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Propane is a clean-burning and efficient fuel that is well-suited for the thermally activated transformation of energy. Through heating and cooling technologies, propane offers consumers a more cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating, cooling, humidity control, thermal storage, and shaft/electrical power systems.
Heating and cooling technologies represent an opportunity for propane suppliers to further solidify and grow their existing residential and commercial consumer base. Increased usage of propane-fueled technologies such as desiccant dehumidifiers and integrated space and water heating systems has the potential to generate off-season sales and improve infrastructure efficiencies by spreading costs over more gallons per household.
PERC's heating and cooling technologies research program has supported the development, demonstration, and/or commercialization of propane technologies for:
- desiccant dehumidification
- integrated space/water heating
- pool heating
- power generation
- gas-cooling
Projects
Validation & Commercialization of NovelAire's Desiccant Dehumidifier (ComfortDry 400) (Docket 12569)
Commercialization of NovelAire ComfortDry 400 desiccant dehumidifier through validation, demonstration, and marketing efforts. Includes lab testing of second generation unit, securing EPA/DOE Energy Star certification, development of a marketer sales guide, and demonstration of 20 units in four states.
10 RT Gas Engine Driven Heat-Pump Product Development Project – Phase 1 (Docket 12314)
Development of a 10RT propane engine-driven heat-pump rooftop unit that serves as a platform for additional propane-based engine-driven heat pump, power, and CHP products. Secondary applications may include: units for remote residential and commercial locations; military applications; domestic water heating; combined cooling, heating, and power; and units of diverse sizes and configurations.
Fundamental Research on the Efficacy of Heat on Bed Bugs and Heat Transfer in Mattresses (Docket 12221)
Laboratory testing of bed bug response to heat and heat transfer in mattresses to validate efficacy of TEMP-AIR heat treatment process in killing bed bugs. Includes development of heat transfer models to determine if lethal temperatures would be achieved.
Feasibility Study of Propane Utilization by Transportation Agencies in Road Construction and Maintenance Applications (Docket 12201)
Determination of the market potential for propane utilization in the transportation industry. Includes examination of the feasibility of utilizing propane for snow removal and maintenance activities associated with pavements and for new reconstruction highways and airport facilities applications.
Project Report
Investigation of Propane Heaters for Northern Climate School Bus Applications (Docket 12070)
Exploration of auxiliary propane heaters on school buses as a clean, low-cost alternative to diesel-fired auxiliary heaters or prolonged idling of the engine. Includes examination of health benefits, market characterization, and lifecycle cost analysis.
Project Report
Study of Propane-Fired Gas Cooling Technologies (Docket 11957)
Develop a report that would ascertain the current state of fuel fired cooling technology that can be used as propane fired cooling systems, outline the technical challenges to improving the efficiency or the economics of such systems, and suggest a course of development and/or demonstration for the propane industry.
Fact Sheet
Project Report
Residential Propane Desiccant Dehumidifier (Docket 11552)
Demonstration and testing of a propane-fueled desiccant dehumidification system that lowers humidity to prevent mold growth. Includes quantification of the potential retrofit and new home market and development of a market-entry strategy.
Fact Sheet
High Efficiency Integrated Space & Water Heating System for Manufactured Housing (Docket 11110)
Development of an integrated propane-fueled space/water heating system and high-efficiency air distribution system for HUD-code manufactured housing.
Fact Sheet
Project Report
Press Release
Demonstration of Feasibility of Propane in 2nd Generation CHP Systems (Docket 10954)
Evaluation and demonstration of an engine-driven, propane-fueled power generation set and microturbine. Focus on addressing the uncertainties in the market and obtaining market share.
Propane Fired Heat Pump Pool Heater (Docket 10866)
Development and testing of three 100,000 Btu propane-fueled heat pump pool heater prototypes. Expansion and packaging of the prototype; completion of the final design, production, performance testing, and safety certification.
Demonstration of Feasibility of Propane in CHP Applications (Docket 10637)
Demonstration of propane use in advanced CHP systems for buildings at the University of Maryland. Demonstration of fuel flexibility and comparison of the equipment/system performance operating on propane and natural gas.
Project Report
Propane-Fired Compact Combo Unit for Water & Space Heating of Manufactured Homes (Docket 10181)
Development of specifications for a propane-fueled unit for water and space heating in manufactured homes. Estimation of heating loads for homes of various sizes in three heating zones.
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