Low-GWP Mechanical Modules for Rapid Deployment Project (LG-MM)
The project is targeting rapid deployment through pre-fabricated and packaged end uses.
Association for Energy Affordability
Recipient
Emeryville, CA
Recipient Location
7th
Senate District
18th
Assembly District
$1,178,739
Amount Spent
Active
Project Status
Project Update
This project completed in 2024. This project approach studied, field demonstrated and evaluated different types of low-GWP combined mechanical systems in four units across two affordable multifamily properties in two different climate zones. High-level findings include:
Form factor and system component layout are two of the strongest determinants of whether a combined mechanical system will work in a multifamily retrofit application, and combined mechanical systems come in a variety of form factors.
Benefits associated with the heat recovery capabilities that are often a key selling point for some combined mechanical systems can only be realized during periods of coincident space cooling and hot water demand. There is a low occurrence of coincident demand periods in many residential applications.
Combined mechanical system products developed with specific retrofit applications in mind are most primed for market development and most likely to be successful retrofit solutions; however, there are very few of them available right now.
Combined mechanical systems that integrate ventilation are likely to encounter challenges with code compliance due to exhaust re-entrainment. Experiences from this project indicate that current relevant codes are unclear and approaches to code compliance are burdensome.
The Issue
The decarbonization of California’s building sector has fostered the need for emerging technologies. There have been a number of barriers to implementation of deep carbon retrofits in California’s multifamily building sector. In a traditional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) retrofit with decentralized components, the system components do not readily communicate and interconnect. In addition to the poor retrofit options, current market conditions, supply chain inefficiencies, and a lack of necessary technological solutions, make deep carbon retrofits both time intensive and costly.
Project Innovation
To address a critical gap in the US market, the team will develop and demonstrate that there is a market for mechanical modules using a refrigerant under 750 GWP for multifamily retrofits in California. The field tests will serve as a proof of concept to manufacturers, potential fabricators, and technology startups. The mechanical modules will include heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), domestic hot water, and real-time energy use monitoring, control and feedback for multifamily buildings. The compact, lightweight, packages will be designed to be mass produced offsite and installed quickly.
Project Goals
Project Benefits
This project supports California’s clean energy and electrification goals by enabling heat pumps to operate using a refrigerant under 750 GWP for multifamily retrofits. The project also provides benefits to low‑income communities by demonstrating technologies that can be deployed in affordable housing without disrupting comfort or increasing staff workload. Overall, the work delivers economic and environmental benefits that support statewide decarbonization while improving customer experience and expanding opportunities for a proof of concept to manufacturers.
Affordability
The annual energy savings are estimated to reduce utility bills by $80-$155 per year per apartment. If all 6 million single family homes with fossil gas space and water heating and 1.6 million apartments with fossil gas space and water heating installed a
Safety
The conversion from fossil gas to electric will reduce gas piping and infrastructure which could result in improved safety, as well as reduced risk of indoor air quality hazards
Key Project Members
Andrew Brooks
Subrecipients
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Rocky Mountain Institute
SmithGroup
Emanant Systems, LLC
Match Partners
SystemAir
