HKUST researchers develop zero-degradation elastocaloric cooling device

Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed the world’s first elastocaloric cooling device capable of operating for one million cycles without performance degradation. This breakthrough addresses a major hurdle in sustainable refrigeration: the functional fatigue of shape-memory alloys.

Traditional refrigeration relies on vapor-compression technology, which consumes significant energy and uses refrigerant gases that contribute to global warming or ozone depletion. In contrast, elastocaloric cooling uses solid metals known as shape-memory alloys. These materials release heat when placed under mechanical pressure and absorb heat when pressure is removed. While nickel-titanium alloys are commonly used, they typically lose effectiveness over time.

The HKUST team overcame this by developing a new fatigue-resistant alloy composed of titanium, nickel, copper, and cobalt. Combined with an innovative double-layer fin-type refrigerant structure, the device achieved a constant cooling power of 400W. This advancement offers a path toward more durable, efficient, and environmentally friendly air conditioning and refrigeration systems.