the new material for ecological refrigerators

Refrigerators are often inefficient and contribute to carbon emissions. Researchers have identified an environmentally friendly material for ecological refrigeration.

The problem of carbon emissions from materials used in refrigerators has been solved by a new research paper that identifies a new solid material for ecological refrigeration.

Gases used for refrigeration

The gases currently used in the majority of refrigerators are hydrofluorocarbons and hydrocarbons, also called HFCs and HCs. They are toxic and flammable and, when they leak in the air, they contribute to global warming.

According to the University of Cambridge, "Conventional cooling technologies rely on the thermal changes that occur when a compressed fluid expands. Most cooling devices work by compressing and expanding fluids such as HFCs and HCs. As the fluid expands, its temperature decreases and its environment cools. "

"With solids, cooling is achieved by changing the microscopic structure of the material. This change can be achieved by applying a magnetic field, an electric field or through a mechanical force. For decades, these caloric effects have lagged behind the thermal changes available in fluids, but the discovery of colossal barcaloric effects in a plastic crystal of neopentyl glycol (NPG) and other related organic compounds has leveled the playing field. "

Dr. Xavier Moya, of the University of Cambridge, who led the research with Professor Josep Lluís Tamarit, of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, said: "Refrigerators and air conditioners based on HFC and HC's are also relatively ineffective. This is important because refrigeration and air conditioning currently consume one-fifth of the world's energy and the demand for cooling is growing.

The University of Cambridge adds: "The discovery of colossal barcaloric effects in a plastic crystal should bring barcaloric materials to the forefront of research and development in order to achieve safe cooling and environmentally friendly without compromising performance. "