SBIR-STTR Award

Residential and commercial air-conditioning consumes over 15% of all electric energy generated in the USA and creates two sources of environmental pollution: 1) the ozone-depletion effect of traditional refrigerants belonging to CFC and HCFC groups and 2) the emission of greenhouse gases connected with the generation of electricity. Both sources are contributing significantly to the global warming effect. Additionally, with energy cost rising constantly, companies and consumers are looking to reduce electricity expenses as a means of lowering their fixed costs in order to stay competitive. In response to the above needs, we propose to develop technology that completely eliminates the ozone depletion effect by using natural refrigerants. This technology also reduces dramatically the need for electric power to drive the system. This is accomplished by using free or inexpensive heat