This publication focuses on Regenerative Thermal Machines (RTMs) as an alternative energy conversion device for heating and cooling at near-ambient temperatures. Many applications that are very common to us and essential to our life style (such as: automobile coolers, household and commercial refrigerators, vending machines, display cases for food, portable coolers, air conditioners, space and water heating systems, and high-temperature heat pumps for industrial applications) consume an increasing amount of energy year after year. This publication offers ways to develop alternative systems with higher efficiencies using environmentally benign working fluids. Among them RTMs are recognized as promising candidates for alternative systems which are more compatible with people and the earth. Main topics include:

• Thermodynamic principles
• Research and development in various regions
• Vapour compression systems using Stirling cycles
• Heat pumps and chillers using Stirling cycles
• Vuilleumier machines
• Thermoacoustic machines and pulse-tube refrigerators

8.2 x 11.5 in.