Technology Portfolio

Traditional ducted, split system heat pumps have constant-speed compressors. Ducted, variable-speed split system heat pumps incorporate variable-speed compressors, variable-speed indoor and outdoor blowers, and linear expansion valves (versus thermostatic, two-position valves) into traditional ducted split systems. The variable-speed features allow the equipment to operate at the actual load and not cycle on/off, resulting in energy savings of 20 to 66 percent for the HVAC system. The variable speed features also substantially extend equipment life.
This technology is best used in a retrofit situation with existing air ducts in good condition. Incorporation of a variable speed compressor into a ducted system will save significant energy over a constant-speed unit with energy savings as high as 40 percent. Split systems should be designed and controlled to minimize the use of strip heat and ensure the ductwork is well sealed.

Current Stage: Approved for Implementation. See BPA Energy Efficiency Implementation Manual for measure and program details.

Example Projects: 

Field Test of Carrier Greenspeed Split System Heat Pump

• Ecotope Residential VCHP Field Study

Field Test of Ducted Variable-capacity Heat Pumps in TVA's Campbell Creek Homes

Project Team:
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

Timeline:
2012-2014

• EPRI Award
• Variable-Speed Heat Pumps for Energy Efficiency and Demand Response

Variable Capacity Heat Pump Tech Roadmap

Project Team:
BPA
Portland State University
Northwest Power and Conservation Council

Timeline:
2009-Ongoing

• Designs of Test Stand and Experiment for VRF Systems with Heat Recovery (2011)
  Variable Capacity Heat Pump Measure Development Roadmap (2011)

Measure Summary Report for Variable Capacity Heat Pumps

• Measure Summary Report: Variable Refrigerant Flow (2011)

Additional Resources:

• Roadmap for Variable Capacity Heat Pump Technology (2011)
• Measure Summary Report for Variable-capacity Heat Pumps (2011)

Variable-capacity equipment is usually more efficient than equipment that can only operate at constant speed or capacity. Ductless mini-split systems, utilize variable-speed inverter-driven compressors and fans. Heat pumps with variable speed compressors have been available in other countries for many years, commanding more than 80% of the commercial and residential market combined in Japan, Europe and China. This technology is now widely available in the U.S from multiple manufacturers.

Current Stage: Approved for Implementation. See BPA Energy Efficiency Implementation Manual and BPA Residential Programs page for measure and program details. See also Monmouth-year-3-04-26-12-FINAL. 

Example Projects:

Assessment of Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Energy Savings in Stack House Apartments

• Assessment of Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Energy Savings in Stack House Apartments (2016)

Field Test of Ductless Heat Pumps in Residences and Small Commercial Buildings

• Multi-family homes with zonal, electric heat,
• Manufactured homes with electric forced-air furnaces,
• Single-family homes with electric forced-air furnaces,
• Small, commercial-use buildings, and
• Cold-climate ductless heat pumps in single-family and manufactured homes.

• Ductless Heat Pump Engineering Analysis: Single-Family and Manufactured Homes with Electric Forced-Air Furnaces (2012) 
• Ductless Heat Pump Retrofits in Multifamily and Small Commercial Buildings  

Field Test of Ductless Heat Pumps in Single-Family Homes

• Residential Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Retrofit Monitoring, Year Three (2012)
• Residential Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Retrofit Monitoring, Year Two (2010)
• Residential Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Retrofit Monitoring, Year One (2009) 

Laboratory Test of a Fujitsu Ductless Heat Pump

• Mini-Split Ductless Heat Pump Bench Test Results – Fujitsu (2009) 

Additional Resources:

• Technical support, training, and marketing assistance are available at NW Ductless Project Website
• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: HVAC in Multifamily Buildings (2016)

Example Projects:

Ducted Mini Split Testing in the PNNL Lab Homes

1. What is the temperature distribution and HVAC energy use in each home, when ducted mini-splits are set up in two different scenarios:
   •  Ducted to each room
   • Ducted to bedrooms only with ductless in living room
2. What is the energy savings of a ducted mini-split system, assuming the temperature is adequately distributed around the home compared to:
   • Electric resistance heat
   • Ductless heat pump in the living room with electric resistance heat in the bedrooms

Prior to the start of the experiment, an EnergyPlus model for the ducted mini-split system was developed. This model was used to understand the expected results from the experiment and help analysts determine if any final adjustments should be made to adequately capture the true range of performance on the system. The experiment will be designed and executed in a manner that is helpful to calibrate the EnergyPlus model for ducted mini-splits. This model will allow energy savings extrapolation to other climate regions across the Northwest and the United States.

Project Team:
BPA
PNNL

Timeline:
2016-2017

Additional Resources:

• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: HVAC in Multifamily Buildings (2016)
• E3T DMS White Paper

BPA, in collaboration with regional and national partners, is investigating the potential benefits of advanced learning thermostats in residential applications. Our work to date has demonstrated that certain products can increase the efficiency of energy use by HVAC systems. Beginning in 2017, BPA will reimburse its customers for incentive programs for qualifying products. 

Example Projects:

Methods for Measuring the Efficiency of Smart Thermostats 

Traditional methods for emerging technology assessment (i.e., randomized, controlled trials) are not well applied to a new generation of software-based controls and related services. BPA and EPRI are seeking to develop a unit of efficiency measurement for residential HVAC controls and methods for its evaluation, during operation, by analyzing data from networked thermostats, essentially a rating system, like "miles per gallon."

Educating the industry and the public comes from addressing the project’s key research questions, which have not yet been answered through empirical research: How can the data from networked thermostats be used to evaluate the energy efficiency of these devices on a continual basis? What are appropriate evaluation methods today and how can they be adapted as this emerging technology matures? The hope is these methods can be used by homeowners and their representatives to periodically measure the performance of smart thermostats, detecting the influence of mechanical problems, software upgrades, or other system changes. 

Project Team:
BPA
Electric Power Research Institute

Timeline: 
2013-2016

Evaluating the Efficiency and Demand Response Potential of Smart Thermostats

In a research effort led by EPRI, BPA is collaborating with electric utilities across the United States to examine the potential benefit and cost of smart thermostats to grid operators. Through technical review, extensive field trials across the country, and other methods, EPRI hopes to measure and verify the impact of smart thermostats on HVAC energy use and evaluate the potential for homeowners to participate in markets for short-term load management services. This project offers the opportunity to pool and compare data across different utility and technology contexts, therefore contributing a larger breadth of results than any single one-off evaluation.

