Master’s Student Develops Methodologies to Facilitate Transition to Low GWP Refrigerants

Congratulations to CEEE graduate research assistant Vijay Meruva on defending his master’s thesis, “Development of Modeling and Optimization Methodologies to Facilitate Transition of Heat Pump and Refrigeration Systems to Lower GWP Refrigerants.”

The research addresses the pressing need for heating, cooling and refrigeration technology optimized for the use of refrigerants with a low global warming potential (GWP). The development and adoption of these technologies is essential to the phasedown of greenhouse gas refrigerants.

The thesis focuses on the development of modeling and optimization methodologies to facilitate this transition in three areas: 1) refrigerant blend optimization and selection for supermarket refrigeration systems, 2) water source heat pump systems and 3) low-charge air-to-refrigerant heat exchangers for residential air-conditioning systems.

Meruva was a member of CEEE’s Modeling and Optimization Consortium; CEEE Director Vikrant C. Aute served as his advisor. Next, Meruva heads to Plymouth, Minnesota, for a job as a senior design engineer, where he’ll focus on steady-state modeling of vapor compression systems.

“I had the privilege to study at the University of Maryland and engage in the world-class research of HVAC&R at CEEE,” Meruva said. “I aspire to contribute to the HVAC&R community by applying the knowledge and insights gained at CEEE to design systems that are both energy efficient and environmentally sustainable.”

A database of CEEE theses and dissertations published 2003-2024 is available online.

Published May 20, 2025