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

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 low-carbon 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 buildings. The expected outcome is a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions and 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.