Revolutionary Elastocalorics Conference: Future of climate technology in Saarbrücken!

Revolutionary Elastocalorics Conference: Future of climate technology in Saarbrücken!

On May 8th, 2025, the renowned Elastocalorics Conference is coming up, which will take place from May 13th to 15th in Saarbrücken. The event, which is being held in the Innovation Center on the Saar University campus, brings together around 100 international researchers to discuss the developments and perspectives of elastocalorics climate technology. Professors Stefan Seelecke and Paul Motzki lead the conference and thereby promote networking and collaboration in research.

Elastocalorics is considered a clean, energy-saving technology for heating and cooling and is based on the principle of using shape memory alloys, particularly nickel-titanium. This technology has the potential to reduce climate-damaging refrigerants and use fossil fuels more efficiently. The EU Commission sees elastocalorics as a promising alternative to traditional heating and cooling methods, while the World Economic Forum named the technology among the “TOP Ten Emerging Technologies” in 2024.

Technological innovations and fields of application

The developments in the field of elastocalorics are remarkable. The research team at Saarland University presents prototypes that have an efficiency that is three to five times higher than current systems. The innovative products include the first cooling and heating demonstrator as well as a mini-fridge, which is the first in the world to be equipped with this technology.

These prototypes achieve temperature differences of up to 20 degrees Celsius, and the mini refrigerator uses a bundle of 200 micrometer thin nickel-titanium wires. The way it works is based on the mechanical stretching and relieving of these wires. Without the use of climate-damaging coolants, the innovative technology makes it possible to absorb heat from the air and dissipate it efficiently.

In addition, elastocaloric technology is also being used in electric vehicles, where it could help cool batteries. In cooperation with VW, research is being carried out into how lighter air conditioning systems can be developed in order to increase the vehicle range. Another project aims to equip entire residential buildings with low-emission air conditioning systems that can both heat and cool.

Efficiency and future prospects

The increasing demand for energy-efficient air conditioning systems makes research on elastocalorics particularly relevant. Both the US Department of Energy and the EU Commission recognize the relevance of this technology as a promising solution for the future. The continuous developments of elastocaloric systems cover all areas, from basic research to system integration, resulting in broad applicability of the technology.

The progress presented and the upcoming elastocalorics conference underline the commitment of the research community. The establishment of the International Elastocaloric Society in 2023 has further institutionalized these efforts and will promote international cooperation in the field of climate technology.

In summary, elastocaloric technology not only acts as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems, but could also play a key role in the energy transition. The research efforts at Saarland University represent a significant contribution to this promising development.

For more information about the conference and innovative technologies, please visit the website Saarland University, des iMSL and the Futurezone.