Project Team:
BPA
Electric Power Research Institute

Timeline:
2013-2017

Field Test of Nest Smart Thermostat with Franklin PUD

In partnership with BPA, Franklin Public Utilities District conducted a field test of smart thermostats for air-source heat pump control in Pasco County, Washington. 173 Nest Learning Thermostats were installed with the goal of evaluating the thermostat’s ability to control air source heat pumps for residential space conditioning. Evaluation methods include pre/post regression analysis of utility bills. Nine homes were sub-metered to better understand thermostat operation and user interaction. Household energy use in subsequent cooling and heating seasons were compared to energy use under similar weather conditions prior to installation.

Timeline:
2013-2016 

Reports:

• BPA Smart Thermostat Evaluation: “Nest Learning Thermostat Pilot Program Savings Assessment (2016)

Smart Residential Thermostats Technical Advisory Group

Washington State University Energy Extension Program convened a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to review and discussed features of smart residential thermostats. TAG members assess the feasibility of Smart Residential Thermostats as an energy-saving technology for the Pacific Northwest. With TAG members' help, BPA identifies research questions to consider for further assessment and evaluation of emerging technologies.

Reports:

• Results from Technical Advisory Group on Smart Thermostats on December 20, 2012 
• Emerging Technologies Showcase: Smart Residential Thermostats 

Additional Resources:

• ACEEE Summer Study Proceedings: “A Look Inside the Eye on the Wall: Sub-metering Data Analysis and Savings Assessment of the Nest Learning Thermostat” (2016)
• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: Proving Nest Savings (2016)
• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: Big Data, Cloud Computing, and Real-Time Control (2016)
• ACEEE Summer Study Proceedings: “Faster, Cheaper, Better – Can Utilities Keep Up? New EM&V and Program Approaches for Smart Connected Devices.” (2014)

Low-emissivity (Low-e) windows use insulated glass with a special coating to reduce the amount of heat energy, or infrared radiation, that is transmitted through the window. Storm windows with low-emissivity and high visible transmittance reduce heat loss in the winter and pass visible light into the building, preserving views and eliminating the gloom associated with alternative methods, such as insulating shades.

BPA is currently offering incentives for retrofit applications in single-family, multi-family, and manufactured housing. Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC) certification and ENERGY STAR specification are expected in 2017.

Additional Resources:

• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: A Coming of Age: Low-E Storm Window Retrofits (2015)
• Low-e Storm Window Webinar
• PNNL Resource Guide

BPA looks at the insulation value of cellular window shades, which incorporate a honeycombed cross section with air-trapping pockets and automated controls for interior window shades that respond to available sunlight and need for controlling solar heat gain and glare.

Current Stage: Emerging Technology Assessment

Example Projects:

Testing the Performance and Dynamic Control of Energy-Efficient Cellular Shades

The project team will test the energy performance and demand reduction capabilities of the high-efficiency cellular shading devices and associated automated control strategies in the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) matched pair of laboratory homes (Lab Homes). The matched pair of homes (i.e., a baseline home and an experimental home) is identical in construction and thermal performance and are equipped with automated occupancy simulators, end-use metering, and environmental sensors. The windows within the experimental Lab Home will be modified to include cellular shades with automated controls. Both the thermal impacts due to the window attachments and the impact of automated controls on peak reduction and responsiveness will be tested in the Lab Homes and also in the Electronic Systems and Measurement Laboratory at PNNL.

In the energy performance (first) experiment, PNNL will determine the energy performance of a range of different low-cost cellular shading devices (in the experimental home) with various characteristics (e.g., U-factors and solar heat-gain coefficient). The HVAC load reduction resulting from the use of low-cost cellular shading technologies will be compared to the load in the baseline home, which will not be equipped with window attachments. Each home will be identically operated to simulate occupancy (e.g., hot water usage, heating/cooling, etc.). Using Hunter Douglas operable cellular shades and modified automated controllers, a second and third experiment will be conducted to examine the effect of different operating schedules of attachments and coordination with HVAC demand-response events, respectively.

Project Team:
BPA
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
U.S. Department of Energy
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA)
Hunter Douglas Energy Solutions

Timeline:
2016-2018

Report:

• TI Project 392 Brief 

Evaluation of Cellular Shades in the PNNL Lab Homes

To examine the energy performance of cellular shade window coverings, a field evaluation was undertaken in a matched pair of all-electric, factory-built “Lab Homes” located on the PNNL campus in Richland, Washington. To assess the performance of high-efficiency window attachments in a residential retrofit application, the energy use of each home was compared during the 2015-2016 winter heating season and both the 2015 and 2016 summer cooling seasons. Hunter Douglas Duette® Architella® Trielle™ opaque honeycomb “cellular” shades were installed on the interior side of the windows in the experimental home. The baseline home included two scenarios: one with no window coverings and the other with standard typical white vinyl horizontal blinds. Different operational schedules were tested to help understand this effect on the HVAC energy use.

Project Team:
BPA
PNNL
NEEA
U.S. Department of Energy

Timeline:
2015-2016

Reports:

• Evaluation of Cellular Shades in the PNNL Lab Homes (2016)

Additional Resources:

• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: Residential Window Treatments (2013)

Project Team:
BPA

Example Project:

Field Test of Commercial HVAC Efficient Pumping Systems

Commercial HVAC Efficient Pumping Systems (CHEPS) for commercial buildings offer energy savings when replacing constant-speed pumps. CHEPS include integrated, variable-speed, HVAC-system pumps, and controls. Multiple manufacturers offer CHEPS, including Armstrong, Bell & Gossett, Grundfos, and Taco. Suitable applications include HVAC pump systems with constant speed pumps that provide water for heating and cooling commercial buildings. Examples include, heating, chilled or condensing water pumps, where the existing pumps are constant speed. Facilities with longer hours of operation, such as hospitals or grocery stores, are good applications because of the higher expected savings.

With variable-speed pumping, savings go well beyond energy and include enhanced performance, improved reliability, and reduced life-cycle cost. For new projects, capital cost is reduced through the elimination of valves, starters, wiring, pneumatic lines, and smaller-diameter piping with bypass lines. Additionally, VFDs permit the use of smaller pumps with lower-horsepower motors, ensuring a tangible bottom-line benefit for building owners.

