Carrier collaborates on heat pump technology for commercial rooftop units

Carrier is partnering with the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop heat pump technologies. Heat pump-packaged rooftop units can reduce GHG emissions and energy costs by up to 50 percent compared to conventional natural gas-burning models. 

Carrier is collaborating with the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop heat pump technologies that result in higher-efficiency commercial rooftop units with lower life cycle costs for end users, including school, retail, and office space clients, according to a news release. Carrier is a division of Carrier Global Corporation, a world leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.

The Better Buildings Commercial Heat Pump Accelerator aims to accelerate energy innovation, promoting sustainable electrification technologies from lab to market, thereby reducing energy costs and addressing the climate crisis. According to the Department of Energy, heat pump packaged rooftop units (RTUs) are estimated to reduce GHG emissions and energy costs by up to 50 percent compared with conventional natural gas-burning models. The Commercial Building Heat Pump Accelerator will collaborate with commercial building owners, operators, and manufacturers to expedite the development and adoption of heat pump packaged RTUs across the United States.

Carrier is among manufacturers participating in the accelerator, working with the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory to test and validate product claims as part of ongoing collaboration efforts. New light commercial products developed by Carrier engineers will help customers including major retailers and other companies meet decarbonisation goals and increase energy efficiency. Carrier is participating in the Department of Energy’s Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge for residential applications, with advanced technology commercialized units expected in 2024.

Heidi Gehring, Managing Director of Light Commercial, Carrier, said, “Carrier’s innovation in HVAC began when Willis Carrier launched the industry more than a century ago.” “We are proud to continue leading within the industry as we work to bring more efficient and affordable next-generation light commercial heat pumps to market as soon as 2027.” 

According to the Department of Energy, the U.S. spends about $800 billion each year to power buildings, manufacturing facilities, and homes and on average, between 20 percent and 30 percent of the nation’s energy is wasted. The Accelerator and other Better Buildings Initiatives with public and private sector stakeholders are pursuing ambitious goals to cut that waste through improving design, equipment and operations.

“As an inaugural partner in the Better Buildings Commercial Heat Pump Accelerator, Carrier is demonstrating a commitment to leadership and collaboration,” said Maria Vargas, Director of DOE’s Better Buildings Initiative. “We are thrilled to work together on this important initiative to drive greater energy efficiency and decarbonisation in our nation’s buildings.”