Refrigerant-free cooling by elastocaloric materials
Overview
HKUST has invented a series of cooling system based on shape memory metals(SMAs) elastocaloric effect with satisfactory cooling efficiency and mechanical stability.
Commercialisation opportunities
technology licensing
Problem addressed
This alternative of refrigeration is eco-friendly, reduces harmful effects such as green house gases emission caused by traditional refrigerants.
Innovation
- Zero carbon emission and 100% recyclable
- Dual-Working Modes: Cooling and Heating in one cycle
- No harmful traditional refrigerants vapor-compression refrigerant (e.g., HFC)
Key impact
- Eco-friendly and reduce green house gases emission
- 100% recyclable and reduce risks of liquid/vapour refrigerants leakage
- Reduce cooling unit disposal risk and pollution
Application
- Refrigeration units
- Domestic air-conditioning
- Home appliances e.g. de-humidifier which involve vapour-compression cycle
Patent
- US Patent Application No.: 202110167797.4 CN Patent Application No.: 202110913517.X ; 202111402483.4 ; 202110231470.9
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class research intensive university that focuses on science, technology and business as well as humanities and social science. HKUST offers an international campus, and a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy to nurture well-rounded graduates with global vision, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. Over 80% of our research work were rated “Internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. We were ranked 3rd in Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2022, and our graduates were ranked 23rd worldwide and among the best from universities from Asia in Global University Employability Survey 2021.
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