Energy Production and Storage

Building electrification using air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) is costly and requires a significant amount of space. Ice heating has the potential to reduce the capacity of ASHPs needed for full electrification by 50%, while also allowing for grid interactive peak shifting for added energy resilience and time-of-use carbon savings in order to meet decarbonization policies and local stretch codes. This thermal storage solution can dramatically reduce first costs, carbon emissions, and space required for full electrification of new construction and existing buildings.

What was once a vision by the Green Justice Coalition (GJC) to support environmental justice communities by making them resilient and removing fossil fuels in their neighborhoods is becoming reality. The goal is simple: How can you provide a decarbonized heating and cooling system on a resilient virtual microgrid without taxing the residents? Chinatown Power Inc., along with the GJC are set to make that vision a reality.

This session will present RMI’s new freely available economic modeling software for different home decarbonization technologies (e.g., rooftop solar, battery storage, weatherization, air-source heat pumps, heat pump water heaters), demonstrate how different types of energy professionals can leverage it (e.g., estimating bill impacts of whole home versus hybrid air-source heat pumps), and visualize results for different retrofit types across the northeast (e.g., percent of homes that can cost-effectively electrify).

In light of the catastrophic flooding which occurred throughout the Northeast region in 2023, we must challenge ourselves to confront the increased likelihood of extreme weather events and diminished water resilience that our projects now face. Resilience can only be achieved if we embrace the reality of new weather patterns and adjust both design and funding strategies accordingly.