Grant: Idea to Innovation

The proposed project aims to develop a pre-market prototype for the Sorption Heat Transformer for Heat Pumping, AC, and Thermal Storage (SORTAB) system, with the objective of decarbonizing community-based district energy systems (DE) in the City of Burnaby and other municipalities. The SORTAB system utilizes waste-heat as input energy, which is readily available from the Metro Vancouver Waste-to-Energy Facility. Successful demonstration of this sustainable technology has the potential to tap into a fast-growing DE market, creating significant export opportunities for Canadian companies. Dr. Bahrami's team, a global leader in waste-heat-driven sorption technology, plans to develop the 5th generation prototype of the SORTAB system based on their recent patent application. The unique modular sorber bed design, utilizing a proven and cost-effective shell and tube manufacturing technique, makes it both cost-effective and marketable for various applications. The increasing demand for heating and AC has resulted in a surge in energy consumption and emissions, contributing to carbon pollution. Municipalities, around the world, have set ambitious emission reduction targets and seek to decarbonize their communities. SORTAB technologies offer unique advantages over conventional electric heat pumps, particularly when coupled with waste-to-energy facilities in DE. They are sustainable, cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally friendly. Partnerships have been established with DE providers and municipalities such as the City of Burnaby and the City of Surrey, who have expressed a keen interest in adopting the SORTAB technology. The Metro Vancouver Waste-to-Energy Facility provides ample waste-heat resources that can be effectively utilized by SORTAB, leading to reduced DE emissions and operating costs. This project has a strong potential for generating further intellectual property and accelerating the market introduction of new sustainable energy conversion and storage systems.