ET25SWE0065 - Modeling PCM CHPWH Systems

Active
Project Name
Modeling PCM CHPWH Systems
Project Number
ET25SWE0065
Funding Entity
SWE
Market Sector
Residential
TPM Category Priority 1
Water Heating
TPM Technology Family Type 1
Commercial Domestic Hot Water System Design
TPM Category Priority 2
Water Heating
TPM Technology Family Type 2
Unitary and Single-Family Systems
Distribution Report
Project Description

This project addresses a critical market barrier: the lack of modeling tools capable of simulating Phase Change Material (“PCM”) Thermal Energy Storage Systems (“TESS”) integrated with Central Heat Pump Water Heaters (“CHPWH”). Existing tools are not designed to capture the dynamic behavior of PCM systems, particularly in recirculation loop configurations. This modeling gap limits the ability of designers, program administrators, and policymakers to evaluate system performance, cost-effectiveness, and eligibility for incentives, ultimately hindering the broader adoption and integration of these emerging technologies into programs.

This project aims to identify key inputs for optimizing system design and energy cost savings through the development of dynamic models of integrated PCM and analysis of building and system characteristic variables. The central hypothesis is that integrating PCM TESS into CHPWH systems can improve energy performance and enable load shifting in multifamily buildings, especially those with space-constrained mechanical rooms.

By developing dynamic modeling tools and updating existing platforms, the project will enable more accurate assessments of system benefits, facilitate incentive qualification, and support broader adoption of PCM-integrated designs in California’s multifamily housing sector. These improvements will support more effective CHPWH upgrades, contributing to electrification and decarbonization goals in multifamily housing.