A research team led by Prof. Dr. Stefan Seelecke and Prof. Dr. Paul Motzki from Saarland University has developed a prototype for a refrigerator that cools with nickel-titanium. The refrigerator is operated on the basis of so-called elastocaloric technology. This is based on the simple principle of dissipating heat by means of drawn and relieved nickel-titanium wires. These "artificial muscles" absorb heat and release it again without using refrigerants that are harmful to the climate, and elastocaloric technology can generate temperature differences of up to 20 degrees Celsius. This makes it not only more efficient, but also more environmentally friendly than conventional methods. A refrigerator operated in this way is therefore an energy-efficient and sustainable alternative to conventional cooling systems. So far, the mini-fridge only fits a small bottle.
According to Saarland University, the effect of elastocaloric materials is more than ten times greater than that of conventional air conditioning systems or refrigerators. Both the US Department of Energy and the EU Commission see elastocalorics as a promising alternative to previous methods. This process allows not only small refrigerators but also large rooms to be cooled and heated efficiently.
Source and further information: uni-saarland.de
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