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The researchers examined the thermal performance of a TCM reactor powered by strontium chloride, which gives off heat as it reacts with water vapor in the air.

The configuration with the best results allowed the TCM reactor to heat the air exiting the building, which is at the same temperature and humidity as the indoor air.

"There's little moisture in cold air, so the humidity indoors is lower and it's more difficult to drive the TCM reaction," Woods said.

With its greater humidity, a TCM reactor in Seattle would have a higher thermal performance, the researchers calculated.

The TCM is discharged and charged through hydration and dehydration reactions, respectively.