Facilities

We provide industry, government, and university researchers with access to state-of-the-art and unique equipment capable of analyzing a wide spectrum of energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies. We work closely with our industry partners to research and develop advanced technologies. Many of the facilities below are used to test and develop many award-winning building technologies that lead to significant energy saving opportunities within the building industry.

Thermal Test Facility (TTF)

At NREL, building researchers use the TTF for advanced heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning research that includes study of active solar systems. In addition to housing research facilities, the building itself was designed as a research model that provides data for application for buildings designed in the future.

Advanced Thermal Conversion Laboratory

Located within the TTF, this laboratory measures realistic performance of desiccant dehumidifiers; air-conditioning components, such as heat exchangers, heat pipes, and evaporators; and entire systems. For more information, read our online brochure (PDF 972 KB) Download Adobe Reader.

Field Test Laboratory Building (FTLB)

The FTLB contains 41 laboratories where a wide range of research activities are conducted to help U.S. industry use renewable resources and waste productively. The FTLB is where all of the work on electrochromic windows for buildings is conducted.