Specifications include, but are not limited to: The purpose of this solicitation is to fund applied research and development projects that develop decarbonization solutions for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in large commercial buildings with an emphasis on technology advancements, energy efficiency, replicability, and use of ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. Space heating needs in large buildings have historically been met using fossil fuels and combustion-based equipment to generate hydronic hot water. This equipment is generally inexpensive (boilers cost ~$12–$30 per thousand Btu per hour (MBH)), has high turndown or ability to operate efficiently when heating needs are low, and uses an available, reliable resource for fuel.[footnoteRef:2] However, combustion of fossil fuels emits criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil gas combustion in commercial buildings is primarily used for space heating, water heating, and cooking, producing nearly 12 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2018.