Project Team:
BPA

Timeline:
2014 – 2015

Report:
BPA Emerging Technologies Field Test Announcement 

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems are typically all-electric systems that use heat pumps to provide space heating and cooling to building spaces. They are capable of serving multiple zones in a building, each with different heating and cooling requirements. These systems have the ability to modulate the amount of refrigerant sent to each zone in accordance with conditioning requirements. In contrast, conventional HVAC systems deliver air or water and operate on a full-on or full-off schedule.

Compared with air-to-air heat pumps, VRF offers energy savings due to better part-load efficiencies, heat recovery, smaller zones, and reduced duct losses. Annual energy savings depend on climate zone. Using Energy Pro building modeling software, annual heating and cooling energy savings for a 25,000 square foot assisted-living building are estimated at 37 percent in Seattle, 36 percent in Portland, and 29 percent in Billings.

Current Stage: Approved for Implementation. See BPA Energy Efficiency Implementation Manual for measure and program details.

Example Project:

Variable Refrigerant Flow Heat Recovery (VRF-HR) system lab testing (TI Project #216)

This project developed detailed performance maps of the two primary types of VRF-HR systems: two-pipe and three-pipe. This project will construct a laboratory test facility to test four-zone variable speed VRF Heat Recovery systems over a range of conditions, with a focus on heating performance at lower ambient temperature conditions, where frosting and de-frosting traditionally occurs. Each indoor unit with a thermostat is defined as a zone that allows individual control over temperature and humidity. This performance data was compared to manufacturers’ data and incorporated into one or more building energy simulation modeling tools. With these energy simulation modeling tools, the energy use of VRF-HR systems was compared with the energy use of traditional HVAC systems, such as resistance heat, roof top units with gas heat and air conditioning, air to air heat pumps, variable air volume systems, ground source heat pumps. The comparison allowed evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of VRF-HR systems.

Project Team:
BPA
EPRI
Southern California Edison

Timeline:
2010 – 2012

Reports:
VC HP PowerPoint

ASHRAE Paper: Multi-Zone Test Facility for Variable Capacity Multi-Split Heat Pump Systems; Upadhye, Harshal; Domitrovic, Ron (2012); 2012 ASHRAE Transactions 2012 Summer Conference San Antonio.

In a recent study, BPA explored a replacement package for roof top HVAC units that included a variable-capacity heat pump, heat recovery ventilator (HRV), and dedicated outside air system. HRV units recover heat from exhaust air and efficiently provide code-required ventilation. A HRV unit sits on the roof, replacing the existing rooftop unit and uses existing ductwork. A variable-capacity heat pump system (i.e., VRF, DHP, etc.) provides space heating and cooling. By separating ventilation from the heating and cooling system, early proof of concept work predicted HVAC savings between 40 and 80 percent. Good applications for this technology include buildings with long operating hours and varying occupancies. In addition to the significantly lower energy use and peak power demand, additional benefits include improved indoor air quality, greater occupant comfort, simpler and lower maintenance costs (filter changes and HRV core cleaning), alarm notification capability, and greatly reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

BPA has assessed advanced control retrofits for rooftop HVAC units in small commercial buildings and retail stores. To maximize electrical energy savings, a full package of ARC features was field-tested, including supply fan control with a variable-frequency drive or fan cycling control, upgraded economizer controls, and remote web control and monitoring.  Additional desirable features include demand-controlled ventilation, other control options, and variable compressor operation.  Average energy savings were found to be between 25 and 40 percent of the rooftop unit electricity use.  While several field-test applications showed higher savings, these were not considered normal applications. The biggest factor found to affect electricity use was the hours of operation.

In addition, a “Lite” package of ARC features was also field-tested, including supply fan control with a variable-frequency drive, and controls to ensure adequate ventilation at low speeds, as required by Mechanical codes.  Expected energy savings are between 15 and 30 percent of the rooftop unit electricity use.

Current Stage: Emerging Technology Assessment

Example Projects:

Advanced Rooftop Unit Control (ARC) Retrofit Field Test

This multi-year research study was initiated to verify the magnitude of energy savings achievable by retrofitting existing packaged rooftop air units (RTUs) with advanced control strategies. PNNL, with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office (BTO) and BPA conducted this research. PNNL analysis predicted between 24 percent and 35 percent electricity savings due to ARC Retrofits of RTUs with gas heat, and savings between 20 percent and 60 percent for heat pumps. This analysis was followed by a field test of 66 RTUs on eight buildings. Of the 66 RTUs, 17 were packaged heat pumps and the rest were packaged air conditioners with gas heat.

The eight buildings covered four building types, including mercantile (both retail and shopping malls), office, food sales, and healthcare. These buildings were located in four different climate zones, including warm and coastal climate, mixed and humid climate, mixed and marine climate, and cool and moist climate. One-minute interval data was collected from these 66 units over a 12-month period. During the 12 months of monitoring period, the controls on the RTUs were alternated between standard (pre-retrofit mode) and advanced control modes on a daily basis. The measured actual savings, the normalized annual energy savings, and the savings uncertainties were calculated using the methods described in the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Guideline 14. The advanced controller reduced the normalized annual RTU energy consumption between 22 percent and 90 percent, with an average of 57 percent for all RTUs. The fractions savings uncertainty was 12 percent for normalized savings, significantly lower than the average savings. Normalized annual electricity savings were in the range between 0.47 kWh/h (kWh per hour of fan/unit operation) and 7.21 kWh/h, with an average of 2.39 kWh/h.

Project Team:
BPA
U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Office
PNNL

Timeline:
2011 – 2013

Report: ARC Retrofit Field Test Results

Advanced Rooftop Unit Controls Lite (ARC Lite) Standard Protocol Development

This work verified the savings and the cost-effectiveness of the “Lite” package of ARC Retrofits. This work supported a new evaluated measure through the development of a Standard Protocol. Timeline 2015-2014 Demonstration of a Demand Response Solution Utilizing Advanced Rooftop Unit Controls Abstract This project demonstrated demand response control of roof top units, lighting, miscellaneous electric loads, and electric hot water heaters using the Transformative Wave Technology eIQ building management system (BMS). The goal was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness, feasibility and scalability of both energy efficiency and demand response. The system met day-ahead response, under 10-minute response, and permanent load reduction.

Timeline:
2014 – 2015

Advanced Rooftop Unit Controls Retrofits at BPA Facilities

BPA completed six rooftop unit retrofits on five BPA buildings using the Transformative Wave Technology Catalyst system. Installations were completed during 2014.

