Electricity-free elastocaloric system developed to convert waste heat into cold
Using no compressors or chemical gases, a new experimental device converts waste heat into cooling thanks to shape memory alloys.
A new elastocaloric cooling technology developed by scientists directly converts waste heat into cold energy without the need for compressors or chemical refrigerant gases.
Working Principle
Based on elastocaloric cooling technology, this experimental device completely eliminates the use of compressors and chemical refrigerant gases. Combining the thermal and mechanical responses of shape memory alloys, one alloy converts heat into mechanical motion while the other alloy translates this motion into a cooling cycle.
Alloy Layers
In the system, a titanium-nickel film with a thickness of 22 micrometers acts as a heat actuator, while a titanium-nickel-iron film with a thickness of 26.5 micrometers functions as the cooler.
Phase Transformation and Cooling
When the actuator film is heated, it contracts, stretching the cooler film and initiating a stress-induced phase transformation on the material. When the load is removed, the alloy returns to its former crystal structure, absorbing heat from its surroundings and providing cooling.
Test Results
In tests conducted with an external waste heat source at a temperature of 130 degrees, the device managed to create a temperature difference of 2.2 kelvins with zero electricity consumption.
Future Goals and Application Areas
In the subsequent stages of the technology, which is currently in the prototype phase, it is aimed to increase cooling capacity by multiplying the film layers. The developed method has a wide range of applications, such as using waste heat generated by computer processors to cool the processor itself, air-conditioning electronic components inside vehicles, and establishing electricity-free cooling systems using solar-powered heat.