Field Validation Results
DOE is committed to advancing the use of innovative technologies through robust testing, measurement verification, and dissemination of findings. This page provides information about completed and ongoing technology field validations in occupied, operational buildings; organizations can use these findings to make better decisions about new technologies to meet their energy reduction goals.
For field validation projects specific to federal facilities, click here.
For field validation projects specific to state and local governments, click here.
For details about the Industrial Technology Validation Program, click here.
OPPORTUNITY: DOE is currently recruiting building host sites for efficient, healthy, resilient technologies. Read through this presentation for more details and find out how to get involved.
Completed Field Validations and Results
Explore data and outcomes from various completed field validation tests below. Click the building end-use to jump directly to that technology. To view ongoing/active field validations, click here.
Gaseous Air-Cleaning Technology
Published 2020
The HVAC Load Reduction (HLR) air cleaning technology, developed by enVerid, uses a solid regenerable sorbent material that removes a variety of gaseous contaminants from the air and can provide significant energy savings for some buildings in certain climates. Click MORE for details on building type, energy savings, and implementation.
| Building Type(s) | Energy Savings | Application Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Buildings | Cooling system energy savings range from 6 to 37%. |
Retrofit, New Construction |
Software-Controlled Switched Reluctance Motor
Published 2019
Smart Software-Controlled Switched Reluctance Motors integrate an innovative electric motor design with a programmable variable-frequency drive (VFD). Smart motors were found to be 4% more efficient than a premium motor combined with a VFD and cost about half as much. Click MORE for details on building type, energy savings, and implementation.
| Building Type(s) | Energy Savings | Application Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Buildings | 57 to 71% savings compared to a constant-speed induction motor. 11 to 33% compared to the same motor with VFD control. | Retrofit, End-of-Life Replacement |
Micro Combined Heat & Power (µCHP)
Published 2019
Micro combined heat and power (µCHP) systems with an electrical output of 50 kW or less have an efficiency of approximately 90% in converting the supplied natural gas to hot water and electricity, compared to 60% for a conventional system. Click MORE for details on building type, energy savings, and implementation.
| Building Type(s) | Energy Savings | Application Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Buildings with high hot water usage: Multifamily, Lodging, Restaurants, Healthcare, Fitness | 47% to 69% whole building energy savings. | Retrofit, New Construction |
Advanced Lighting Controls
Published 2018
Many new and existing Advanced Lighting Control Systems use LED technology to improve efficacy reduce energy costs. This study evaluated 5 advanced lighting control systems with features such as task tuning (also known as high-end trim), occupancy sensors, and daylighting controls. Click MORE for details on building type, energy savings, and implementation.
| Building Type(s) | Energy Savings | Application Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial - Office, Medical Office, Retail/Grocery & Brewery | 66% lighting savings (average) for LED with all controls | Retrofit, New Construction |
Air Barrier Adhesive
Published 2016
LIQUIDARMOR (^TM) CM Flashing and Sealant is a spray-applied sealant and liquid flashing and can span gaps that are up to ¼ in wide without a supporting material. The product aims to improve the performance of air barrier systems by simplifying the installation procedure. Click MORE for details on building type, energy savings, and implementation.
| Building Type(s) | Energy Savings | Application Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial and Public Sector Buildings | 9% whole building energy savings. | Retrofit, New Construction |
Energy Management Information System - Large Buildings
Published 2018
BuildingIQ Predictive Energy Optimization (PEO) technology is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that optimizes commercial building HVAC control for system efficiency, occupant comfort, and cost using a learned predictive model of the building. Click MORE for details on building type, energy savings, and implementation.
| Building Type(s) | Energy Savings | Application Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Large Commercial Buildings with BAS | At one site, 9% HVAC savings were quantified. At the other four sites, savings ranged from 0 to 2%. | Retrofit |
Low-Cost Circuit-Level Electrical Submetering System
Published 2021
The circuit-level analytics and submetering platform (CLASP), developed by Meazon, provides the ability to monitor individual circuits within an electrical panel in a building and provides detailed power and energy consumption data at a much more granular level than was previously achievable in a cost-effective manner. Click MORE for details on building type, energy savings, and implementation.
| Building Type(s) | Energy Savings | Application Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Buildings | The CLASP was able to provide high-resolution and accurate power and energy consumption data; total energy error was < 2%. | Retrofit, New Construction |
Data-Driven Receptacle Control
Published 2019
The Ibis InteliNetwork™ Plug Load Management system enables users to measure and analyze device energy use and identify opportunities for reduction of plug load energy use. Click MORE for details on building type, energy savings, and implementation.
| Building Type(s) | Energy Savings | Application Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Buildings - Office and Retail | Annual plug load reduction of 11% and 18% in two test locations. | Retrofit |
High-Efficiency Refrigeration System Motor
Published 2015
QM Power Q-Sync motors are designed to be more efficient and cost-effective than traditional EC motors, as well as shaded-pole and PSC motors for 9-12 W evaporator fans in commercial refrigeration systems. Click MORE for details on building type, energy savings, and implementation.
| Building Type(s) | Energy Savings | Application Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Supermarket/Grocery, Food Service, Convenience | Up to 68% vs. a traditional motor. | Retrofit, New Equipment Purchase |
Chemical-Free Water Treatment
Published 2019
An alternative chemical-free water treatment technology from Dynamic Water Technologies LLC (DWT) and Universal Environmental Technologies (UET) significantly reduces blowdown water requirements for cooling towers. The system creates a favorable environment for precipitation of the concentrated minerals and creates conditions that kill biological growth while minimizing corrosion. Click MORE for details on building type, energy savings, and implementation.
| Building Type(s) | Energy Savings | Application Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial and Public Sector Buildings with cooling towers | 20% water savings. | Retrofit |
Ongoing/Active Field Validations
The list below represents current Field Validation efforts. Click each link to learn more. For an overview of DOE's Technology Validation Site Selection process, click here.
Experts from DOE's National Labs analyze the latest research and development on a range of building technologies with the goal of providing market-ready solutions to partners.
DOE launched the new Industrial Technology Validation pilot to help industry better identify and evaluate innovative technologies by hosting field validation testbeds. The initial phase is open exclusively to Better Plants partners.
Is your organization is interested in working with DOE on a field validation test? Contact the Better Buildings Alliance to learn how you can get involved.