Research and Development of an Advanced Turbo Vapor Compression System

Refrigeration uses 23% of the electricity generated in the United States. Thus, any improvement to the energy efficiency of Vapor Compression Systems ¿ used for air conditioning, heat pumps, and industrial refrigeration ¿ can result in a major reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, new cycles and/or refrigerants must be developed. This project will develop a turbo-vapor-compression (T-VAC) cycle with energy recovery, leading to efficiency increases of 10-30% above conventional technology. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The T-VAC system should find use in residential, commercial, and transportation air conditioning. Both power costs and greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced. A savings potential equal to more than 10 new coal fired or nuclear power plants could be realized