Timeline:
2013 – 2014

Resources:

• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: Advanced Rooftop Unit Controls (2013)
• Advanced RTU Control Retrofit FAQ
• Advanced RTU Control Retrofit Savings For Heat Pumps
• Advanced RTU Control Retrofit Savings For Gas Heat
• ARC Retrofit Field Test Results
• ARC Case Study

ET Projects

Web-enabled, Programmable Thermostats in Portable Classrooms Field Test

• Measure Summary Report: Web-Enabled Programmable Thermostats (2011)
• Whole Building Regression Analysis Introduction Webinar (video, 2010)
• Whole Building Regression Analysis Introduction Slide Show (Power Point slides, 2010)
• Whole Building Regression Analysis Tool (Excel workbook, 2010)

Additional Resources

• BPA Qualified Products List: Connected Thermostats
• Measure Summary Report: Web-Enabled Programmable Thermostats (2011)

• Peak-load shifting by active or passive thermal energy storage
• Dedicated outdoor air supply with enthalpy heat recovery from exhaust air
• Radiant heating and cooling panels or floor system
• Low-lift vapor compression cooling equipment
• Advanced controls at HVAC equipment and supervisory levels

• Development of High-Efficiency Low-Lift Vapor Compression System - Final Report (2010)

ET Projects

Electronically Commutated Motor HVAC Pump Case Study

Reports

• E3T Assessment Report ECM Office Pump
• ECM Office Pump M&V Analysis

Additional Resources

• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: Commercial HVAC Motors and Fans (2015)
• BPA Technical Advisory Group: HVAC (2010)

The Central Heat Pump Water Heater Work Group (CHPWH-WG)

Our vision – By 2026, CHPWHs are the product of choice in 95% of new multifamily construction.

Last April, the CHPWH work group developed an accelerated approach to transform the CHPWH market. Operating as part of the New Building Institute’s (NBI) Advanced Water Heating Initiative (AWHI), the team developed a programmatic approach for managing policy matters, manufacturer engagement and utility program development.

Our strategy, focuses on the new construction multifamily beachhead market in major markets. This represents one of the largest growing sectors across the country and a place where CHPWH systems can gain a stronghold market share. The strategy focuses our product development, training and policy limited resources on one key area.Our success in the new construction multifamily market segment (the proverbial beachhead), will allow CHPWH systems to move on to attract adjacent market segments such as hospitality, commercial and other areas. Each new market segment will leverage the positive outcomes of already acquired customers as a launchpad to win over the new segment.

Our approach focuses on three key areas: PRICE, PRODUCTS and the CUSTOMER.

PRICE – Competitive Product Pricing:  The product has to be priced right. Price can be manipulated using two categories of tools: (A) Codes may mandate the products; or (B) Various up, middle or downstream incentives can be applied to make the price competitive with the next best product.

PRODUCTS – Product are fully packaged plug-and-play systems. A CHPWH system includes the compressor, temperature maintenance, mixing valves and storage all operating at a COP of 3 or above.  Multiple manufacturers’ must have products available in local markets.  Each system must be plug-and-play, be capable of load shifting, and be a low GWP refrigerant.  The products must have known quantifiable, repeatable, and persistent energy savings.  The program must partner with manufacturers to bring products through the development pipeline and exit with design guidelines, performance maps, and system metrics.

CUSTOMER – Market actors know how to sell, install and operate the system. The ultimate goal is to ensure that every market actor knows how to design, install, commission, operate, and optimize the product AND they want the product. Using a novel stakeholder analysis and change management approach, the team is simultaneously developing model incentives and program offerings while demonstrating product performance and design. The team’s outputs will produce deliverables that address market actor needs. Our approach is continuously engaging stakeholders to ensure rapid and successful market penetration.

The interdisciplinary approach to managing price, product and the customer/market accelerates market transformation. It ensures consistent feedback to manufacturers for product development demonstration and deployment; provides reliable messaging to all market actors; and coordinates engagement in multiple policy forums to successfully shape codes, standards, incentives and specifications. 

Join Us!
2021 is going to be a pivotal year for CHPWH systems development.  Our teams will be developing the following accomplishments.

Resources

• Central Water Heating Workgroup October meeting presentation
• Central Water Heating Workgroup September meeting presentation
• Mitsubishi QAHV CO2 HPWH Feasibility Study (2020)
• Central Water Heating Workgroup August meeting presentation
• QAHV HPWH Presentation
• Central Water Heating Workgroup July meeting presentation
• Central Water Heating Workgroup June meeting presentation
• Central Heat Pump Water Heating presentation (April 2020)

ET Projects

• Mitsubishi QAHV CO2 HPWH Feasibility Study (2020)
• Innova View 2.0 Feasibility Study (2020)
• CO2 Heat Pump Water Heater Multifamily Retrofit: Elizabeth James House Report (2020)

Field Test of CO2 Heat Pump Water Heater for Residential Pools

• Final CO2 Pool Heating Meter Plan

Application of Combined Space and Water Heat Pump Systems to Existing Homes for Efficiency and Demand Response

• Application of Combined Space and Water Heat Pump Systems to Existing Homes for Efficiency and Demand Response First Midterm Field Study Report
• TIP: 338 Final Report

TIP 394: Small Scale Multifamily CO2 Heat Pump Water Heater Design & Pilot Study

• TIP 394: Small Scale Multifamily CO2 Heat Pump Water Heater Design & Pilot Study Project Brief

Combined Space and Water CO2 Heat Pump System Performance Research

• Technology Innovation Project Brief: TIP 326
• TIP 326 Final Report

Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater Research (TI Project 292)

• Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater Research (TIP 292) Final Report
• TIP 292: Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater Research

Assessment of Demand Response Potential of Heat Pump Water Heaters

• TIP 302 Assessment of Demand Response Potential of Heat Pump Water Heaters Final Report
• Laboratory Assessment of Demand Response Characteristics of Two CO2
  Heat Pump Water Heaters

Additional Resources

• E3TNW.ORG - CO₂ Heat Pump Water Heaters Entry
• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: CO₂ Heat Pump Water Heater Update (2016)
• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: Next Generation Space and Water Heaters (2014)
• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: CO₂ Heat Pump Water Heater (2014)

ET Projects

Demonstration of 2nd Generation Prototype Ducted GE "Brillion" Heat Pump Water Heater in the PNNL Lab Homes (TI Project 262)

