Sustainable Innovations in Vapor Compression Systems: A Review of Heat Recovery and Environmental Performance

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 13 | 01 | Page :
    By

    Rajarshi Chakraborty,

  • Tanbir Islam,

  • Aman Ahamed Mokami,

  • Debdatta Samanta,

  • Goutam Roy,

  • Subhajit Banerjee,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Greater Kolkata College of Engineering and Management, Baruipur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Greater Kolkata College of Engineering and Management, Baruipur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
  3. Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Greater Kolkata College of Engineering and Management, Baruipur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
  4. Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Greater Kolkata College of Engineering and Management, Baruipur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
  5. Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Greater Kolkata College of Engineering and Management, Baruipur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
  6. Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Greater Kolkata College of Engineering and Management, Baruipur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Vapor compression refrigeration systems are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, contributing significantly to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This review explores sustainable innovations in vapor compression systems, focusing on waste heat recovery techniques and their impact on environmental performance. Key advancements include the integration of heat exchangers, ejector systems, and hybrid configurations that enhance energy efficiency while reducing refrigerant load and emissions. With a focus on waste heat recovery methods and their impact on energy and environmental performance, this paper looks at current sustainable advancements in vapor compression refrigeration systems. Auxiliary heat exchanger integration, ejector-based refrigeration systems, and hybrid system topologies that efficiently use waste heat produced during system operation are some of the major technological developments covered. These methods have been demonstrated to maintain or increase cooling capacity while lowering refrigerant charge, improving coefficient of performance, and reducing compressor power consumption.Furthermore, this review emphasizes the growing use of low-GWP, ecologically friendly refrigerants, as well as sophisticated control schemes and clever system optimization methods. When taken as a whole, these developments facilitate the shift toward environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and sustainable cooling options, providing viable approaches to cut emissions and satisfy future cooling needs. These methods have proven to have the ability to lower refrigerant charge and related emissions, increase overall energy efficiency, and improve the coefficient of performance. The report also emphasizes the increasing use of eco-friendly refrigerants and sophisticated control techniques meant to reduce energy losses and maximize system performance. The study also addresses emerging eco-friendly refrigerants and control strategies. Overall, the adoption of sustainable technologies presents a pathway toward environmentally responsible and energy-efficient cooling solutions .

Keywords: Vapor Compression Refrigeration , Waste Heat Recovery , Sustainable Cooling, Energy Efficiency, Eco- friendly Refrigerants, Environmental Performance

How to cite this article:
Rajarshi Chakraborty, Tanbir Islam, Aman Ahamed Mokami, Debdatta Samanta, Goutam Roy, Subhajit Banerjee. Sustainable Innovations in Vapor Compression Systems: A Review of Heat Recovery and Environmental Performance. Journal of Thermal Engineering and Applications. 2026; 13(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Rajarshi Chakraborty, Tanbir Islam, Aman Ahamed Mokami, Debdatta Samanta, Goutam Roy, Subhajit Banerjee. Sustainable Innovations in Vapor Compression Systems: A Review of Heat Recovery and Environmental Performance. Journal of Thermal Engineering and Applications. 2026; 13(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jotea/article=2026/view=238814


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
01
Received 17/12/2025
Accepted 02/02/2026
Published 19/03/2026
Publication Time 92 Days
42

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