The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) said Saturday that its team of experts has developed the world's first non-refrigerant refrigeration air-conditioning (NRRA) system using a hydrogen storage alloy.

The team led by Prof. Lee Jae-yong focused on using hydrogen as a catalyst for cooling instead of CFC (chlorofluorocarbons) and HFC (hydrofluorocarbons), both freon-related materials known to eat away at the Earth's ozone layer, contributing to global warming and skin cancer.

Professor Lee explained the NRRA system relies on a "heat exchanger," which can store five times more hydrogen than existing high-pressure tanks. The hydrogen is moved between the heat exchangers by air compressors, producing cold air and heat at the same time.

He said, the NRRA system, developed with their own technology, can be easily localized, creating a great import substitute effect. The system may also be applied to the development of hydrogen-driven cars in the future.