TECHNOLOGY
THE UNIVERSITY OF Maryland and the Department of Energy ’ s Building Technologies Office recently used 3D printing technology to prototype a heat exchanger unit which weighs 20 percent less than the standard and is 20 percent more efficient . In a time when terms such as ‘ sustainable ’, ‘ energy-efficient ’ and ‘ consumption ’ are weighing down most conversations , this tiny invention could be something that brings about big innovation .
“ This project was selected as part of the Energy Savings through Improved Mechanical Systems and Building Envelope Technologies 2012 Funding Opportunity Announcement ( FOA ),” explains Antonio Bouza , Technology Manager for the Department of Energy ( DOE ) HVAC , Water Heating and Appliances R & D portfolio . “ The University of Maryland was chosen through a competitive process which used external reviewers .”
The DOE invested in this specific line of research as part of its goal to develop next-generation heat exchangers which are designed to improve the energy efficiency of electric vapour-compression heat pumps and air conditioners over a broad range of operating conditions . The department is always on the lookout for heat exchangers which are suitable for condensers or evaporators in air conditioners or heating-only pumps , as well as those which are suitable for both condensing and evaporating for reversible heat pumps . Part of the brief for the funding read : “ heat exchangers for air-to-air , waterto-water , air-to-water , and water-to-air heat pumps and air conditioners are of interest , but ground coupled heat exchangers will not be
“ Heat exchangers are so prevalent and vital to the modern world that by improving their performance , you can improve the performance of literally millions of products ”
16 September 2016