industrial Center Rockledge, FL 32955

EIN/Tax ID: 592744408
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No