UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center

The Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC), part of the UC Davis Energy and Efficiency Institute, is a leading research center focused on advancing efficient heating, cooling, and energy distribution solutions. Our Mission: In response to the growing awareness of the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions, WCEC accelerates the development and commercialization of innovative technologies. Applied Research: WCEC collaborates with manufacturers, policymakers, and utilities to rigorously test HVAC technologies in our cutting-edge facilities. Real-world demonstrations provide objective evaluations, and our engineers implement performance improvements. Human Factors & Policy Research: Recognizing adoption barriers, we conduct comprehensive research, working with policymakers to advocate for codes and standards that promote energy efficiency. We evaluate technologies for market incentives and address human behavioral factors influencing adoption. Core Proficiencies: - Leaders in climate-appropriate cooling technologies. - In-house lab with an environmental chamber replicating 95% of California's hot/dry climates. - Experts in automatic aerosol sealing technology for buildings. **Extensive Knowledge in:** - Building energy modeling. - Technology evaluation. - Cooling in hot/dry climates. - Codes and standards. - Human behavior in HVAC. - Thermal energy distribution. - HVAC system control. - Identifying market barriers. - Heat transfer. - Ventilation and indoor air quality. WCEC's multidimensional expertise contributes to advancing energy-efficient solutions and addressing complex challenges in real-world adoption.