07a Geothermal Heat Pump & Phase Change Material Super-Hybrid Systems

The Department of Energy has recognized geothermal heat pump technology as the most energy efficient space heating and cooling system. But the technology has not gone mainstream due to higher first cost compared to conventional HVAC systems. Our solution has the potential to significantly reduce the cost geothermal heat pump systems and also increase the efficiency of other conventional HVAC systems, while being compatible with existing installation techniques and also being budget friendly.The technical solution to achieve this is to utilize Thermal Energy Storage tank(s) that make use of Phase Change Materials which can store more thermal energy more efficiently than water. With the world moving towards decarbonization, beneficial electrification and the growing use of all other heat pump technology, there is a need to produce a thermal storage application that can address site peak demand and also provide a high level of energy efficiency. In our Phase I and Phase II Initial research and development, we have validated this technical feasibility by designing, installing, testing, and proving the performance of prototype Thermal Energy Storage tanks, as well as creating a simulation tool to optimize system design. We also piloted a super hybrid system that utilizes these energy storage tanks, natural resources and intelligent algorithms to attain an annual net zero energy consumption. The purpose of this DOE Phase IIB grant application is to further develop a product which will be a complete Thermal Energy Storage system or “Thermal Battery”. This thermal battery will include Phase Change Material, compatible heat exchangers, a tank, controls to manage the system effectively and plug and play connections for easy installation. In addition to the physical product, a software package will be available for engineers to design and specify the equipment. A commercially viable Thermal Energy product will result in dramatically smaller ground loops in geothermal heat pump systems. This will provide another tool to engineers and designers that will allow HVAC designs to be more economical by reducing their cost across a wide variety of applications. Ultimately, this will benefit the public by allowing more technically advanced geothermal heat pump systems to be installed throughout the country, resulting in greater nationwide access to this energy efficient technology. We are very excited and motivated to significantly improve our nation’s economy, health, resiliency, and security through this grant opportunity. Thank you for your consideration.