Lead Performer: Newport Partners, Davidsonville, MD; partner: Eversource Energy
July 9, 2020
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Lead Performer: Newport Partners, Davidsonville, MD
Partner: Eversource Energy
DOE Total Funding: $549,445
Cost Share: $158,800
Project Term: August 2020 – August 2023
Project Objective
The objective of this project is to develop, test, and demonstrate an optimized residential hybrid heat pump (HHP) control providing energy efficiency, affordability, and grid resiliency. The expected outcome is acceleration in electrification of energy-efficient and affordable residential heating systems supporting grid resiliency through development, demonstration, and industry collaboration.
The optimized control for the hybrid heat pump system will be more advanced than a simple outdoor temperature transition point, which is the current state of the art and leaves many crucial benefits unrealized. The optimized HHP control system will monitor and respond to signals such as efficiency of the heat pump, how well indoor temperature is being maintained, and the grid’s mix of renewable energy. Based on a control methodology that accounts for these signals, the system control will use either the heat pump or the furnace for home heating. This technology is a critical element to utilities in regions moving toward greater levels of electrification of residential space heating.
Project Impact
This project will impact utility DSM program design efforts and particularly those in mixed and cold climates with goals for electrification of space heating. A modest market penetration rate for control-optimized HHPs of 1.5% for utility partners in the Northeast, combined with the MMBtu savings per house, can result in a regional energy savings of 1.0 Quads over the lifecycle of the HHP. The adoption of control-optimized HHPs will also drive GHG emission reductions and improved grid resiliency.
Contacts
DOE Technology Manager: Marc LaFrance
Lead Performer: Jamie Lyons, Newport Partners