Non-Vapor Compression HVAC Technologies Report

The conventional refrigerants used in vapor-compression equipment contribute to global climate change when released to the atmosphere.

Buildings

March 18, 2014
Graph and photo side by side: This thermoelastic system provides a promising alternative to traditional vapor-compression HVAC technologies.

This thermoelastic system provides a promising alternative to traditional vapor-compression HVAC technologies. Read the full report below to learn more.

Credit: University of Maryland

While vapor-compression technologies have served heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) needs very effectively, and have been the dominant HVAC technology for close to 100 years, the conventional refrigerants used in vapor-compression equipment contribute to global climate change when released to the atmosphere. This Building Technologies Office report:

  • Identifies alternatives to vapor-compression technology in residential and commercial HVAC applications
  • Characterizes these technologies based on their technical energy savings potential, development status, non-energy benefits, and other factors affecting end-user acceptance and their ability to compete with conventional vapor-compression systems
  • Makes specific research, development, and deployment (RD&D) recommendations to support further development of these technologies, should DOE choose to support non-vapor-compression technology further.

View the Full Report