Xergy and UD are teaming up on a cool HVAC breakthrough (pun intended)

Seaford-based tech startup Xergy Inc. has partnered with the University of Delaware’s Center for Fuel Research to develop a potentially revolutionary breakthrough in more efficient and environmentally-friendly HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) systems.
The crux of the idea is to cut down on the amount of electricity expended from heating and cooling units in homes.
The two groups have collaborated on how to replace conventional mechanical vapor compression systems with an electrochemical compressor, according to a story from UDaily. The tricky part of the equation has been manipulating fuel cell technology — something often associated with possible solutions in the automobile industry — to not involve water in the ion exchange process.
Ashish Chouhan, a UD doctoral student in mechanical engineering who has been a part of the project, said they’re focusing on a high-performance polymer called polybenzimidazole (try saying that five times fast) to circumvent using water.
So what’s that all mean? This technology would allow for the creation of extremely efficient (and quiet) HVAC systems that people could use in their homes. That would cut down enormously on the amount of electricity used, this leading to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, said Ajay Prasad, who directs UD’s Center for Fuel Cell Research.
The first application of the technology will probably be in hybrid water heaters and air conditions, UDaily reported, and that Xergy would like to expand this method to other applications like refrigeration systems and home and commercial air conditioners.
“It’s no longer a matter of if, but when this technology will enter the market,” said Xergy president Bamdad Bahar.