The overall objective of this project is to demonstrate the application and validate the expected benefits of THERMOPHASE, a nano-engineered surface treatment that reduces biofouling and improves heat transfer efficiency of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in Army facilities. This project will address efficiency and operational management problems related to high energy consumption and costs associated with HVAC systems, which account for a large portionof the Army's installation energy use. The project will compare the performanceand costs of HVAC systems treated with THERMOPHASE versus untreated systemsusing data collection, economic analysis, and stakeholder feedback. The project will provide the Department of Defense (DoD) with a new capability to improve the functioning and maintenance of HVAC systems, reduce energy costs, and increase installation resilience.

The technology, THERMOPHASE, is a novel surface treatment that reduces biofouling and improves heat transfer efficiency of HVAC systems. It is innovative because it is not a traditional coating, but a self-assembled monolayer that chemically binds to heat transfer surfaces and interferes with the attachment of biological and inorganic fouling. It also reduces the boundary layer resistance, which enhances heat transfer immediately and prevents fouling accumulation over time. Compared to the state-of-the-art, THERMOPHASE is biocide-free and has proven benefits in various applications, such as power plant condensers, marine chillers, and building chillers. 

This project is expected to provide cost and performance benefits to the DoD by improving existing system efficiency and reducing the maintenance of HVAC systems in Army facilities. Compared to current practice, THERMOPHASE can lower the energy costs and consumption of HVAC systems and increase system resilience by preventing biofouling and corrosion. Additionally, it can extend the service life and reliability of heat exchanger components, reduce the need for biocides, cleaning agents, and water treatment chemicals, and simplify the application and monitoring process thereby reducing on-base operations and maintenance and commissioning time and costs. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2028)