Kelvin provides software and control systems for building heating that enable electrification while maintaining comfort and efficiency. The platform integrates with existing heating systems and controls to optimize performance and reduce emissions.
Kelvin
Adaptive Electrification
Hybrid electrification solution enabling integration of electrified heating into buildings with central heating systems, allowing for emissions reductions with backup resiliency.
Description
Kelvin’s Adaptive Electrification solution swaps existing window and through-the-wall AC units with in-unit heat pumps that match existing footprints and power requirements, minimizing the need for electrical or structural retrofits. Integrated with Kelvin’s software and IoT controls, the system provides cooling and supplemental heating down to 40°F, then automatically transitions back to the building’s existing central heating system to optimize performance, comfort, and building electrification. Installing the system enables buildings to participate in utility programs like time-of-use pricing and demand response.
Key Differentiators
Ease of integration - The Adaptive Electrification solution integrates with existing heating infrastructure, enabling electrification without full system replacement
Greater control - The solution provides room-level temperature control in centrally heated buildings
Mininally-disruptive installation - The solution matches existing footprints and power requirements. It is designed to maintain comfort during electrification transition
Use Cases
Install new, efficient heating/cooling
Lower the upfront or ongoing costs of electrification
Explore demand response or Virtual Power Plants to reduce utility costs
Better visibility into real-time electricity use
Better visibility into real-time gas use
Regulate indoor temperature
Improve control over a unitized HVAC system
Improve/replace your HVAC system
Shift from a central boiler to in-unit heating solutions
Cost Savings
The solution reduces Natural Gas or Fuel Oil usage by 60% and replaces it with high-coefficient-of-performance heat pumps. The operational utility costs are equivalent to the pre-retrofit Natural Gas and/or Fuel Oil costs, but there are no carbon fines and a new demand-response revenue stream.
About
Decarbonization Impacts
Operational Emissions
Enables electrification of building heating systems
Reduces fossil fuel use by 60%, lowering emissions associated with heating
Supports resilience by having two heating systems available
Helps avoid carbon fines
Adds a new demand response revenue stream
Project + Building Compatibility
Project Type
Existing building retrofit
Essential Building Characteristics
If the building has window or through wall air conditioners, it's a good fit.
Ideal Building Characteristics
Centrally heated buildings with window or through wall ACs for cooling are the ideal building characteristics.
Minimum Project Size
10,000 Square Feet
Ideal Project Size
200,000 - 1,000,000 SF (200 - 1,000 apts)
NY Contractor Availability
Installation contractor availability in NY is strong — Kelvin has contractor capacity to install 100-250 housing units per day.
Additional Considerations
Kelvin's IoT network or Building Wide WiFi are required. Smart Boiler Controls are also required.
The requirement of Kelvin's IoT network or Building-wide along with the smart boiler controls (ex. Heat-Timer, Entech, Runwise etc.) is for the monitoring and optimization of the heat pumps. The IoT allows Kelvin to monitor the performance and/or identity faulty installed heat pumps as well as troubleshoot the product without doing a site visit.
Because the heat pump and boiler system work simultaneously, the smart boiler controls helps control when to run the boiler or the heat pump to maximize efficiency and optimize performance in the building's existing heating system.
Other Screening Criteria
Fuel Oil and District Steam buildings yield superior economics and heating cost savings.
Example Installations
Installed By
NYCHA, Connecticut IES, L+M Development Partners, Anchor Valley Partners (CA)
Case Studies
Resident Experience
During Installation
Resident impact during installation is minimal. It takes about 30 minutes to install each heat pump.
Post Installation
Improved indoor temperature regulation, maintained comfort and improved indoor air quality.
Financing
NY Incentives/Financing Resources
Eligible incentives and financing resources include Con Edison & National Grid's Demand Reponse Programs. Both programs pay the owners of the building to reduce their electric consumption during the peak months (usually summer season) to avoid from overloading the grid.
Upfront Costs
$500 per heat pump + $100 per install, before rebates
Ongoing Costs
$0; Kelvin will provide a DR revenue sharing agreement.
Payback Period
Depends on projected carbon fines. Kelvin will finance equipment and recoup investment via Demand Response revenues.
Operations, Management, and Maintenance
Operations and Maintenance Requirements
Operations and maintenance requirements are minimal. This includes filter cleaning on the units and maintenance of the building IoT network.
Ease of Operations
The system automatically switches between the heat pumps and the central boiler. The user interface is the same as the ACs that were replaced.
Service Support
Service or maintenance contractors are widely available.
Data + Performance
Through the platform, data is available on room temperature, operation mode, runtime, system fault codes and user settings.
Future Proofing
Supports transition to electrified heating systems aligned with decarbonization goals and Local Law 97 compliance
Specifications
The heat pumps that Kelvin uses are UL-listed and EnergyStar certified through the original equipment manufacturer, Midea. Kelvin's platform does not require product certification but complies with FCC regulations for wireless communications and is built on secure, standards-based cloud infrastructure.
