LHB, Inc. Awarded CARD Grant to Study Phase Change Materials for Energy Efficiency in Buildings
After reviewing the provided links, it’s clear that there are two distinct companies with the acronym LHB: LHB, Inc., an engineering and architecture firm, and Lighthouse for the Blind-Saint Louis (LHB), a not-for-profit manufacturing and packaging company. The relevant news article covering the funding type is from LHB, Inc., specifically about receiving a Conservation Applied Research and Development (CARD) grant.
LHB, Inc., a leading engineering and architecture firm, has been awarded a competitive Conservation Applied Research and Development (CARD) grant by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. This grant is part of a funding opportunity that supports projects aimed at maximizing energy savings, improving the effectiveness of energy conservation programs, and documenting carbon dioxide reductions from energy conservation.
LHB’s grant proposal was selected from a strong field of applicants and is one of only twelve CARD grants awarded from that funding opportunity. The project focuses on studying the use of phase change materials (PCMs) for passive thermal regulation in buildings. PCMs are an emerging technology that changes phase as they absorb thermal energy (heat), providing a strategy for passively regulating thermal conditions in various applications, including office buildings and educational facilities.
While PCMs have been of interest in passive solar buildings for many decades, recent advances in installation strategies and a focus on non-passive buildings by fabricators and manufacturers suggest research opportunities to support further market penetration, especially in retrofit applications. LHB will partner with Madison-based consultant Slipstream to assess PCM’s impact on energy efficiency, peak energy loads, and occupant comfort in existing Minnesota buildings.
The use of PCMs in building design can significantly reduce energy consumption and peak demand, contributing to a more sustainable and energy-efficient built environment. This research aims to provide valuable insights into the practical application of PCMs in real-world scenarios, helping to bridge the gap between theoretical benefits and actual performance.
By exploring the potential of PCMs in building design, LHB and its partners are contributing to the broader goal of reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This project aligns with the objectives of the CARD grant program, which seeks to identify new technologies or strategies that can maximize energy savings and improve the effectiveness of energy conservation programs.
The partnership between LHB and Slipstream brings together expertise in engineering, architecture, and energy efficiency to conduct a comprehensive study on the use of PCMs in buildings. This collaboration is crucial for assessing the practical implications of integrating PCMs into building design and for understanding how these materials can contribute to energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
The outcomes of this research are expected to provide valuable insights for architects, engineers, and building owners looking to incorporate energy-efficient technologies into their projects. By exploring the potential of PCMs, LHB and its partners are taking a significant step towards creating more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings, which is in line with the goals of the CARD grant program and the broader objectives of reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.