Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 2

This project will investigate the performance characteristics of water piping systems utilizing 'PEX' (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) pipe. The company partner is Uponor-one of the original proponents of PEX and currently the world's largest manufacturer of PEX piping. The project will focus on (i) domestic water delivery systems and (ii) domestic radiant heating systems. Particular attention will be paid to water-usage efficiency, energy-efficiency, and durability of PEX-based systems as compared to competitive piping systems such as copper. The project will employ computer simulations, scale models, and full-size test systems constructed using commercial piping. College students and professors will be engaged in the testing and benchmarking of PEX whole-system performance versus competitive piping installations. These systems will be tested for their efficiency (water usage and energy), thermal comfort, water quality, regulatory compliance, product lifetime, ease of installation, and ease of maintenance. The ultimate aim of the project is to help the industry partner quantify and validate the superiority of water delivery and hydronic systems based on PEX technology. The project will provide excellent opportunities to enrich the College's School of Advanced Technology as well as the Center for Construction Excellence, both of which pursue academic programs including the Building Science Degree Program, and Green Architecture which train students in areas of interest to the project and who will thus gain valuable experience with PEX.