Lead Performer: Copeland LP – Sidney, OH
Partners:
-- National Renewable Energy Laboratory – Golden, CO
-- Purdue University – West Lafayette, IN
-- NETenergy – Chicago, IL
-- Texas A&M University – College Station, TX
-- Alfa Laval – Lund, Sweden
DOE Total Funding: $2,037,141
Cost Share: $518,217
Project Term: October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2026
Funding Type: Buildings Energy Efficiency Frontiers & Innovation Technologies (BENEFIT) – 2022/23
Project Objective
Small, distributed HVAC systems condition ~80% of U.S. floor area, but integration of thermal energy storage (TES) with residential equipment is rare and require approaches different from those commonly employed for commercial applications to achieve high efficiency, low cost, and simple installation. Through this project, the team will develop a low-cost, plug-and-play HVAC platform with a pre-charged heat pump module, plug-and-play TES modules (no refrigerant charging required), and no backup electric heater. This novel solution allows each module to be optimally sized for intended end use to efficiently supply space cooling, space heating, and hot water for any region in the U.S., by aligning subsystem and end-use temperatures, while optimizing demand flexibility based on conditions of the local electric grid. The concept minimizes energy use through novel methods to defrost efficiently, help charge TES using "free" subcooled refrigerant, and match temperature levels to appropriate end uses. The project team also aims to build, demonstrate, and characterize two full-scale prototypes of modular heat pump utilizing low GWP R290 and plug-and-play TES, which achieve system performance and installation time reduction targets, in addition to developing a plan for commercialization.
Project Impact
The project’s modular cold climate heat pump system consists of a factory-charged propane (R290) outdoor unit, auxiliary thermal storage, and end-use modules connected to a secondary glycol loop. Its modularity allows the overall HVAC and water heating system to be modified in a staged approach to meet heating and cooling and water heating needs at any given time without evacuation or recharging of refrigerants. The system requires minimal skills and can be installed using low-cost, low-tech equipment that help encourage its adoption toward meeting U.S. climate goals, which include reduced costs from 50% reduction of installation time, low-cost TES module at $40/kWh or less, and a short payback period of 2~3 years. The system can increase efficiency by >20% compared to a typical heat pump and will result in 40% lower energy use for space conditioning and water heating in residential buildings, and 50% lower peak demand.
Contacts
DOE Technology Manager: Sven Mumme
Lead Performer: Jason Born, Copeland LP