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Advanced Hybrid Water-Heater using ECC

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-13ER90499
Agency Tracking Number: 87910
Amount: $149,856.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 03c
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0000715
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2012
Award Year: 2013
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2013-02-19
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
105 Park Avenue Seaford Industrial Park
Seaford, DE 19973-9478
United States
DUNS: 832813435
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Steven Naugler
 Mr.
 (302) 628-2100
 steven.naugler@xergyinc.com
Business Contact
 Richard Williams
Title: Mr.
Phone: (646) 982-9622
Email: richard.williams@xergyinc.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

This proposal is based on a transformational and disruptive technology of utilizing electrochemical compression to operate heat pump cycles. Xergy Inc. has exhibited a demonstration unit of its Kuel-cell device, and engaged in thermodynamic simulations utilizing water as the working fluid in order to propose the use of this Kuel-cell technology for hybrid hot water systems. Simulations utilizing ProSim Software, have indicated that COPs in the range of 4 (vs. 2.4 for comparable operating conditions provided by GE for GeoSpring hybrid) are attainable in advanced hybrid hot water heaters utilizing the Kuel-CellTM electrochemical compressor. And thus a smaller size 350 Watt compressor can be engaged, with alternative form factors in addition to other benefits such as noiseless and vibration free operation. Key components for this cell have been specified and need to be optimized. A work plan has been provided to develop discrete components and eventually build a bench top prototype during phase 1 of this SBIR program with a vision towards development of a product that can be commercialized during phase II (if awarded). The improved efficiency of the system (i.e. COP) not only enables a smaller size compressor to be utilized, but also results in significant reduction in operating costs (i.e. electric power utilization). In addition, the compressor provides an alternative form factor for designers. When all this is taken in conjunction with other inherent benefits of electrochemical compression such as noise-less operation, vibration free operation, and the use of a non-GWP refrigerant provide a compelling value proposition that would inspire significant market interest and penetration, which in turn would result in the development of serious sales volumes which will be required to attain mass production. Once the product is mass produced, the proposal has demonstrated how cost targets enabling market pricing of $500 can be met.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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