Xergy, University of Delaware Researchers Work to Build a Better Heat Pump
Use of fuel cell technology provides new approach
SEAFORD, Del. — Xergy Inc., a high-tech startup, has announced a new refrigeration system based on an electrochemical compressor to replace the conventional mechanical vapor compression systems found in typical heat pumps. The company credits the University of Delaware’s Ajay Prasad and his research team with playing an important role in the breakthrough.
“When Xergy approached us to collaborate on this idea, we recognized that electrochemical compressors [ECCs] are very similar to fuel cells,” said Prasad, who directs the University of Delaware’s Center for Fuel Cell Research. “For example, ECCs employ many of the same components, including an ion-exchange membrane, gas diffusion layers, bipolar plates, and catalysts.”