Heat pumps play a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuel heating with low-carbon alternatives. However, traditional heat pumps have faced performance challenges in cold climates, often requiring supplemental heat. The DOE’s Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge and Commercial Building Heat Pump Technology Challenge focus on addressing these issues by developing systems capable of efficient operation at temperatures as low as -15°F.
“Our partnership with Copeland will help us meet the rigorous standards of the DOE’s Commercial Building Heat Pump Technology Challenge,” said Brent Stockton, director of engineering at AAON. “Copeland’s commitment to research and development and their innovative technologies are essential in helping us deliver solutions that meet and exceed performance expectations in the most challenging environments.”
Investment and Innovation
Copeland’s contributions include advanced heat pump technologies and engineering expertise, which have been instrumental in meeting stringent performance requirements. Additionally, the company received two DOE grants in 2024 to support these initiatives. The grants are funding:
- Research and Development: Focused on modular heat pump technology with integrated thermal energy storage.
- Manufacturing Expansion: Increasing production capacity for heat pump compressors at facilities in Ava and Lebanon, Missouri; Sidney, Ohio; and Cudahy, Wisconsin.
These investments are expected to bolster Copeland’s ability to meet rising demand for cold-climate heat pumps across residential, commercial, and industrial markets.
Mark Bills, vice president and general manager of commercial HVAC at Copeland, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and decarbonization goals. “Our engineering expertise and advanced heat pump technologies are designed to help our OEM partners achieve rigorous performance standards and facilitate greater adoption of these new technologies,” Bills stated.
Supporting the Transition to Cleaner Energy
The partnerships highlight Copeland’s leadership in the electrification of heating systems and its role in advancing sustainable HVAC technologies. As OEMs like AAON continue to develop solutions to meet DOE standards, Copeland remains a critical partner in achieving the industry’s energy efficiency and decarbonization objectives.
These initiatives not only address current market needs but also position Copeland and its partners at the forefront of the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.