Trane by Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, has introduced its Thermal Battery Storage-Source Heat Pump System – a first-of-its-kind solution to advance electrified, low-carbon heating in buildings, including in climates below zero-degrees Fahrenheit.
The innovative system converges four proven technologies to accelerate building decarbonization:
- Thermal energy storage ice tanks, reclaiming and storing excess building heat like a battery, for optimal efficiency
- Air-to-water heat pumps utilizing a reverse vapor compression cycle to extract heat from the air outside to warm the building
- All-electric chiller-heaters, recovering the excess building heat from the ice tanks to expand air-to-water heat pump applications further into dense urban environments and cold climates
- Intelligent controls, maximizing occupant comfort and energy efficiency
Dave Regnery, chairman and CEO, Trane Technologies, said, “We pioneered the use of ice tanks in thermal storage for cooling, and now we are integrating these proven technologies into an industry-first solution for electrified heating. Through relentless innovation, our team continues to leverage creative new solutions to accelerate decarbonization of the built environment. As we scale this technology, we can dramatically reduce emissions for a more sustainable world.”
The Thermal Battery Storage-Source Heat Pump System brings heating and cooling into one electric solution and can be three times more efficient than traditional heating methods. Commonly referred to as ice storage, thermal energy storage ice tanks act like batteries – shifting all or a portion of a building’s heating and cooling electricity needs to off-peak hours while increasing energy efficiency and lowering costs. Additionally, under the Inflation Reduction Act, thermal energy storage systems can now receive significant tax credits.
In alignment with Trane Technologies’ pledge to lead by example through carbon neutral operations, the new thermal battery storage-source heat pump system will be deployed at Trane’s flagship facility in La Crosse, Wisconsin later this year.
Through bold, industry-leading action and innovation, the company is advancing its 2030 sustainability commitments, including the gigaton challenge – a pledge to reduce customer greenhouse gas emissions by 1 billion metric tons (or, one gigaton) – and its pledge to be net-zero by 2050. The company’s emissions reductions targets have been externally validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
