Researchers Develop Electrocaloric Cooling System Using Flexible Polymer Films

In an exciting breakthrough, researchers at UCLA’s Samueli School of Engineering have developed a novel compact cooling technology that could revolutionize how we approach cooling in various applications. The new system relies on an innovative mechanism called the electrocaloric effect, in which a material’s temperature changes in response to an applied electric field. This technology could lead to more energy-efficient, portable, and even wearable cooling devices, addressing the growing global challenge of heat stress and energy consumption due to climate change.

The Concept: Electrocaloric Effect and Thin-Film Technology

The electrocaloric effect is a phenomenon in which materials change temperature when exposed to an electric field. This property was utilized in the development of a compact cooling device consisting of thin, flexible polymer films. The experimental cooling device operates by continuously pumping heat away from its surroundings through a series of flexing thin films. The device uses a stack of six thin polymer films, each less than an inch in diameter and about a quarter-inch thick for the entire stack. Each of these layers is coated with carbon nanotubes on both sides, making the material ferroelectric, meaning it changes shape when exposed to an electric field.

When the electric field is switched on, the layers compress against each other in pairs. Upon turning the field off, these pairs pull apart, pressing against adjacent layers. This cyclical, self-regenerative, accordion-like action continually pumps heat away from the material, providing continuous cooling. The resulting effect is a cooling process that is efficient, adaptable, and uses no hazardous chemicals or refrigerants, unlike traditional air conditioning systems that rely on vapor compression.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Benefits

The UCLA team’s prototype shows promising results in terms of energy efficiency and performance. In lab tests, the device was able to reduce ambient temperatures by up to 16 degrees Fahrenheit continuously and as much as 25 degrees Fahrenheit near the heat source within 30 seconds. These results are significant, as they suggest that this technology could be used to cool environments more efficiently than conventional air conditioning units, which require a lot of energy and often rely on harmful refrigerants that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

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The device’s polymer films expand and contract like an accordion to pump heat away from a source, cooling it by about 16 degrees Fahrenheit. Credit: UCLA Soft Materials Research Laboratory

As the world grapples with rising temperatures due to climate change, energy-efficient cooling technologies like this one could help alleviate the impact of excessive heat on both individuals and the environment. Unlike air conditioners, which rely on vapors and often use carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases as coolants, the UCLA device uses only electricity. This makes the system much more sustainable, particularly when powered by renewable energy sources such as solar power. The simplicity of the design also eliminates the need for complex, energy-intensive machinery.

“Our long-term goal is to develop this technology for wearable cooling accessories that are comfortable, affordable, reliable, and energy-efficient—especially for people who work in very hot environments over long hours,” said Qibing Pei, the principal investigator of the project. “As average temperatures continue to rise with climate change, coping with heat is becoming a critical health issue. We need a variety of solutions to the problem, and this could be the basis for one.”

Applications for Wearable and Portable Cooling

This cooling technology holds enormous potential for a wide variety of applications. Its flexibility and compactness make it particularly well-suited for use in wearable devices, such as personal cooling garments, vests, or accessories designed for individuals working in high-temperature environments. From construction workers to athletes, wearable cooling technology could make it easier to maintain comfort and prevent heat-related illnesses in demanding settings.

The use of flexible, thin polymer films also makes this technology ideal for integrating into devices with flexible components. For instance, the cooling technology could be employed in consumer electronics, such as smartphones, laptops, or wearable health monitors, to help manage the heat produced by devices while they are in use. With the increasing reliance on electronics in daily life, efficient cooling systems are becoming more important to prevent overheating and maintain performance.

In addition to wearable technology, the cooling device could be incorporated into portable cooling solutions for various industries. For example, it could be used in portable air conditioners or even in medical devices that require precise temperature control. The combination of energy efficiency, sustainability, and portability could position this technology as a game-changer in the world of cooling solutions.

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Design and Performance

The core design behind this new cooling technology involves an efficient mechanical architecture embedded into the material’s structure, allowing it to cool with minimal energy use. This contrasts with the complex mechanisms of traditional air conditioners and refrigerators, which require high amounts of energy to power compressors and pumps. The alternating action of the polymer films in the new system creates an efficient, self-regenerative heat-pumping mechanism that provides continuous cooling.

The stack of six thin polymer films is equipped with carbon nanotubes, which are known for their high strength and conductivity. These nanotubes enable the films to carry the necessary charges that drive the electrocaloric effect. The flexibility and responsiveness of the films, combined with the mechanical cycling, ensure that the system is both efficient and durable. In laboratory tests, the device demonstrated the ability to cool the surrounding area rapidly—cooling temperatures near the heat source by as much as 25°F in just 30 seconds.

Potential for Energy Savings and Climate Change Mitigation

The UCLA team’s research highlights the potential of their cooling technology to drive energy savings and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Unlike traditional cooling technologies, which are known for their high energy consumption and contribution to carbon emissions, the electrocaloric device operates entirely on electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, its compatibility with renewable energy sources like solar power makes it an attractive option for reducing the environmental footprint of cooling systems.

Sumanjeet Kaur, a materials scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, noted the far-reaching implications of this technology for driving energy efficiency and combating climate change. “The potential of efficient wearable cooling in driving energy savings and mitigating climate change cannot be overstated,” she said. The ability to create cooling systems that do not rely on harmful refrigerants or wasteful energy consumption is crucial as the world works toward sustainable solutions to climate-related challenges.

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Future Directions and Applications

While the prototype has shown promise, there is still much to be done to bring this technology to market. The UCLA team continues to refine their electrocaloric cooling device, optimizing its performance, scalability, and integration into real-world products. Their research efforts aim to develop systems that are practical and effective for commercial and industrial use.

In addition to wearable cooling devices, the team envisions a range of other applications. These include personal cooling devices for hot weather, portable air conditioners, and cooling systems for electronics and medical devices. The flexibility of the electrocaloric cooling system opens up a world of possibilities for new products that could help people cope with heat stress and improve their comfort in hot environments.

In the long term, the team hopes that their work will contribute to a broader shift in cooling technology, with a focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and versatility. The electrocaloric effect holds tremendous potential for applications in many sectors, including healthcare, technology, and energy, and could become a key player in efforts to combat climate change and improve quality of life.

Conclusion

UCLA’s development of a compact, electrocaloric cooling system marks a significant step forward in the field of materials science and cooling technology. By harnessing the power of flexible thin films and the electrocaloric effect, researchers have created a sustainable, energy-efficient alternative to traditional cooling methods. Whether in wearable technology, portable devices, or electronic cooling solutions, this new approach could become a game-changer in addressing the rising global demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling solutions.

As the technology advances, it promises to play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change and providing innovative solutions to heat-related health issues. The ongoing research and development of electrocaloric cooling devices signal a bright future for sustainable, efficient, and accessible cooling technologies in a warming world.

Reference: Hanxiang Wu et al, A self-regenerative heat pump based on a dual-functional relaxor ferroelectric polymer, Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adr2268

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