Wall Embedded Multifunctional Heat Pump with Energy Storage Systems For Grid-Responsive and Weather-Transactive Controls

This project will develop an envelope-integrated, packaged multifunctional HVAC and WH unit. Coupled with phase-change material (PCM) panels responding to grid signals and weather forecasts, it will enable energy recovery, peak load shift, free cooling, and other services. The project will target multifamily buildings, both retrofits and new constructions, and will develop cutting-edge technologies including an air-source integrated heat pump, multi-objective controls, free cooling technology, and others.

Project Impact

Previous field validation in ORNL demonstrated that a residential air-source integrated heat pump (AS-IHP) led to annual energy saving up to 50%. The project aims to downsize the residential AS-IHP to a wall embedded, multifunctional heat pump and water heating unit (WAS-IHP). In the residential sector, the first target market is multifamily buildings, mobile homes provide another opportunity, because they tend to have no access to natural gas pipelines and have no air distribution ductwork. Once the technology is fully accepted by the market, the annual site savings are estimated to be 816 TBtu in the residential sector.