Revolutionary climate technology: Saarlanders develop cooling without pollutants!

Revolutionary climate technology: Saarlanders develop cooling without pollutants!

The development of a new type of climate technology called elastocalorics is moving ever closer into the public eye. Researchers around Stefan Seelecke and Paul Motzki at Saarland University, in collaboration with the Saarbrücken Center for Mechatronics and Automation Technology (Zema), have developed a method that works without the use of climate-damaging refrigerants, oil or gas. This technology uses thin wires and sheets made of nickel-titanium to transport heat through deformation.

A groundbreaking prototype will be presented at the Hanover Fair which will take place from March 31st to April 4th in Hall 2 at the Saarland stand B10. The EU Commission already describes elastocalorics as one of the most promising alternatives to existing heating and cooling methods. The process also received a place in the World Economic Forum’s “TOP Ten Emerging Technologies” in 2024.

Technical innovation and efficiency

Elastokalorik is characterized by its high energy efficiency and could enable a significant reduction in final energy consumption in Germany, where space cooling currently accounts for around 12% of global energy demand. Forecasts even assume it will double by 2050. The federal government is investing over 17 million euros in the DEPART!Saar project to further accelerate the technology.

Currently we are working in collaboration with important partners such as Volkswagen AG and the Freiburg Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM researched air conditioning systems for electric cars. In addition, a new project to develop an elastocaloric air conditioning system for residential buildings has been initiated, which is being funded with four million euros through the EIC Pathfinder Challenge.

The planned prototype of this air conditioning system is to be built within three years and involves universities from Ljubljana and Naples as well as the Irish company exergyn. The technology can function not only as a cooling system but also as a heat pump and offers an efficiency that is three to five times higher than conventional systems.

Shape memory alloy in use

A central component of elastocaloric technology is the nickel-titanium shape memory alloy, which can revert its shape under certain conditions. This alloy has an impressive expansion rate of over 20% and a lifespan of up to 10 million cycles. Additionally, it offers corrosion resistance that exceeds the best medical grade stainless steel alloy.

The properties of this alloy, including high damping and wear resistance, are essential in many applications. Examples can be found in the audio industry, medical technology and even innovative consumer products. Nickel titanium is therefore used in a variety of ways, including for special products such as models in the electronics industry and medical devices.

Future prospects

Elastocaloric technology has the potential to revolutionize many areas, from building air conditioning and industrial cooling to e-mobility and household appliances. Under the direction of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Seelecke was born on iMSL the first continuously running cooling and heating demonstrator was developed. This project covers all research areas up to system integration and represents an important step in the practical implementation of this technology.

With the founding of the international specialist society “International Elastocaloric Society” and the company mateligent GmbH for the implementation of intelligent material systems in industry, the importance of elastocaloric technology is further underlined.