DOE Publishes Priority Enabling HVAC Technology R&D Initiatives

Energy Department Releases Roadmaps on HVAC Technologies, Appliances, and Low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) Refrigerants.

Table ES-2: Priority Enabling HVAC Technology R&D Initiatives Topic Area Initiative/Activity

Collect data and conduct analysis on the pervasiveness and energy impacts of incorrect system commissioning, poor installation, incorrect operation, and improper maintenance of HVAC in all buildings.

Develop and demonstrate an open-source, open-architecture platform that enables smart grid connectivity for demand response, and communication of energy, operational, and financial transactions between HVAC and other building
systems.

Develop a low-cost sensor network and control scheme where every surface, critical object, and occupant has a sensor.

Develop standardized methods of built-in data acquisition and data storage for sizing and equipment selection purposes at end of life.

HVAC Technologies R&D Roadmap

For HVAC, BTO targets 12% and 24% primary energy savings by 2020 and 2030, respectively. The recommended initiatives in the report each target one or more R&D needs for residential and commercial HVAC technologies and related systems, such as controls, distribution systems, and design, installation, operation, and maintenance practices.

Appliances R&D Roadmap

For appliances, BTO targets 14% and 29% primary energy savings by 2020 and 2030, respectively. The recommended initiatives in the report target high-priority R&D, demonstration, and commercialization activities that, if pursued by DOE and its partners, could significantly reduce residential appliance energy consumption.

Low-GWP Refrigerants Roadmap

The current generation of refrigerants, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), have significant global warming potential (GWP) when released to the atmosphere. This research and development (R&D) roadmap for next-generation low-GWP refrigerants provides recommendations to the Building Technologies Office (BTO) on R&D activities that will help accelerate the transition to low-GWP refrigerants across the entire HVAC&R industry.

View the Building Technologies Office’s full library of technology R&D roadmaps.