• TIP 262: Demonstration of 2nd Generation Prototype Ducted GE "Brillion" Heat Pump Water Heater in the PNNL Lab Homes

Impact of Heat Pump Water Heaters on Space Conditioning Energy Use and Comfort

Field Test of Integrated Heat Pump Water Heaters

• Heat Pump Water Heater Demonstration(2012)

Laboratory Test of Integrated Heat Pump Water Heaters

• Resistance element runtime and operational strategies
• Compressor characteristics including efficiency, operating range, and capacity
• Tank storage volume relative to hot water load
• Ambient air temperature surrounding the HPWH

• Residential Heat Pump Water Heater Lab Evaluation Final Report(2011)
• Residential Heat Pump Water Heater Lab Testing Results Presentation to Regional Advisory Team (2011)
• Residential Heat Pump Water Heater Interim Report and Preliminary Assessment - AO Smith (2011)
• Residential Heat Pump Water Heater Interim Report and Preliminary Assessment - GE (2011)
• Residential Heat Pump Water Heater Interim Report and Preliminary Assessment - Rheem (2011)
• Residential Heat Pump Water Heater Evaluation Project Measurement and Verification Plan (2010)

Northwest Heat Pump Water Heater Demonstration Project

Additional Resources

• BPA Residential Heat Pump Water Heaters
• Hot Water Solutions

BPA is looking at innovative heat pump system designs for water heating in commercial buildings. Air‐to‐water heat pumps can produce domestic hot water at nearly three times the efficiency than electric resistance systems. They also have a side benefit of cooling and as a result the best applications are in facilities that need both domestic hot water and space cooling. Water-to-water heat pumps can produce domestic hot water with even higher efficiencies (COPs of 5 or 6) than air-to-water heat pumps but they don’t have the added value of space cooling, so care should be taken when planning for best system. In addition, employing a CO2-refrigerant system promises to increase performance over a wide range of temperatures, compared to heat pumps using a standard refrigerant. Unlike residential or small commercial heat pump water heaters (HPWH) don’t have an integrated storage tank and large scale HPWHs are offered only by a few manufacturers, including Colmac and Nyle.  Suitable applications include facilities (ie. restaurants, hospitals, dorms, multifamily, etc.) that have total daily domestic hot water consumption of 500 gallons per day or more.

BPA has funded or is currently funding field tests of central heat pumps in buildings where heat from underground garage exhaust systems, refrigeration condensers, mechanical rooms and waste water is used to heat domestic water. We are funding additional research on methods to reduce those distribution system losses. 

ET Projects

Field Test of High Volume Heat Pump Water Heaters

Participation Details

Waste Water Heat Pump Design and Pilot Study

• TIP 341 Project Brief

Field Test of Domestic Hot Water Recirculation System in Multifamily Residential Buildings

• Reverse-cycle Chillers for Multifamily Buildings in the Pacific Northwest Final Report (2015)
• Reverse-cycle Chiller Best Practices Design Guidelines
• Reverse Cycle Chillers for Multifamily Buildings in the Pacific Northwest: Commissioning Report (2013)
• Reverse-cycle Chillers for Multifamily Buildings in the Pacific Northwest: Progress Report (2011)
• Reverse-cycle Chillers for Multifamily Buildings in the Pacific Northwest: Phase 1 Report (2009)

Additional Resources

• BPA Technical Advisory Group: Multifamily Buildings (2016)
• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: Multifamily New Construction Technology Roundup (2015)
• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: Reverse Cycle Chiller (2014)
• Reverse-cycle Chiller Best Practices Design Guidelines (2015)

• What products are currently available as replacement options?
• Have other utilities had success in this market?
• What are the technical, economic, and other barriers to adoption?
• What steps can we take to address these barriers?

• Energy-Efficient Replacement of Electric  Resistance Water Heaters in Low-Rise  Multifamily Building 

ET Projects

Review of Easily-commissioned Lighting Control Products

• Easy Controls Product Review (2015)

Testing of Easily-commissioned Lighting Controls Phase 2

• BPA Lighting Controls Phase 2 (2015)
• E3T webinar on Luminaire Level Lighting Control

Testing of Easily-commissioned Lighting Controls Phase 3

• BPA Lighting Controls Phase 3 (2016)

Additional Resources

• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: Advanced Lighting Controls for Commercial Buildings (2016)
• Review of Easily Commissioned Lighting Control Products, Lighting Research Center
• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: Easily Commissioned Lighting Controls (2015)
• BPA Technical Advisory Group: Advanced Lighting Control Systems (2013)
• Adaptive Lighting Symposia
• Bi-Level Office Lighting

ET Projects

Development of a Predictive Reliability Test Method for Solid-State Luminaires, Light Engines, and Integral Lamps

• TI Project 322 Brief

Performance Testing of LED Mogul-base Lamps

Project Team

• Mogul Base Lamp Testing Phase Three - HID Persistence (2015)
• Mogul Base Lamp Testing Phase Two (2015)
• Mogul Base Lamp Testing Phase One (2014)

Bi-Level Office Lighting

Demonstration of LED Lamps at Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in Eugene, Oregon

• Demonstration of LED Retrofit Lamps: Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Eugene, Oregon (2011)

Demonstration of LED Lamps at Bonneville Power Administration Headquarters in Portland, Oregon

This demonstration offered several lessons in directional LED lighting. For accent lighting, replacement lamps should be compared on the basis of light distribution, rather than just lumens or watts. LED replacement lamps can improve color quality and power quality compared to compact fluorescent. Good-quality LED replacement lamps are more economically viable in spite of their high initial cost, when the cost of replacing burned out bulbs is high, hours of operation are extensive, or artwork presentation and preservation is a priority. It is also important at this stage in product development to see several samples installed before committing to a large order or specification of replacement lamps.

• Demonstration of LED Retrofit Lamps: Bonneville Power Administration Headquarters in Portland, Oregon (2011)

Additional Reports

• 2017 BPA Res Lighting TAG Report (2018)
• Future Energy Reductions in Residential Lighting (2018)
• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: Mogul Base LED Lamps for Retrofits (2015)
• LED Reliability Testing, TIP 322 (2015)
• Safety Perceptions with LED Parking Lot Lighting, TIP 329 (2015)

ET Projects

LED Exterior Lighting Controls: Going Beyond Code (2018)

• How to control lighting while maintaining peoples’ perception of safety?
• When should they be dimmed?
• At what rate should the dimming occur?
• How much can they be dimmed and the site still be perceived as safe? 30%? 50%? 70%?

