The Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research has opened state-of-the-art, real-world-simulated labs to conduct comprehensive studies on cold-climate heat pump HVAC solutions.
The consortium is a partnership between LG Electronics Inc. (LG) and the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA),
LG and university researchers will conduct studies in two dedicated cold climate heat pump labs located in Anchorage and Fairbanks.
These facilities are configured to replicate home environments, enabling a realistic and practical approach to heat pump research. The labs will utilise a variety of LG's cutting-edge HVAC solutions, including both ducted and duct-free indoor and outdoor units, to assist in the research.
President of LG Eco Solutions USA, Chris Ahn, said heat pump technology is integral to HVAC-related decarbonization efforts, and the research conducted at these new labs will help to further drive progress.
"This research into advancing progress in heat pump system technology supports the promotion of clean energy advances that are among the primary targets for IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) funding in most states, including those in colder climates,” he said.
The Cold Climate Heat Pump Labs in Alaska will leverage LG's cutting-edge heat pump technology to deliver region-specific comfort solutions designed to reduce dependence on fossil-fuel secondary heating sources.
In fact, the Anchorage and Fairbanks labs are committed to further enhancing the capabilities of air-source heat pumps to be the primary source of heating in ambient temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The consortium partnership between LG and UAA, launched a year ago, brings together LG experts, university researchers, local industry and government agencies to drive market transformation through research on heat pump technology and electrification.
The new labs are part of LG's extensive network of heat pump research partnerships across Korea, Europe, and China.
These collaborations collectively form the Global Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research.