States that sorption technology that converts thermal energy is receiving renewed attention due to environmental concerns. A new class of materials, zeolites, is gaining importance. Zeolites can be combined with water for use in sorption cycles. Sorption machines can store energy for any desired period of time without thermal insulation. the stored energy can be used to produce either heating or cooling power in an environmentally safe way. Focuses on one possible heating effect that works under ambient pressure and then describes some applications working under vacuum. Describes an experimental open-cycle sorption device to study the adsorption heating effect. Lists and examines examples of the application potential of zeolite sorption technology.

KEYWORDS: Heating, adsorption, zeolites, energy storage, cooling, feasibility experiment.