Hybrid Vapor Compression Adsorption System

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Program:
HEATS
Award:
$2,646,509
Location:
East Hartford, Connecticut
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
01/04/2012 - 01/03/2015

Technology Description:

United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) is developing a new climate-control system for EVs that uses a hybrid vapor compression adsorption system with thermal energy storage. The targeted, closed system will use energy during the battery-charging step to recharge the thermal storage, and it will use minimal power to provide cooling or heating to the cabin during a drive cycle. The team will use a unique approach of absorbing a refrigerant on a metal salt, which will create a lightweight, high-energy-density refrigerant. This unique working pair can operate indefinitely as a traditional vapor compression heat pump using electrical energy, if desired. The project will deliver a hot-and-cold battery that provides comfort to the passengers using minimal power, substantially extending the driving range of EVs.

Potential Impact:

If successful, UTRC's thermal energy storage system would extend the driving range of EVs by 10-30%, enabling their widespread use as environmentally friendly alternatives to petroleum-based vehicles.

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. Bart Van Hassel
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
vanhasba@utrc.utc.com

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Release Date:
04/20/2011