Commercially known as Crescendō, this technology employs a regenerative cooling cycle that captures lost energy in existing cooling systems.
Researchers at Purdue University and Bechtel have introduced an innovative cooling technology, potentially transforming HVAC systems and paving the way for significant power savings in manufacturing and industrial buildings. Commercially known as Crescendō, this technology employs a regenerative cooling cycle that captures lost energy in existing cooling systems.
David Ladd, senior solutions analyst at Bechtel, highlighted the initial success of Crescendō, noting a 5% increase in efficiency in refrigeration systems. He emphasized the environmental impact, stating, “Refrigeration is underappreciated. To me and you it’s invisible, but 10% of the world’s greenhouse gases come from HVACs.”
Published in the peer-reviewed Proceedings of the International Congress of Refrigeration, the research delves into the benefits of better refrigerant distribution, quantifying power savings of nearly 5%. The key metric, the pinch point temperature, represents the temperature difference between a refrigerant and surrounding air. Results indicate that variations in temperature could unlock even greater energy savings.
The patented technology, originated at Bechtel, underwent initial prototype research conducted by a team of undergraduate students at Purdue University.
Dr. Davide Ziviani, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, emphasized the educational aspect, stating, “Several students have benefitted from the learning experience, which is ultimately our mission as educators.”
Bechtel is actively developing Crescendō to enhance its applications in advanced manufacturing, such as semiconductor fabs and battery production facilities. According to Ladd, “Crescendō has potential applications anywhere energy is used for HVAC systems.”
Beyond power efficiency, Crescendō contributes to environmental conservation by utilizing less-toxic refrigerants, leading to fewer greenhouse gas emissions. This breakthrough could drive increased adoption of carbon dioxide as a refrigerant, replacing hydrocarbon-based alternatives. The technology also opens possibilities for more compact building systems, providing room for additional equipment and diverse land usage.
Bechtel and the Purdue team are collaboratively working on building a commercial prototype of Crescendō within a small-building air conditioner. Ziviani emphasized the need for further research to optimize the cycle and its components, expressing confidence in the technology’s potential for creating next-generation, environmentally friendly refrigeration systems across various applications.
Ladd expressed Bechtel’s hope for Crescendō to revolutionize cooling, stating, “We believe in a community-approach to achieving efficient cooling. We want to hear from anyone wishing to join us on this mission.” This collaborative effort aims to bring about a transformative shift in the world of cooling technology.