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PROPANE ENERGY POD. Propane Energy Pod Overview.
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Propane Energy Pod Overview • The Propane Energy Pod is a home energy package that delivers superior comfort and efficiency compared with all-electric homes. High-efficiency propane gas appliances for major applications combine for optimal energy performance and environmental benefits unmatched by electric alternatives. • Space Heating • Water Heating • Cooking • Clothes Drying • Fireplaces • The addition of a propane backup generator ensures continued performance when the power goes out.
Propane Energy Pod Research Overview • Research was done to evaluate the energy and environmental performance of the Propane Energy Pod in prototype homes of two sizes across 16 different climate zones. • Environmental performance of Propane Energy Pod prototype homes was compared with standard homes. • Standard homes used electric building systems for the five Energy Pod applications except in the Northeast where a heating oil furnace was used for space heating.
Research & Development of the Energy Pod • Research Objectives: • Develop climate-appropriate bundles of energy efficient propane building systems. • Analyze the energy and environmental performance benefits that are possible with bundles of high performance, propane-based building systems. • Evaluate these propane bundles in typical homes as compared to standard technology packages in the same homes. • To accomplish these objectives, researchers reviewed and analyzed the technical specifications of propane building systems, conducted energy modeling on prototype homes, and performed energy cost analysis.
Energy Pod Research Results:Whole-House CO2Emissions: 2,400-Square-Foot Prototype (Heating Oil Baseline)
Energy Pod Research Results:Whole-House CO2Emissions: 3,600-Square-Foot Prototype (Heating Oil Baseline)
THE PROPANE ENERGY POD: Space Heating • Propane heating systems have efficiency and environmental advantages over electric and heating oil systems. • Electric heat pumps can have nearly double the CO2 emissions compared with high-efficiency propane furnaces. • High-efficiency propane furnaces can achieve over 98 percent AFUE efficiency ratings.
THE PROPANE ENERGY POD: Space Heating • Propane home-heating systems can be configured as central or zone-based. • Propane heating delivery can be by forced air, radiant, or convection. • A propane furnace, in combination with an electric heat pump, is called a hybrid heating system and is popular to use to gain the most efficiency for both heating and air conditioning. • Smaller (non-ducted) space heaters can include thermostats and blowers, and many models can operate during an electrical outage.
THE PROPANE ENERGY POD: Water Heating • The Department of Energy estimates that water heating accounts for approximately 20 percent of a home’s energy costs. • A high-efficiency propane tanklesswater heater prevents the emission of nearly 70,000 pounds of greenhouse gases (GHGs) over its 20-year lifetime when compared with a standard storage electric water heater. • Heating oil-fired water heaters have CO2 emissions at least 35% higher than comparable propane systems, and as much as twice the emissions rate of propane tankless models.
THE PROPANE ENERGY POD: Cooking • Propane is always available and kinder to the environment than other energy sources. • Based on typical cooking usage levels, propane cooking equipment emits roughly 30 percent fewer CO2 emissions than electric units. • Propane range burners allow for greater control of heat levels and the instant flame turnoff capabilities provide a safety feature not found in electric stoves, which can remain dangerously hot for a period of time after turn off.
THE PROPANE ENERGY POD: Clothes Drying • Propane dryers heat up faster than electric models, resulting in faster drying times and reduced energy costs. • A propane dryer saves over 2,000 pounds of CO2 emissions in its lifespan.
THE PROPANE ENERGY POD: Fireplaces • Propane fireplaces are easier to install, efficient, clean, and provided consistent heat. • Propane fireplaces are more often being chosen over wood-burning units because of their environmental benefits. • Propane carries a smaller environmental footprint and produces fewer particulate emissions and less CO than wood-burning units. It also has environmental benefits over electric fireplaces.
THE PROPANE ENERGY POD: The Whole Package • The Propane Energy Pod brings the collective benefit of whole-house comfort, convenience, and performance to the home — as a package. • The Propane Energy Pod offers a lighter carbon footprint compared with all-electric homes or homes using heating oil and electric systems.