New technology will reduce oil and gas heating by 50%

 

[caption id="attachment_10998" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Heat pump system"][/caption]

GHN Editor - For those who wonder if the world can catch up on technologically sound ways to save energy, it is nice to know there is rapid movement in this area with heat pumps to provide heating in winter and cooling in summer. 

Before they were only good for moderate climates, but now Purdue scientists are developing a new type of heat pump, more efficient and able to allow people to use them in cold climates.  It is anticipated this will reduce heating bills in half.

The goal is to improve efficiency as well as boost performance so heat pumps can be used in cold weather.  The scientists also are aiming to make these pumps half as expensive to operate as heat technologies that are now being used in cold regions where natural gas is unavailable.

It may reduce America's dependence on oil and gas, which is a major goal.

"We'll be able to extend the geographical range where heat pumps can apply," said W. Travis Horton, an assistant professor of civil engineering. "So this could open up a whole new market."

The new technology works by modifying the conventional vapor-compression cycle behind standard air conditioning and refrigeration.

"This could be a relatively simple modification to existing heat pumps, refrigeration and air conditioning systems," said James Braun, a professor of mechanical engineering.

It is a technology that is being developed that will be able to provide both heating and cooling for the home.