LED Illuminance in Parking Lots: Safety, Security, and Energy Savings (2015)

• Parking Lot Lighting Based Upon Predictions of Scene Brightness and Personal Safety

Western Exterior Occupancy Survey

• Western Exterior Occupancy Survey (WEOS 2014)
• CLTC WEOS Project Page

Field Test of Exterior LED Down Lights

• Outdoor Lighting Center Final Report (2011)

Additional Resources

• BPA’s Commercial and Industrial Lighting Program
• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: LED Parking and Area Lighting (2012)
• BPA Technical Advisory Group: LED Lighting (2012)
• 2017 BPA Res Lighting TAG Report
• Future Energy Reductions in Residential Lighting

• Future Energy Reductions in Residential Lighting Report

• Specialty LED Lamps
• Linear LEDs Lamps
• Higher Efficacy Lamps
• Lighting Controls for Lamps
• Exterior Lighting with Controls
• MF Bi-Level Lighting Controls
• Lighting Controls through Home Automation Systems

TAG members divided the recommendations into two categories (lamps and lighting controls). A series of presentations given by lighting experts via public webinars provided further information. Following these presentations and discussion, each technology was scored using the following criteria: potential energy savings; non-energy benefits; product performance; market/commercial readiness; program readiness; ease of adoption, and; value. A summary of the scores and recommendations for Lamps and Controls follows.

• 2017 BPA Res Lighting TAG Report

With Electric Power Research Institute, Consumer Technology Association, and others, BPA has developed the

ANSI/CTA-2045 standard for an open communications protocol and physical port for electricity-using appliances. The port is analogous to a computer USB port, which accepts universal communication modules (UCMs) that can network with other devices, a building network, or the electric grid. The vision is that this standard will enable a new generation of “smart grid ready” products that limit risks and constraints of proprietary communications technologies and evolving standards. This approach, while limited to new water heaters, dramatically reduces the cost of adding appliances to a demand response program.

BPA is testing water heaters that conform to the ANSI/CTA-2045 standard for demand response and other potential value for users and electric power systems. These connected water heaters have internal electronic controls that cycle the heating system and a port and UCM that allows the water heater to receive signals from managers of the electric grid.

Current Stage: Emerging Technology Assessment

ET Projects

Scaled Deployment and Demonstration of Demand Response using Water Heaters with ANSI/CTA-2045 Technology

• TIP 336: Scaled Deployment and Demonstration of Demand Response using Water Heaters with CEA 2045 Technology
• Smart Water Heater Opportunity Announcement
• Smart Water Heater Application Form

Development and Evaluation of ANSI/CTA-2045 Standard Modular Communications Interface for Demand Response

• TIP 272 Project Brief
• CEA-2045 Field Demonstrations Project Description

Additional Resources

• U-SNAP Technical Overview
• ANSI/CTA2045 Modular Communication Interface for Energy Management Standards
• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: ANSI/CTA-2045 Standard for Demand Response (2014)

ET Projects

Field Testing Behavior Based Energy Conservation Programs

• Snohomish PUD Phase I Report
• Snohomish PUD Final Report
• Clark PUD Final Report
• Springfield PUD Results Presentation
• Residential Behavior Based Energy Efficiency Program Profiles December 2011
• Residential Sector Research Findings for Behavior Based Energy Efficiency December 2010

Additional Resources

• BPA Technical Advisory Group: Residential Buildings (2014)
• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: Behavior-Based Energy Efficiency Programs (2013)

ET Projects

Field Test of Tier 2 Advanced Power Strips in Commercial Buildings

ET Projects

Demonstration of Strategic Energy Management Analytics and Tracking Platform

• Data Center Dashboard Demonstration Report

• Air Flow Management Flyer
• Air Flow Management Slide Deck

Additional Resources

• Data Center Airflow Management Calculator
• Data Center Operating Temperature: The Sweet Spot
• ASHRAE TC 9.9 2011 Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments Expanded Data Center Classes and Usage Guidance
• Energy Impact of Increased Server Inlet Temperature
• US Department of Energy Center of Expertise for Energy Efficiency in Data Centers
• US DOE Datacenter Air Management Tool (v.1.18)

Most existing generator block heaters depend on thermo-siphoning to maintain engine block temperatures. These heaters tend to have extreme temperature gradients across the engine block and in the coolant hoses. Due to these inefficiencies, thermo-siphon heaters run longer and use more electricity. A pumped block heater eliminates wasteful hot spots. Since coolant hoses are replaced when the pumped block heater is installed, this helps reduce the chance of brittle hoses bursting, ensuring the generator will run when needed. BPA research has shown that most generator block heaters (GBH) will use more electricity than they generate over their lifetime. Annual savings associated with a pumped block heater can be as high as $3,000, and maintenance costs may also be reduced. Savings depend on the size, location and operation of existing block heater.

Current Stage: Approved for Implementation. See BPA Energy Efficiency Implementation Manual for measure and program details.

Field Test of Smart Controllers for Vehicle Engine Block Heaters

• Smart Vehicle Controllers Pilot Program Data Analysis

Engine Generator Block Heater Pilot and M&V Methods Development

Reports

• Engine Generator Block Heater Measurement and Verification & Test Plan (Phase 2 Research)
• Results of Field Testing (Phase 1 Research)
• EE Block Heater Flyer

Additional Resources

• BPA Program Promotional Materials
• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: Energy Efficient Block Heaters (2014)

Current Stage: Approved for Implementation. See BPA Energy Efficiency Implementation Manual and Regional Technical Forum Measure Page for measure and program details.

Additional Resources

• Regional Technical Forum Subcommittee: Pump Systems

A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) controls the rotational speed of an electric motor by controlling the frequency of the electrical power supplied to the motor. They are proven to substantially reduce energy use. Non-VFD motor-driven systems are often designed to handle peak loads and the VFD can slow down the motor to better match the part load requirements.

Controlling motors with a variable frequency drive offers energy savings when motor-driven processes and power demand vary over time. Energy savings from variable-frequency drives can be significant, although the amount of energy reduction will vary depending on the motor's operation and energy usage. The base case for this opportunity is a turbine-style pump that is used for irrigation purposes that operates at a fixed speed but has a variation of flow or head requirements. On a turbine pump, even a small reduction in motor speed can reduce a pump's energy use by as much as 30 percent. Payback can range from few months to less than 10 years. Variable frequency drives also allow more control of processes such as water distribution, aeration and chemical feed. The variable frequency lessens mechanical and electrical stress on motors and can reduce maintenance and repair costs as well as extending motor life.

