WCEC Newly Published Journal Article on Greenhouse Gas Emission Forecasts for Residential Heat Pumps
Newly published article aims to inform policymakers about the greenhouse gas emission impacts of heat pump deployment in residential homes.
Institute Executive Director Benjamin Finkelor to Serve “On Loan” as Special Advisor at the California Energy Commission
Benjamin Finkelor, Executive Director for UC Davis’ Energy and Efficiency Institute (EEI), will serve “on loan” to the California Energy Commission as a Special Advisor to Vice Chair Siva Gunda. The appointment starts February 1st and will extend for 14 months. Ben has been Executive Director of the EEI since its inception in 2016 (then the Energy and Efficiency Center). His leadership has helped the campus’ energy programs grow and advance over the past 15 years.
R-466A Refrigerant Demonstration and Performance
Refrigerants used in vapor-compression air conditioners and heat pumps have been the subject of environmental regulations requiring the need to develop alternative solutions with lower global warming potential (GWP). In general, there is a trade-off when choosing alternative refrigerants between safety, performance, and GWP.
Student-Built Air Purifiers Tackle Wildfire Smoke and Covid-19: UC Davis Engages Students with Hands-On Citizen Science
Students at Rio Tierra Junior High School in Sacramento build a portable air cleaner using a box fan and high efficiency air filters. Schools are facing many challenges this fall, including minimizing risks to students and staff from Covid-19 and wildfire smoke exposure. Air purifiers are one tool that can help. Researchers from the UC […]
Testing Different Configurations of Do-It-Yourself Portable Air Cleaners
A recent case study by the Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC) seeks to answer: does making your own portable air cleaner match the cleaning performance of off-the shelf products and do so in a cost effective way?
Report – Residential Electrification in Sacramento and Its Impact on Residential Appliance Sales
In this report, researchers investigate and quantify the market for appliances related to residential electrification and decarbonization, using the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) as a case study. This report addresses three questions: 1. What is the status of residential electrification plans in Sacramento? 2. What are the estimated equipment sales expected to result from […]
Video on the Importance of Filtration in Schools
Filtration works together with ventilation to improve indoor air quality. Filtration can capture and reduce exposure to some indoor and outdoor pollutants. In this video, we cover the basics of mechanical filtration and make simple recommendations to improve indoor air quality. Watch the video
