Midea’s split-system heat pump water heater concept wins Hot Water Innovation Prize

Big innovation for small spaces

Midea has won the NEEA-led Hot Water Innovation Prize for its compact split-system heat pump water heater concept.

The design pairs a small indoor tank with an outdoor compressor, addressing space and installation barriers in apartments, multifamily buildings and other homes where conventional heat pump water heaters may not fit.

The national competition, which was co-sponsored by Bonneville Power Administration, awarded the winning manufacturer with $175,000 to continue product development, followed by field demonstrations and collaboration with utilities and industry partners.

For Northwest utilities and contractors, the design could open new opportunities to deliver efficient water heating in previously challenging applications.