An innovative technician working with a "real world" consultant has invented an air conditioner that dispenses with polluting refrigerants. If his invention catches on -- it has won an ecological prize already -- the result could be cleaner air over America.

Norbert Müller has created something really cool: a novel room air conditioner that uses water vapor in place of polluting refrigerants.

It is said to be low-cost, energy efficient and, mercifully, quiet. It is designed specifically for residential and small commercial spaces.

Müller, of the Mechanical Engineering Department of Michigan State University, shared the prize with his colleague John Barrie of the Appropriate Technology Collaborative in Ann Arbor, MI. In winning the Boston Innovation Prize, they copped a $30,000 award in a competition against 38 rival entries.

The Innovation Prize was developed by the Barr Foundation, a private family foundation committed to enhancing the quality of life for citizens in the Boston area, and the Cambridge Energy Alliance (CES), an organization that seeks to reduce the carbon footprint of Cambridge, Mass., in the next five years.

Novel turbocompressor

Müller, by designing a novel turbo compressor woven out of high-strength fibers with an integrated motor, has invented a way to make an economical compressor that is small and lightweight. Water vapor used in this manner is known as R-718.

Müller points out that "In Europe where there are high energy costs, water vapor is used as a refrigerant in large projects." He adds, however, that "The economics of making a smaller scale R-718 compressor have, in the past, proven to be prohibitive."

Ecological Background

Considering that up to 30 percent of U.S. electricity is used for cooling and air conditioning, Müller's invention may turn out to be highly significant in ecological terms.

Pace University keeps an eye on the nation’s power consumption and publishes key stats. Pace says the nation's fleet of over 100 coal plants account for 57 percent of electricity generated in the U.S., more than any other single electricity source.

The university environmental watch dog adds that coal power plants are responsible for 93 percent of the sulfur dioxide and 80 percent of the nitrogen oxide emissions generated by the electric utility industry.

Müller considers "The technology used for this air conditioner to be radically different in view of the fact "We are using the most natural refrigerant, water."

Müller notes "another plus for the new R-718 technology." By experience he calls it "surprisingly quiet."

He adds that the project is part of a broader context of his research to reduce energy consumption and calls the award an acknowledgement of the progress that has been made.

Other grand proposals

Barrie is an architect and industrial designer. He and Müller have teamed up for other grant proposals. "I work to develop and promote innovative sustainable technologies," said Barrie.

"My contribution to this project is as a consultant on how air conditioning functions in the real world."

Müller and Barrie want to develop prototypes of the air conditioner as additional funding for development becomes available.