Screening of Cooling Technologies in Europe: Alternatives to Vapour Compression and Possible Market Developments

The aim of this study is to investigate, review, and assess the recent advances of alternative cooling technologies using traditional vapor compression (VC) systems as a baseline. Around 99% of the final energy consumption used for cooling in the current European market (European Union plus the United Kingdom (EU27 + UK) is supplied by VC technologies. In comparison, the remaining 1% is produced by thermally driven heat pumps (TDHPs). This study focuses on providing a complete taxonomy of cooling technologies. While the EU heating sector is broadly explored in scientific literature, a significant lack of data and information is present in the cooling sector. This study highlights technologies that can potentially compete and eventually replace VC systems within the decade (2030). Among others, the most promising of these are membrane heat pump, transcritical cycle, Reverse Brayton (Bell Coleman cycle), and absorption cooling. However, the latter mentioned technologies still need further research and development (R&D) to become fully competitive with VC technologies. Notably, there are no alternative cooling technologies characterized by higher efficiency and less cost than VC technologies in the EU market.

Automated summary

The aim of this study is to investigate, review, and assess recent advances in alternative cooling technologies, using traditional vapor compression systems as a baseline. This study highlights the lack of data and information in the cooling sector, compared to the broad exploration of the heating sector. Promising technologies that can potentially compete with and replace vapor compression systems within the next decade are identified, but further research and development are needed for these technologies to become fully competitive.