Efficient Heat Pump for Electric Vehicles

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Program:
HEATS
Award:
$801,441
Location:
Richland, Washington
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
11/21/2011 - 01/04/2014

Technology Description:

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is developing a new class of advanced nanomaterial called an electrical metal organic framework (EMOF) for EV heating and cooling systems. The EMOF would function similar to a conventional heat pump, which circulates heat or cold to the cabin as needed. However, by directly controlling the EMOF's properties with electricity, the PNNL design is expected to use much less energy than traditional heating and cooling systems. The EMOF-based heat pumps would be light, compact, efficient, and run using virtually no moving parts.

Potential Impact:

If successful, PNNL's EMOF-based heat pump could provide efficient heating and cooling for EVs with less impact on vehicle driving range.

Security:

Increased use of EVs would decrease U.S. dependence on foreign oil—the transportation sector is the dominant source of this dependence.

Environment:

Greater use of EVs would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, 28% of which come from the transportation sector.

Economy:

This technology would increase the marketability of EVs—helping spur growth in the automobile industry.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. James Klausner
Project Contact:
Dr. Pete McGrail
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
pete.mcgrail@pnl.gov

Partners

University of South Florida

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Release Date:
04/20/2011