PROPANE ENERGY POD
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 CO2 Emissions: 2,400-Square-Foot Prototype
Cold Climate: Northeast
Cold Climate: Midwest & West
Moderate Climate Warm Climate
10.8
16.9
8.7 7.9
13.1
23.6
11.79.7
Propane Energy Pod Baseline
(Heating Oil Baseline)
Energy Pod Research Results:Whole-House CO2 Emissions: 3,600-Square-Foot Prototype
Cold Climate: Northeast
Cold Climate: Midwest & West
Moderate Climate Warm Climate
14.2
21.7
11.710.4
17.6
32.4
15.712.8
Propane Energy Pod Baseline
(Heating Oil Baseline)
PROPANE ENERGY POD COMPONENTS
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 tankless water 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.