Initial Insights: Low-Cost Compressor Controller NYS Small Commercial Demonstration Project

Josef Mueller
Proposal Status
Ready for Committee Review
Username
Josef Mueller
Proposer First Name
Josef
Proposer Email
jmueller@coolgreenpower.com
Proposer Last Name
Mueller
Proposer Phone
(617) 505-1004
Proposer Job Title
CEO and Founder
Proposed Session Description
Two NYS energy engineering firms are independently validating the performance of a low-cost compressor controller for the NYS small commercial sector over the next two years. This demonstration project is co-funded by NYSERDA under the NextGen HVAC Innovation Challenge program. This device is retrofit to existing DX cooling systems in 1-2 hours with immediate benefits. The 2021 goal is to demonstrate significant cooling related energy consumption and GHG emission reductions while maintaining thermal comfort at 12 sites across NY state’s 3 climate zones. Four use cases will be covered: convenience stores, grocery stores, full-service restaurants, and fast-food restaurants. In parallel, a survey targeting market-based information necessary to evaluate the cost and benefits of the Low-Cost Compressor Controller, covering building types where space cooling is a significant percentage of the total electricity consumption. The speakers will jointly present their preliminary findings.
Why is this session important?
The large capital investment and long asset life of existing HVAC equipment requires new HVAC technologies to have compelling value propositions to achieve market adoption. Some innovations are technically compelling but not commercially successful. Additionally, solutions on the market today do not address New York’s diverse climate or dense urban population and are not sufficient to meet New York’s aggressive energy and GHG reduction goals. 80% of NY’s buildings are small commercial. To reduce the energy use in small commercial buildings using economically viable HVAC solutions. Additionally, many HVAC innovations have the added benefit of improved indoor air quality and quality of life for consumers, providing not only economic value, but also improved occupant comfort.

Comments

Christina McPike Mon, 04/05/2021 - 6:27 pm

Round 1- MaybeIt's specific with actual data - this makes for a good presentation.Addresses an interesting building typology/user - maybe not super representative of the NESEA audience (but that's OK).Good way to showcase NYSERDA funded research.Low-cost solutions are needed ASAP - and this may help spur such projects.It's just very specific and narrowly focused, and only preliminary findings - i.e. the research is ongoing.

Jon Hacker Wed, 04/07/2021 - 9:46 pm

Maybe - I like the idea of the technology.  I like how they aim to bring in the voice of a small business owner.  The presentation seems a bit premature, as they won't have full data.  This could be a yes for me, if we can ensure a detailed analysis of some NYC (or near NYC) sites and I can get clarification on the preventative maintenance aspects mentioned in the learning objectives.

Susan Farber Mon, 04/12/2021 - 8:38 pm

ROUND 1 DISCUSSION: Maybe too focused? Jon Hacker: Seems to be premature, not a full year of data. Only one person, how is he going to take up one hour? If this could help Commercial tenants in multi-use, then useful.

Christina McPike Tue, 05/18/2021 - 3:42 pm

Round 2: No- the project hasn't been implemented yet, so there's no data to share. They don't have all the pilot projects identified yet either. They may be deployed in June, but that seems unknown.- COOLNOMIX controller for small AC and RTU's - reduces short cycling, improves comfort, extends compressor longevity, avoids compressor overheating. It's a smart controller that overrides thermostats, reducing compressor run time by 10%+.- it's pseudo sales pitchy- Strength: brings attention to low-cost tech and considers small businesses

Diversity and Inclusiveness
Small businesses, including those in underserved markets. The cost effectiveness of the solution will be.
Learning Objectives
Learn about early findings from this NYS small commercial demonstration project
Quantify the value of HVAC Preventative maintenance for the small commercial sector
Quantify the value of the Low-Cost Compressor Controller for the small commercial sector
Learn about any differences across 4 small commercial user cases or the 3 NYS climate zones
Has this session been presented before?
No

NYC 2021 Areas of Focus

Target Audiences Level of Expertise
Level 2 - Some prior knowledge helpful.
Session Format
Interview or structured conversation among panelists
Recommended Length
60-minute session

Strongest Content Connection - NYC 2021

Comments about your speaker roster
We intend to ask a Summer 2021 to speak, or perhaps will play a video testimonial during the event. We will also try for a speaker from NYSERDA but that seems more unlikely due to all the approvals that would be required.
Reviewer 1
Hacker, Jon
Reviewer 2
McPike, Christina
Proposal #
112
Committee Decision
Being Considered

Presenters