Researchers have developed a new metric to estimate air-conditioning and refrigeration energy demand, accounting for temperature and humidity. The study found that cooling efficiency has been declining by 2–4% per decade since 1971, with regions facing the steepest future increases in cooling demand expected in the Northwest, Great Lak...
Researchers at Saarland University have developed energy-efficient geometries for elastocaloric cooling elements using 3D printing. The technology uses shape-memory alloys to release heat when stretched and absorb it when released, promising a cleaner alternative to traditional cooling methods.
A new study reveals that air-conditioning use will more than double by 2050, causing up to 8.5 GtCO₂‑eq per year in the worst-case scenario. This is equivalent to around 74–183 billion transatlantic return flights and adds 0.03°C to 0.07°C of global warming.
The new device improves the energy efficiency of refrigeration circuits, reduces energy consumption, and increases control capacity. It is compact, robust, silent, and has no moving parts, making maintenance low.
A new regenerator material composed solely of copper, iron, and aluminum can achieve cryogenic temperatures without using rare-earth metals or liquid helium. The material utilizes a special property called frustration found in magnetic materials to demonstrate practical-level performance.
A new study shows that China can significantly limit its cooling-related climate impacts by transitioning to cleaner refrigerants and adopting high-efficiency cooling technologies. This integrated approach could phase down cumulative HFC consumption by 12.6 Gt CO2e from 2022 to 2060, avoiding up to 0.015°C of global warming.
Researchers have developed a novel cooling method based on the 'dissolution barocaloric effect,' which offers a promising zero-carbon alternative to traditional refrigeration. The new technology achieves low carbon emissions, high cooling capacity, and high heat transfer efficiency simultaneously.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory have developed nano-engineered thermoelectric refrigeration technology with controlled hierarchically engineered superlattice structures (CHESS) that is twice as efficient as traditional bulk materials. The CHESS technology offers a scalable alternative to traditional c...
A study investigated heat transfer in PEM fuel cell stacks with serpentine-type cooling channels, revealing the impact of operating conditions on refrigeration capability. The research aimed to develop a novel correlation for the Nusselt number, facilitating more efficient cooling system design.
The new ERC EARTH research center will focus on developing sustainable refrigerant technologies and practices to improve quality of life and combat climate change. Lehigh University's team, led by David Vicic, will work on reclamation and repurposing of high-GWP legacy refrigerants.
The University of Kansas has received a $26 million grant from the National Science Foundation to create a new Engineering Research Center focused on developing sustainable refrigerant technologies. The EARTH center will address the challenge of replacing hydrofluorocarbons with safer, more environmentally-friendly alternatives.
A recent study introduces an optimized Compression-Absorption Cascade Refrigeration Cycle (CACRC) that remarkably reduces electricity consumption and capitalizes on waste heat, setting new benchmarks in refrigeration efficiency and sustainability. The CACRC system, merging Vapor-Compression Refrigeration (VCR) with Absorption Refrigera...
A new study from the University of Missouri found that poverty, low health literacy, cultural beliefs, lack of infrastructure, and political issues hinder diabetes self-management for Haitian migrants. The researchers suggest targeted interventions, such as community gardens and healthcare education through local priests.
The electrocaloric effect (ECE) offers a cleaner and high-efficiency way of cooling without greenhouse gas emissions. By leveraging ferroelectric materials, researchers can achieve low electric fields and scalable compressor-free systems.
A team of University of Maryland engineers has introduced a high-performance elastocaloric cooling system that could represent the next generation of cooling devices. The system relies on pushing and pulling metal pieces to create cooling, bypassing chemical refrigerants and reducing global warming potential.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science created a fracture-resistant alloy through heat-treatment, exhibiting improved elastocaloric properties and resistance to cyclical loads. The Cu-Zn-Al alloy showed significant increases in grain size, leading to enhanced cooling capabilities and paving the way for innovative refrigeration systems.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a new method of heating and cooling called ionocaloric cooling, which could provide efficient and safe cooling for homes. The technique uses ions to drive solid-to-liquid phase changes, making it potentially more efficient than current refrigerants.
Researchers at NIMS and JASRI have developed Er(Ho)Co2-based magnetic cooling alloys for efficient hydrogen liquefaction. The materials show excellent cyclic durability and can be used to develop a high-performance magnetic refrigeration system.
Scientists at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science discovered excellent barocaloric (BC) cooling performance in n-alkanes using self-developed test platform. The material exhibits colossal entropy change comparable to commercial Freon-based refrigerants and has potential for caloric cooling applications.
A simple cooling system utilizing passive solar energy and a specially designed salt can effectively cool food and living spaces without electricity. The system's two-step process involves dissolving salts in water to absorb energy, which is then regenerated using solar energy to evaporate the water.
This special issue explores innovative cooling solutions to combat rising temperatures, including radiative cooling materials and novel textiles that help keep people cool. The article discusses advancements in data center cooling and the development of more environmentally friendly refrigerants.
Researchers developed a single-use treatment for ear infections that don't require refrigeration, addressing logistical challenges for some patients. The new treatment uses hydrogels to release an antibiotic, killing bacteria at a lower dose than traditional drops.
A new type of vaccine that can be stored at warmer temperatures has been developed for Chikungunya, a disease that causes crippling headache and joint pain. The vaccine candidate has shown exceptionally promising results in animal studies, setting the stage for a future vaccine to combat the disease.
A NIST study identified 22 chemical blends that could serve as alternative refrigerants with lower global warming potential and reduced risk of fire, compared to the current standard R-134a. The blends combine R-134a with other commercial refrigerants and offer a reduction in GWP of up to 99%.
Researchers at Ames Laboratory have developed a CaloriSMART test system that demonstrates sustained cooling power of about 10 watts, with a 15 degree Celsius gradient, using only three cubic centimeters of gadolinium. The system enables rapid evaluation of materials in regenerators without significant investment.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a high-tech mirror-like optical surface that can cool flowing water to below the surrounding air temperature without using electricity. The system has been tested and shown to reduce energy consumption by 21% in commercial buildings.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a system to harness waste energy from idling service vehicles, such as buses or delivery trucks, to reduce emissions. By capturing this energy, vehicles can be turned off without shutting down auxiliary systems like refrigeration and air conditioning units.
The NIST study identified 27 low-GWP fluids, but all are at least slightly flammable, posing a challenge for replacing current refrigerants. The findings highlight the need for trade-offs in selecting replacement refrigerants, considering factors like safety codes and environmental impact.
Researchers from Kansas State University have found that LED lights can prolong the shelf life of certain beef products, making them more appealing to customers. This cost-saving solution could result in significant revenue for retailers and tax gains for the state.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new type of heat pump that can maintain efficiency in extreme cold climates, cutting heating bills in half. The innovation uses a scroll compressor and precise refrigerant flow control to reduce energy losses.
Researchers have developed an all-solid-state cryocooler that can reach temperatures as low as 155K, potentially enabling miniaturization of superconducting electronics. The technology uses optical refrigeration to cool gases and has the potential to advance spaceborne and airborne sensors.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory discovered a giant magnetocaloric effect in gadolinium-silicon-germanium alloys, which could lead to environmentally friendly magnetic refrigeration systems. The discovery reveals the role of non-magnetic germanium ions in enhancing magnetic interactions.
Researchers at University of Illinois developed a new microchannel heat exchanger design to improve ammonia refrigerant efficiency. The new system significantly reduces refrigerant charge while increasing heat transfer capability.