The new Trilogy 40 Q-Mode™ series, a highly efficient ground-source heat pump that has the capability of providing all the space heating, cooling, and water heating requirements for a residential or small commercial building, was recently awarded a 2013 AHR Expo Innovation Award at the International Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Expo (AHR Expo) in Dallas, Texas. The technology was also awarded an R&D 100 Award in 2013, gaining recognition for being a top technology product in 2012. This integrated ground-source heat pump technology was developed by the Energy Department's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in partnership with ClimateMaster, through a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA). The partnership between the Department and ClimateMaster began in 2008 in an effort to develop a more efficient ground-source integrated heat pump. Energy consumption is greatly reduced by a “trilogy” of variable speed technologies: (1) inverter driven compressor, (2) indoor air blower, and (3) water pump—all of which feature permanent magnet electric motor technology. These components enable the heat pump to match heating or cooling demand. By reducing the speed of the pump and blower motors when heating or cooling demand is low, the heat pump reduces electricity consumption by 80% or more during much of the year. Based on field tests and analysis, the Trilogy 40 Q-Mode heat pump can save about 60% of annual energy use and cost for space conditioning and water heating in residential applications versus minimum efficiency standard equipment and greater than 30% versus current state-of-the-art two-stage geothermal heat pumps. This water-to-air packaged heat pump provides significantly lower energy costs, reduces peak demand for electricity, and provides environmental benefits, especially through reductions in greenhouse gases and pollutants.

Positive Impact

More efficient ground-source heat pumps. Trilogy 40 Q-Mode™ heat pump receives 2013 AHR EXPO Innovation Award and 2013 R&D 100 Award.

Locations

Tennessee

Partners

Oak Ridge National Laboratory, ClimateMaster

EERE Investment

$2 million over four years

Clean Energy Sector

Energy-saving homes, buildings, and manufacturing

The Building Technologies Office leads a vast network of research and industry partners to continually develop innovative, cost-effective energy saving solutions—better products, better new homes, better ways to improve older homes, and better buildings in which we work, shop, and lead our everyday lives.

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) success stories highlight the positive impact of its work with businesses, industry partners, universities, research labs, and other entities.