Alternatives to Vapor-Compression HVAC Technology

Vapor compression using electrically driven compressors has become the dominant HVAC technology due to its scalability, reliability, nontoxic and nonflammable refrigerants, use of electricity, and relatively compact size. While absorption chillers are still popular in Japan and other markets where regulations encourage the use of non-electric air-conditioning systems, vapor-compression systems provide the majority of space cooling, and a substantial amount of space heating, in the United States.