New Use for a Used Ductless Heat Pump Could Save Marine Animals

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A ductless heat pump like any household product can become worn and old over time. Most heating and cooling companies and homeowners with this type of heating system just toss the heating pump or use it for scrap metal, but a new use could help the environment.

Seattle, Washington, United States., January 23, 2013 - (PressReleasePoint) -


A ductless heat pump like any household product can become worn and old over time. Most heating and cooling companies and homeowners with this type of heating system just toss the heating pump or use it for scrap metal, but a new use could help the environment.

A marine biology student out of California has discovered a way to turn a used ductless heat pump into an item that could save marine animals. The marine biology student has discovered a way to turn them into floating markers that can warn an animal of potential high traffic areas where there will be fishing nets and boats.

"Many marine animals can sense where these high traffic areas are for themselves, but some cannot", explained the marine biology student. "What I have come up with is a way to insert a small mechanical object that sends sonar pulses out so the animal knows that it is entering a high traffic area."

The used ductless heat pump is sealed with a waterproof product to protect both the pump and the objects inside. Once the sealing has dried, the small sonar pulsing mechanism is placed inside the ductless heat pump and sent out to sea.

These sonar pulsing objects can be used individually or as a group of products. Some docks have purchased several products and placed them around the area in a line. This prevents animals from coming into the area and facing illnesses or injuries.

"Every year we have several seals that tend to make their way onto the docks", explained a dock owner in California. "While I love seeing the seals this causes so much trouble. Boats have to be moved, people come and interrupt the flow of business, and boats are unable to come in and out of the port."

These sonar filled ductless pumps have been used for over six months in some of the ports in California. Most of them have seen a reduction in the amount of marine life that interrupts business.

"There was a concern that marine life such as fish and shrimp might be impacted by these devices but they aren't", explained the marine biology student. "They don't use the same sonar type communication as the other animals and therefore aren't impacted. Only the larger animals that could be injured will be impacted."

Several ports along the west coast have placed orders for this sonar system.

"It's really amazing what people can do with items like a used ductless heat pump", said one dock owner. "Look at how helpful this product is! It's amazing!"