Innovative Solid-State Refrigerants Proposed to Reduce Climate Impact of Air Conditioning
Researchers in Cambridge develop solid refrigerants that could significantly cut emissions from air conditioning systems.
A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge is pioneering new solid-state refrigerants that can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with air conditioning systems.
Currently, around two billion air conditioning units operate worldwide, and their numbers are expected to increase as global temperatures rise, leading to higher energy consumption and emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Professor Xavier Moya, a materials physicist leading the research, has been studying the properties of these solid crystals for 15 years.
The innovative refrigerants, referred to as 'barocaloric solids,' do not leak like conventional gases and are potentially more energy-efficient.
Moya notes that the solid-state materials can be composed of readily available chemicals, although the specific molecular compositions remain proprietary.
The barocaloric effect occurs when these materials are subjected to pressure, causing the molecules to lock into place and dissipate energy as heat.
When the pressure is released, the surrounding temperature drops, allowing for effective cooling.
This mechanism could offer similar or superior efficiency compared to current gas-based systems.
Cliff Elwell, a professor of building physics at University College London, indicates that the demand for air conditioning is set to rise sharply worldwide by 2050. He emphasizes that any new technology must meet fundamental requirements regarding device size and noise levels to gain acceptance in residential and automotive markets.
In addition to his research role, Moya founded a startup named Barocal in 2019 to commercialize his team's discoveries.
The startup has raised approximately €4 million from various investors, including the European Innovation Council and Breakthrough Energy, an organization founded by Bill Gates.
The company, which currently employs nine individuals, is looking to expand its workforce to between 25 and 30.
Barocal's initial prototype of an air conditioning system, which is the size of a large suitcase, operates using barocaloric materials but produces considerable noise during operation.
Nevertheless, it is effective, as evidenced by the successful cooling of soda cans housed within the unit.
Materials engineer Mohsen Elabbadi acknowledges that the prototype has yet to be optimized in terms of size, sound, and mass.
However, the company aims to develop future iterations that will match the size and noise levels of conventional gas-based systems.
While currently focused on cooling applications, the underlying technology has the potential to also generate heat.
Various research teams worldwide are exploring these materials, with Cambridge's team recognized as a leader in this domain.
Breakthrough Energy estimates that these barocaloric systems could cut emissions by as much as 75% compared to traditional air conditioning methods.
Barocal plans to introduce its first product to the market in approximately three years, initially targeting large-scale cooling solutions for commercial spaces, warehouses, schools, and data centers.
The startup anticipates that businesses will be more receptive to investing in this initially higher-priced technology, emphasizing future savings on energy bills, before eventually producing systems that fall within the same price range as traditional models for household consumers.
Currently, around two billion air conditioning units operate worldwide, and their numbers are expected to increase as global temperatures rise, leading to higher energy consumption and emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Professor Xavier Moya, a materials physicist leading the research, has been studying the properties of these solid crystals for 15 years.
The innovative refrigerants, referred to as 'barocaloric solids,' do not leak like conventional gases and are potentially more energy-efficient.
Moya notes that the solid-state materials can be composed of readily available chemicals, although the specific molecular compositions remain proprietary.
The barocaloric effect occurs when these materials are subjected to pressure, causing the molecules to lock into place and dissipate energy as heat.
When the pressure is released, the surrounding temperature drops, allowing for effective cooling.
This mechanism could offer similar or superior efficiency compared to current gas-based systems.
Cliff Elwell, a professor of building physics at University College London, indicates that the demand for air conditioning is set to rise sharply worldwide by 2050. He emphasizes that any new technology must meet fundamental requirements regarding device size and noise levels to gain acceptance in residential and automotive markets.
In addition to his research role, Moya founded a startup named Barocal in 2019 to commercialize his team's discoveries.
The startup has raised approximately €4 million from various investors, including the European Innovation Council and Breakthrough Energy, an organization founded by Bill Gates.
The company, which currently employs nine individuals, is looking to expand its workforce to between 25 and 30.
Barocal's initial prototype of an air conditioning system, which is the size of a large suitcase, operates using barocaloric materials but produces considerable noise during operation.
Nevertheless, it is effective, as evidenced by the successful cooling of soda cans housed within the unit.
Materials engineer Mohsen Elabbadi acknowledges that the prototype has yet to be optimized in terms of size, sound, and mass.
However, the company aims to develop future iterations that will match the size and noise levels of conventional gas-based systems.
While currently focused on cooling applications, the underlying technology has the potential to also generate heat.
Various research teams worldwide are exploring these materials, with Cambridge's team recognized as a leader in this domain.
Breakthrough Energy estimates that these barocaloric systems could cut emissions by as much as 75% compared to traditional air conditioning methods.
Barocal plans to introduce its first product to the market in approximately three years, initially targeting large-scale cooling solutions for commercial spaces, warehouses, schools, and data centers.
The startup anticipates that businesses will be more receptive to investing in this initially higher-priced technology, emphasizing future savings on energy bills, before eventually producing systems that fall within the same price range as traditional models for household consumers.