ECC Refrigerator: Investigate Potential Energy Savings and Likelihood of Success if an ECC is Used Instead of a Typical Vapor Compressor

This report estimates energy saving potential of a refrigerator using an electrochemical compressor (ECC) and metal hydride heat exchangers, versus a baseline refrigerator using a single-speed reciprocating compressor. The ECC technology has is more efficient at high pressure ratio and has better part-load performance. In addition, metal hydrides are solid refrigerants suitable for extensive applications, having larger formation heat. It has the potential to achieve energy saving over 20% than the baseline refrigerator, after we break the technical barriers on the path. Based on evaluation of the project against the must meet criteria, it meets the requirements for a “go” decision.