Research Project
Advanced Materials for Heating, Cooling & Humidity Control
Technology Readiness Level
TRL 3–5 Represents the transition from concept to early validation and prototyping
Eco-RemediationMaking heating and cooling more efficient
In a warming world with more extreme temperatures, energy efficient heating and cooling systems will be a key adaptation strategy for building safer more resilient communities. Advanced materials can make heating and cooling more efficient by better managing heat and moisture. These approaches can reduce energy use which is especially important in areas that use fossil fuels, and improve reliability in systems that control temperature.
Project Goals
Identifying material-system pairings for energy-efficiency
This project explores materials-enabled thermal concepts, including adsorbent-based approaches, that store and release heat through controlled cycling. We evaluate materials and system concepts using metrics like thermal efficiency, cycling stability, regeneration requirements, and integration practicality. The objective is to identify material-system pairings that can enable energy-efficient heating and cooling with credible pathways to scalable deployment.
Applications
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Lower Energy Costs: Efficient systems use less electricity or fuel to deliver the same comfort, reducing monthly utility bills and long-term operating expenses.
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Reduced Carbon Emissions: By consuming less energy, especially during peak demand, efficient heating and cooling systems lower greenhouse gas emissions and support broader decarbonization goals.
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Improved Grid Reliability & Energy Resilience: Lower peak loads reduce strain on the electrical grid, decreasing the risk of blackouts and improving system stability during extreme weather events like heat waves.
Project Status
- TRL 3–5: Represents the transition from concept to early validation and prototyping
Why it Matters
Thermal energy drives a large share of global demand, yet much is wasted because heat is difficult to store and shift. Materials-enabled thermal storage can decarbonize heating and cooling by capturing surplus heat and releasing it when needed. By improving efficiency, lowering peak demand, and integrating renewables, these systems can reduce emissions and costs—making scalable, durable solutions essential for real-world deployment.
