Overview
This project demonstrates integrated whole-building retrofit solutions for two low-income multifamily buildings in different climate zones (Massachusetts and California). The approach uses integrated mechanical system pods (IMSPs), prefabricated ductwork, and high-performance envelopes, including prefabricated wall panels integrated with a digital workflow and a standardized retrofit delivery solution aimed at accelerating project design and financing timelines.
| Project Type | Problem to Solve | Solution | Location | Timeline | Partners |
| Residential retrofit | Time and cost of deep energy retrofits | Integrated whole-building retrofit with mechanical system pods | Cambridge, MA Cudahy, CA | December 2022–October 2026 |
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Project Goals
This project aims to showcase whole-building retrofit solutions for multifamily buildings, efficiency enhancements through ABC technologies and project delivery processes, and a scaling model to accelerate the adoption of deep energy retrofits. It focuses on field validating and commercializing IMSPs for multifamily buildings, aiming to improve performance and remove time-consuming and costly barriers associated with the decarbonization of multifamily heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Impacts
The retrofit package, which includes IMSPs, high-performance prefabricated envelope panels, and other deep energy retrofit measures, will reduce energy use intensity for space heating, space cooling, and water heating by 75% through a zero-over-time approach.
Technology Impact
The IMSPs alone are projected to lower site energy consumption by 27%. If implemented throughout the specified multifamily sector, the cumulative technical potential savings amount to 463.7 TBtu annually.
Market Impact
Simplified and efficient retrofit processes can unlock a market of 16.1 million multifamily units. This could result in an annual energy cost reduction of approximately $4.3 billion across ASHRAE climate zones 3, 4, and 5.
- The team updated the IMSP design based on Phase 1 (prototype) learnings and started engaging with a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory to conduct a preliminary design review for ensuring the design satisfies safety testing requirements.
- The system performance test plan was completed, and testing will be conducted after the design review.
- The team kicked off the existing condition evaluation activities, starting with 3D scanning for the Massachusetts demonstration site.
- The IMSP uses off-the-shelf components, including a water source heat pump. Unfortunately, the water source heat pump used in Phase 1 prototyping was discontinued, and the team had to find an alternative that satisfied the existing design criteria.
- The process was more challenging than expected, but the team learned the importance of having a flexible design, establishing a good relationship with the manufacturer, and confirming the product timeline to ensure future availability of the key components.
- The team will pursue relevant UL safety testing certification for the IMSP prior to the demonstration as part of the commercialization effort.
- The performance of the whole-building retrofit solution that pairs the IMSP with envelope measures will be field validated on two sites located in two different climate zones.
- The integrated design will be optimized, and a retrofit project screening methodology will be applied to a multifamily building portfolio to scale the solutions and facilitate widespread adoption across multifamily buildings.
General Inquiries: [email protected]
About the ABC Initiative
The Advanced Building Construction (ABC) Initiative, led by the Building Technologies Office (BTO), integrates energy efficiency and advanced technology solutions into industrialized construction processes to drastically increase the speed and scale of high-performance, low-carbon building retrofits and new construction.
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Page last updated: June 5, 2024