Building Equipment Technologies

Through use of extensive experimental facilities, advanced hardware-based design models, and incorporation of emerging materials, BTRIC research has helped industry launch some of the most energy-efficient building equipment technologies on the market today. Research focuses on heat pumps, heating ventilation & air conditioning, dehumidifiers, appliances, water heaters, refrigeration systems, and advanced energy storage systems. BTRIC researchers are deploying neutrons to gain a deeper understanding of the structure of novel materials in heat exchangers, characterizing refrigerant flow and phase change process for the development of thermal solutions.

Focus areas:

• Vapor-compression cycles (including trans-critical, ejector, and other variations)
• Absorption/adsorption/desiccant cycles
• Magnetocaloric/electrocaloric cycles
• Working fluids, materials
• Heat Pumps, air conditioners, dehumidifiers
• Packaged rooftop units
• Appliances
• Water heaters
• Supermarket refrigeration systems
• Ground-source space conditioning and water heating systems
• Multi-zone heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems