Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings by Modular Design of Plug-and-Play Equipment

Lead Performer: Oak Ridge National Laboratory – Oak Ridge, TN
Partners: 
-- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
-- University of Maryland
-- Melink ZERO
-- NexTEMP Solutions Inc.
DOE Total Funding: $2,250,000
Cost Share: $397,000
Project Term: January 1, 2023 – January 1, 2025
Funding Type: Lab Award

Project Objective

The project team proposes to develop and demonstrate a novel concept of modular plug-and-play equipment. The proposed HVAC product ecosystem modernizes building equipment, enabling the flexibility to add new grid-enabled equipment as it becomes available, and addresses consumer affordability, especially for low-moderate income communities. The goal of this project is to accelerate the market uptake of grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEBs) by catalyzing the market introduction of a low-cost, easy-to-retrofit, easy-to-upgrade ecosystem of modular equipment for building. The expected outcome is a 60% reduction in peak demand through an integrated system approach.

Project Impact

This project accelerates electrification of the U.S. residential sector by creating affordable solutions and offering more consumer choice through smaller equipment with low (or no) installation cost. Avoiding panel upgrades and lower first-cost equipment offers access to state-of-the art technology to lower-income households. DIY and modular HVAC equipment incentivizes renters and multifamily residents to invest in better living quality technology.

Contacts

DOE Technology Manager: Payam Delgoshaei
Lead Performer: Kyle Gluesenkamp

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