4 Energy Efficiency Technologies to Change the Game

Posted By: EN Todayon: October 03, 2024In:

Technology is widely understood to be the key to scalable energy efficiency—look no further than the innovation of energy storage solutions for off-peak usage or smart homes and buildings for customers to save energy directly from their smartphone.

So what’s driving the future of energy efficiency? Here’s a rundown of the top technological developments we’re tracking at Energy Central →

V2G charging

The tech: V2G, or vehicle-to-grid, charging has picked up steam this year with school bus and residential programs launching for utility customers to earn compensation by charging their EVs during low-demand hours (such as midday).

In the real world: Oakland, California, became the first school district to adopt a 100% electric school bus fleet in May, giving 2.1 GW back to the grid annually.

Occupancy-based HVAC and heat pump upgrades

The tech: Occupancy-based HVAC control and heat pump upgrades can help commercial buildings achieve energy and cost efficiency—even slashing bills by up to half. Here’s how:

Updating systems with tech like light sensors and power factor correction transformers and integrating AI can cut energy use by up to 50%, according to the Department of Energy.
Next-generation heat pumps with better performance in extreme cold haven’t reached mainstream market adoption yet (chalk it up to supply chain issues and a lack of installer companies). But DOE could help fill those gaps—the department is working on prototypes and committed $169 million last year to supercharge domestic heat pump manufacturing.

In the real world: Digital automation and energy management company Schneider Electric found last year that digital optimization of HVAC system controls in commercial buildings (compliant with ASHRAE Guideline 36) reduced carbon emissions by up to 42% and electricity use by about 19.7%.

SHEMS

The tech: Smart home energy management systems (aka SHEMS) that allow customers to manage lighting and thermostats can result in energy savings up to 20%. How do utilities benefit? Customers can participate in demand response programs that incentivize them to turn devices off during peak demand hours.

In the real world: Energy Star-certified products (like SHEMS) helped customers save 240 billion kWh of electricity and $24 billion in energy costs in a single year, according to Energy Star.

Thermal energy storage

The tech: Thermal energy storage (storing energy in water tanks, rocks, bricks, or sand) is making significant strides. Like?

New innovations including phase-change material (PCM) systems, thermochemical units, and encapsulation for durability are becoming increasingly common.
Facilities can then switch to storage during peak hours and freeze PCM using less energy. The safer and more cost-effective tech is a good solution for large industrial utility customers, helping with refrigeration and cold storage.

In the real world: California-based Rondo Energy secured a $80.6 million commitment to install its heat batteries at industrial sites across Europe. And Brenmiller Energy announced a 12-year “Heat as a Service” agreement at a pet food processing plant in Hungary. The plant will use 25–30% less fossil fuels once the thermal storage system is installed.