Although the global temperature has started increasing in an unprecedented way, scientists have been continuously working on improving the methods of indoor cooling. In order to reduce their harmful effects on the environment, they are putting their best efforts to modify the traditional cooling systems. Research works are continuously being conducted at several laboratories across the globe. In the recent past, one such research work has shown a remarkable potential.
Dr. Ichiro Takeuchi, a materials scientist at the University of Maryland, and his co-workers have recently developed an innovative electrostatic cooling device made of NITINOL, which is a nickel-titanium alloy. The device does not rely on the harmful liquid refrigerants. NITINOL tubes possess a unique physical property that allows the alloy to absorb heat, thereby cooling the area around it.
It is being expected that this new device may be used in commercial refrigerators or air conditioners in the future.
Caloric cooling devices are a class of materials that change temperature under certain conditions. For example, ‘magnetocaloric’ materials are a class of materials that change temperature under certain conditions. They change temperature when placed in a magnetic field. Also, ‘electrocaloric’ materials change temperature when exposed to an electric field. They also respond to mechanical force, such as stretching or compressing, and absorb heat after the mechanical strain is released.
Dr. Takeuchi’s new cooling device is made of two cylinders. Each cylinder consists of bundled NITINOL tubes surrounded by stainless-steel tubes. As the NITINOL tubes are compressed from the top and bottom, the internal temperature of the NITINOL tubes increases. For heat removal, the cylinders housing them also contain an evenly dispersed heat exchange fluid, which transfers the generated heat away from the NITINOL tubes.
I take this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Takeuchi and his team – and wish faster commercialisation of their innovative work.
Pravita Iyer
Publisher & Director