ET Projects

Optimization of VFD-Controlled Irrigation Pump Stations

Additional Resources

Watch the video: Big Bertha: Pumping Up Energy and Water Savings with a VFD

Low-elevation sprinkler application (LESA) and low-elevation precision application (LEPA) irrigation technologies can be applied to center-pivot or wheel-line irrigation systems and compete with mid-elevation spray application (MESA) and subsurface drip irrigation (SDI). LESA applies water below the crop foliage using applicators positioned about a foot above the ground surface. Nozzle pressures can be regulated to as low as 6 to 10 psig. In contrast, MESA systems require water pressure of approximately 40 psig, which requires greater pumping energy and exacerbates any water leaks.

LESA is capable of using quad sprays, bubble emitters, drag socks, or hoses to release water directly on the ground. LESA systems tested in the Northwest use water pressure of about 6 psig and improve irrigation application efficiency to as high as 97 percent, by reducing water losses due to wind drift and evaporation from the top of foliage. The technology is especially effective during periods of high temperatures, high winds, and low humidity. Energy savings are dependent upon the baseline irrigation technology, which is generally MESA in the Northwest, although much less efficient high spray systems are still used. By increasing irrigation efficiency, less total water has to be pumped to meet the crop water requirements and pumping occurs at a lower pressure.
Results from the 2013 field tests in the Northwest documented a 15 to 20 percent reduction in water use accompanied by a 30 percent reduction in electrical energy consumption. Because center pivot equipment life is approximately 30 to 50 years, irrigation equipment manufacturers and distributors have developed retrofit kits that can be used to convert existing pivots into LESA units.

Current Stage: Approved for Implementation. See BPA Energy Efficiency Implementation Manual for measure and program details.

ET Projects

Field Tests of Low Elevation Sprinkler Application Irrigation

• Low Energy Precision Application (LEPA) and Low Elevation Spray Application (LESA) Trials in the Pacific Northwest

Additional Resources

• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: West Coast Irrigation Efficiency (2015)
• Agriculture sector

Bonneville has partnered with U.S. Department of Energy and National Renewable Energy Laboratory to develop advanced tools for analysis of energy use by residential buildings in the Pacific Northwest. Our work focuses on two tools based on EnergyPlus, the Department of Energy's flagship simulation engine, and the OpenStudio platform.

BEopt™ (Building Energy Optimization) provides detailed simulation-based analysis of energy use by residential buildings, based on specific house characteristics, such as size, architecture, occupancy, vintage, location, and utility rates. BEopt can be used to analyze new construction and existing home retrofits, as well as single-family detached and multi-family buildings, through evaluation of single building designs, parametric sweeps, and cost-based optimizations. Bonneville has worked with NREL to calibrate BEopt to results of a recent assessment of the Northwest residential building stock.

ResStock was developed for analysis of energy use by the residential building stock at national, regional, or local levels. ResStock brings together the use of large public and private data sets, statistical sampling, detailed sub-hourly building energy simulations, and high-performance computing resources. Bonneville worked with NREL to develop capability to identify cost-optimal efficiency packages and calibrate the tool to the specific characteristics of the Northwest residential building stock. Additional work is planned to enhance user interface and introduce the tool to key users in the Northwest.

Current Stage: Approved for Implementation

ET Projects

Calibration of BeOpt to SEEM and the Northwest Building Stock

Enhanced Residential Efficiency Analysis Tools for the Pacific Northwest

• TIP 318: Enhanced Residential Efficiency Analysis Tools for the Pacific Northwest

Enhancing BeOpt to Include Capabilities for Low Rise Multifamily Buildings

Additional Resources

BPA ET Showcase Webinar: Be Optimistic! Modeling Multifamily Buildings with BEopt (2016)

The Technology Performance Exchange is a centralized, Web-based portal for finding and sharing energy performance data for commercial building technologies. Individuals who manufacture, supply, test, or evaluate technologies can use data entry forms to upload standardized, product-specific energy performance data. The Technology Performance Exchange also allows technology evaluators to quickly and easily identify who submitted data, when the data were submitted, and how the data were derived. Technology evaluators can leverage the raw data contained in the Technology Performance Exchange to (1) greatly reduce the time required to evaluate technology performance; and (2) improve the quality of their assessments. Energy-saving products will thus be able to penetrate the marketplace more quickly than ever before.

To address the need for accessible, high-quality data, the Technology Performance Exchange enables technology suppliers, third-party testing laboratories, and other entities to submit product performance data that private and public sector technology evaluators can use in their assessments to inform fact-based procurement decisions. BPA developed the technology with National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program and the Building Technologies Office are collaborating on this project.

Current Stage: Approved for Implementation

ET Projects

Reducing Cost of Technology Evaluation Using a Technology Performance Exchange

• TPEx BPA: VRF Modeling Study

Additional Resources

• Technology Performance Exchange
• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: Technology Performance Exchange (2014)

Additional Resources

• Energy Charting and Metrics (ECAM) Tool, version 2.0

There is growing recognition that whole-building-focused approaches to energy efficiency hold great promise in realizing deep and persistent energy savings in commercial buildings. Utility programs are increasingly exploring whole-building strategies that move beyond traditional component-based interventions, and the industry is seeing a movement toward continuous energy improvement practices that may include ongoing commissioning, strategic energy management, as well as retrofits and the implementation of advanced control and information technologies.
These program designs naturally lend themselves to measured, whole-building savings quantification, as opposed to deemed or calculated savings. In addition, they have the potential to generate deeper energy savings than single-measure approaches, and are being increasingly pursued in the northwest region.

The efficiency program industry, however, has historically relied nearly exclusively on deemed or calculated savings, and has adhered to evaluation, measurement and verification processes that are costly and time consuming. Analytics tools offer the potential to streamline the measurement and verification (M&V) process by automating the M&V approach, yet key questions must be addressed before they can be applied with confidence.

