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U.S. coastal and island communities have vulnerable energy infrastructure and high energy costs. A unique opportunity exists to use marine thermal energy with year-round mild temperature variations to satisfy the broad energy needs of these communities. Researchers have developed a marine-source integrated heat pump (MS-IHP) that, as a single appliance, combines space conditioning, dehumidification (including fresh water harvesting from humid air), and water heating for home and light commercial building applications in remote coastal and island communities. The unique, innovative features of the MS-IHP offer improved efficiency and substantially reduced costs for space conditioning, dehumidification, and water heating by seamlessly integrating a heat pump, heat pump water heater, and dehumidifier into a single appliance  driven by a single compressor; optimal year-round space cooling and heating, dehumidification, water harvesting, and water heating; and improved thermal comfort and reliable operation without frosting and defrosting because of the ocean’s warm temperatures and high heat capacity. The demonstrated energy efficiency was superior to conventional air-source heat pumps. The MS-IHP technology can help affordable and secured energy systems in remote coastal and island communities.

Description

Many U.S. coastal communities face challenges due to vulnerable energy infrastructure and high costs, especially remote islands that are geographically isolated and prone to natural disasters. These communities can utilize consistent thermal energy from seawater to satisfy the broad energy needs of these communities. A heat pump technology transfers heat using a refrigerant, allowing for both heating and cooling while reducing energy consumption and supporting decarbonization.

We developed a small-scale Multi-Function Integrated Heat Pump (MS-IHP) that combines space conditioning, dehumidification, and water heating, specifically designed for remote coastal and island communities. This innovative appliance integrates multiple functions, offers significant cost savings, enhances efficiency, and ensures reliable operation without freezing issues, thanks to the ocean's warm temperatures. It uses a corrosion-resistant heat exchanger to avoid direct seawater contact, ensuring long-term durability and efficiency.

Benefits

• Integrates space conditioning, dehumidification, and water heating into a single, efficient appliance.
• Utilizes the steady temperatures of seawater for optimal performance.
• Achieves significantly higher energy efficiency compared to conventional air-source heat pumps, with up to 88% higher efficiency in summer mode.
• Provides up to 81% higher efficiency in winter mode

Applications and Industries

• Residential homes
• Light commercial buildings

Contact:

To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.