The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed a new technology that initially focused on replacing less efficient window air conditioners in residential buildings. Since that invention, the joining and connections concept modeled in the new version of the technology has the potential for broader impact, even for commercial applications. Two NREL senior engineers in the Building Energy Sciences research group, Chuck Booten, Ph.D., and Jon Winkler, Ph.D., have been refi ning a joining technology to create a system that is easier and cheaper to install. The EcoSnap- AC can be applied to mini-split heat pumps, or other split-systems, to reduce installed costs.

(Source: ASHRAE Journal Newsletter, June 26, 2018)