ET Projects

Realizing High-accuracy Low-cost Measurement and Verification for Deep Cost Savings

Improvement of NILM Technology and Methods for Accuracy Testing

Abstract

Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) technology is targeted for reducing the cost and time requirements of measuring and verifying changes to the performance of energy-using systems in a building. Phase 1 of this project will improve and standardize current procedures for measuring the accuracy of NILM technology in disaggregating energy use by single loads from a single, premise-level meter. Phase 2 will include the development and prototyping of a sensor to more accurately distinguish the run times of large appliances, based on vibrations from motor operation.

Timeline: 2014 – 2016

Collaborators: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), US DOE

Reports

• CTA-2045 Water Heater Demonstration Final Report
• CTA-2045 Water Heater Demonstration Report Errata

Documents Related to Reports

• The economic spreadsheet
• Initial demographic survey and results
• Bi-monthly survey and results
• Final survey and results

Project-related Materials

• Communications & Data Path Schematic and Water Heater Photos
• TIP 336: Scaled Deployment and Demonstration of Demand Response using Water Heaters with CEA 2045 Technology
• ANSI/CTA2045 Modular Communication Interface for Energy Management Standards
• BPA ET Showcase Webinar: ANSI/CTA-2045 Standard for Demand Response (2014)
• Residential Smart Water Heater (ANSI-CTA-2045)

Press

• How the Humble Home Water Heater Could Play a Big Role in Energy Storage (12/09/18)
• BPA report details potential for water heaters as DR tools (1/11/2019)

Subsequent Research and Documents

Reports

• EPRI Report OpenADR to 2045 GuidelinesMay 2019 (000000003002008854)
• NREL testing CTA-2045 EVSE Nov 2017 (000000003002011757)
• NREL testing CTA-2045 HVAC Thermostat Nov 2017 (000000003002011747)
• NREL testing CTA-2045 Variable Speed Pool Pump Nov 2017 (000000003002011749)
• NREL testing CTA-2045 Water Heater Nov 2017 (000000003002011760)
• NREL Testing for EPRI 2045 Feb 2018 (70274)

 Tools

EPRI's CTA-2045 Desktop Simulator Tool

This application is a software tool designed by EPRI to aid technology providers in the development and testing of end-use devices and communication modules with an ANSI/CTA-2045 interface.

Large Data Files

The data files provide 1-minute interval data over 7 (Jan-Aug) months separated into three seasons (Winter:Jan-Apr, Spring:Apr-June, Summer:June-Aug). Each file contains 20 million+ rows and may require the use of sophisticated data analytic software.

**Please note file sizes are greater than 1 GB. Older machines may have trouble opening/reading files!**

Two file types have been provided: R File or feather (.feather) and comma separated value (.csv).
The feather file type is a binary file format for storing data frames. It has high read and write performance and is used primarily in R and Python packages.
The csv files  are common delimited text files. They can be used across multiple analytic software packages and programs.  

For each season, the three files provided contain identical information and are distinct only in file type. The accompanying ReadMe file provides information and definition of file contents.

Right-click and select "Save Target As" or "Save Link As" to download data.

Dry-Type Transformer New Construction and Retrofit Energy Savings Potential (February 2022)

See additional insights regarding the purchasing of high efficiency liquid-filled transformers in EPA’s report entitled: ENERGY STAR Guide to Buying Energy Efficient Distribution Transformers.

Reports

Low-Voltage Liquid Immersed Amorphous Core Distribution Transformers (2022)

Demystifying the Refrigerant Landscape (#62)

September 28, 2017

Learn about the changing refrigerant market and how it may impact your work and your customers. Presentations at this webinar discuss national and international changes in regulations, and explore the potential use of emerging alternatives to replace existing refrigerants. Discussion also includes ongoing and future research, future policy and technological developments, as well as new incentives at some utilities aimed at developing and promoting new natural refrigerant technologies.

Download the webinar presentation.

BPA recognizes Commercial Refrigeration as an important end use in the commercial energy savings portfolio for the region. The Northwest Power And Conservation Council identified commercial refrigeration as the third highest source of commercial conservation savings behind commercial lighting and HVAC systems.

1. Provide the data to the RTF to update assumptions in refrigeration UES measures for values of EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio, Btuh/W) and Average Annual Load to Design Load Ratio. 
2. Provide data to be used in future regional end use loads analyses.
3. Identifying new measures and refining program offerings.
4. Identifying future research projects to address performance anomalies.
5. Creating new commercial refrigeration system commissioning programs.

Refrigeration Data Share Webpage

2016 Multifamily Building TAG

The goal of the Multifamily Technical Advisory Group is to identify and prioritize emerging technologies that will yield additional energy efficiency potential in the multifamily sector. The focus is on both commercial and residential technologies for multifamily units, as well as new construction and retrofit.

• Multifamily Buildings (2016)

Residential Window Coverings: Energy Efficient or Just Nice Looking? (#61)

September 20, 2017

Window coverings and attachments have traditionally been thought of as decorative features in a home, yet new shading materials and control strategies are demonstrating significant energy savings. This webinar presentation features some of the latest research related to energy-efficient window coverings and attachments, including control strategies for operable shading devices to ensure persistent energy savings, and opportunities to increase market acceptance. Information will also be presented on the newly launched Attachment Energy Rating Council (AERC) and its work to develop energy ratings, certifications, and labels for energy-efficient window attachment products.

Download the webinar presentation.

Super-Efficient Dryers – Field and Lab Test Results (#60)

September 7, 2017

Lab and field research on heat pump clothes dryers conducted by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) from 2013 through 2016 resulted in 1) a multi-tiered dryer efficiency specification that is the basis of utility energy savings estimates 2) a qualified products list used to promote high efficiency dryers sold in the Pacific Northwest and 3) recommendations on how a future test protocols can be improved. Attend the webinar to hear Christopher Dymond, Senior Product Manager at NEEA, present these findings, as well as results from a non-energy benefits comparison study of heat pump clothes dryers with conventional clothes dryers.

Download the webinar presentation.

Working Together on Emerging Technologies (#59)

August 30, 2017

How can we improve collaboration around emerging technologies in the Pacific Northwest? The Regional Emerging Technology Advisory Committee (RETAC) is doing just that. Mark Rehley, Senior Manager for Emerging Technology at the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), and Dave Kresta, Senior Product Manager at NEEA will share a vision for collaboration and discuss the current state of the emerging technology pipeline. You will learn how to use the new Emerging Technologies database that is available on ConduitNW.org. We will also be looking for your input on priorities for emerging technology for 2018!

Download the webinar presentation.