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A review and analysis of the elasto-caloric effect for solid-state refrigeration devices: Challenges and opportunities

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 December 2015

Aditya Chauhan
Affiliation:
School of Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, Himachal pradesh, 175 001, India
Satyanarayan Patel
Affiliation:
School of Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, Himachal pradesh, 175 001, India
Rahul Vaish*
Affiliation:
School of Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, Himachal pradesh, 175 001, India
Chris R. Bowen
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
*
a) Address all correspondence to Rahul Vaish at rahul@iitmandi.ac.in
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Abstract

This review article deals with the current state-of-art research and developments in the field of elasto-caloric effect as applicable for solid-state refrigeration devices. Furthermore, the current challenges and future prospects in the field of elasto-caloric refrigeration technology have also been discussed.

Solid-state refrigeration is of interest since it has the potential to be a light-weight and environmentally-friendly alternative for small scale cooling. Much research is currently being undertaken to develop solid-state cooling technologies which is primarily achieved by utilizing the significant caloric effect exhibited by particular classes of materials. A variety of caloric effects exist including: electro-caloric, magneto-caloric, baro-caloric, and elasto-caloric. Among these, the elasto-caloric effect has shown potential within the field of mechanical refrigeration with shape-memory alloys being potential materials for producing significant levels of elasto-caloric cooling. This article explains the elasto-caloric effect in shape memory alloys, polymers, and ferroelectric materials. Technical parameters associated with the elasto-caloric performance of these materials are discussed. A discussion regarding existing functional shortcomings and future prospects in the field of mechanical refrigeration is covered. Aspects related to the long term environmental impact of solid-state cooling technology are also discussed. This study is aimed at promoting the understanding and commercial investigation of the elasto-caloric effect in the field of solid state refrigeration.

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Type
Review
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2015 

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