Leaders from TECO Peoples Gas, a UTD member company, GTI Energy, Micro Nano Technologies, and the University of Florida recently convened to discuss ongoing, collaborative energy research and explore new opportunities for decarbonizing buildings and industries around the world. With funding from TECO Peoples Gas and other utilities participating in UTD, we are actively engaged in three innovative areas designed to progress clean energy solutions, including:
Commercial HVAC & Heating:
Funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and in partnership with others, this project focuses on the development and demonstration of a double-effect absorption heat pump (AHP), targeting a cooling COP (coefficient of performance) of more than 1.2 and heating COP of more than 2.0.
It includes a recently awarded future demonstration of a 2,500 CFM (cubic feet per minute) prototype system that will be tested at UF Health Shands Hospital.
Industrial Drying & Process Heating:
Funded in part by DOE and in partnership with others, these efforts aim to create an absorption heat pump dryer (AHPD) for lumber/agricultural production, with the potential to reduce emissions by over 60% compared to conventional methods.
A prototype system is being tested, with plans to scale up to 2,000 CFM for further demonstration in applications across many industrial and agricultural industries.
The team is exploring opportunities to adapt the AHDP for process heating & cooling solutions as well, targeting the food & beverage industries.
Transformational Cooling with Liquid-Liquid Separation (LLS):
This project explores the use of a new liquid-liquid separation phenomena* for cooling, which could improve cooling efficiency by more than three times compared to traditional methods. It focuses on reducing energy demand for cooling using sorption-based technologies.
The effort aims to prove the concept with a projected cooling COP of more than 1.8, offering a transformative approach to energy-efficient cooling.
Our efforts strengthen collaboration and expertise across stakeholders to accelerate innovation and market transformation that will improve energy systems, benefit utility ratepayers, and create long lasting societal impacts.
