Carrier’s battery-enabled HVAC bet takes shape

Carrier is currently testing residential HVAC systems with attached batteries that can draw and store power when electricity demand is low, and then use that energy to run the systems later, when demand is high. 

What’s happening: Carrier Energy, a new arm of Carrier, is working with several utilities and the California-based Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to assess how homes could store and release power to relieve pressure on the grid, the company announced in September. 

• Field trials have begun across the U.S., with installations completed in 15 homes to date, Canary Media reported. More installs are planned by the end of this year. 
• “The battery-enabled HVAC system in the field trial is a new generation of a variable-speed heat pump outdoor unit,” Carrier spokesperson Jason Shockley told Homepros via email, adding that the battery isn’t compatible with other systems. 

Why it matters: The U.S. power grid is expected to become increasingly stressed, driven by the adoption of artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, among other technologies. 

• Its peak load is “about 750 gigawatts,” Hakan Yilmaz, Carrier’s chief technology and sustainability officer, said at a recent conference. “Around 300 gigawatts of that is reserved for HVAC.”

What they’re saying: “With an estimated 30 million Carrier HVAC units installed in North American homes — representing more than 100 GW of potential flexible demand — the opportunity is significant,” Carrier said in its announcement.

• “By unlocking gigawatts of flexible, responsive capacity at the edge of the grid, we’re relieving pressure on the system and creating space for growth,” Shockley added. 
• “That means fewer infrastructure bottlenecks, faster permitting timelines, and a more resilient energy backbone to support the nation’s industrial expansion.” 

What we’re watching: Carrier is exploring the possibility that utilities could pay for the batteries on homeowners’ behalf, aiming to help them secure regulatory approval, Canary Media noted. The company has declined to disclose pricing details. 

• Meanwhile, “Installation training will be included as part of the rollout,” Shockley said. “The design supports integration with the existing replacement installation process.”

What’s next: Data from the field trials will be collected and reported throughout the coming year.