Honeywell Refrigerant Helps Convert Waste Heat to Power at Texas University
Honeywell's 245fa refrigerant helps organic rankine cycle generate inexpensive electricity
MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J., April 8 -- Honeywell (NYSE:HON) announced today that its non-ozone-depleting refrigerant Genetron® R-245fa is being used to convert waste heat to power at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
The energy-efficient, non-flammable, low-toxicity refrigerant is used as the heat-transfer fluid in an organic rankine cycle (ORC) called the ElectraTherm Green Machine. The ORC uses waste heat as low as 200 degrees Fahrenheit to boil the R-245fa. The resulting vapor is used to drive a patented Twin Screw Expander that generates usable electricity.
Electricity generated by the ElectraTherm Green Machine costs less than a penny per kilowatt hour after its capital payback period of less than two years. By comparison, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, average commercial electricity costs surpassed 10 cents per kilowatt hour in 2008.
The machine, which can generate more than 50 kilowatt hours of electricity, was named one of the top technology innovations in 2008 by Popular Science magazine, which honored it with a Best of What's New Award.
ElectraTherm's energy-efficient line of generators make fuel-free, emissions-free electricity from waste and geothermal heat or pressure instead of fossil fuels, thus offsetting carbon emissions.
"Our ORC can help universities, manufacturers and other building owners save significant energy costs and increase efficiency," said Richard Langson, CEO of ElectraTherm. "And having a low-toxicity refrigerant is a key part of the technology to make that happen."
Honeywell's R-245fa is ideal for use in ORCs because of the refrigerant's heat transfer properties, including its low boiling point, which is 59.5 F (15.3 C). This allows the ORC to take even low-temperature waste heat sources and convert them to grid-friendly electricity that can be used to offset the power needs of the source company. The waste heat can come from a variety of sources, including common boilers and chillers in office buildings.
"This is another example of how Honeywell technology is making alternative, cleaner energy sources more viable," said Bjorn Hofman, director of new product innovation for Honeywell's Fluorine Products business. "We're helping our customers provide safe, energy-efficient solutions."
Honeywell is a recognized, leading innovator in advanced energy-efficiency refrigerants for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as other heat transfer fluid applications. Honeywell has consistently helped manufacturers replace ozone-depleting substances and has ongoing research and development efforts to develop environmentally superior solutions for customers around the world.
Honeywell Specialty Materials, based in Morristown, N.J., is a $5.3 billion global leader in providing customers with high-performance specialty materials, including fluorine products; specialty films and additives; advanced fibers and composites; intermediates; specialty chemicals; electronic materials and chemicals; and technologies and materials for petroleum refining.
Honeywell International is a $37 billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For additional information, please visit www.honeywell.com.
Source: Honeywell
CONTACT:
Nina Krauss,
+1-973-455-4253,
nina.krauss@honeywell.com
Web Site: www.honeywell.com/
