American researchers have managed to use an already known technology to integrate it into a small device aimed at cooling its environment. I...
Air conditioning and its endless circle
During the summer, who doesn't dream of having a good air conditioner at home? Year after year, temperatures are rising and the demand for air conditioning is exploding. The consequence is then twofold: energy consumption increases and refrigerants emit greenhouse gases; the planet continues to warm.
Researchers then exploited the electro-caloric properties to change the temperature of a material when an electric field is applied. They thus designed a prototype 5 millimeters thick that can cool a surface 150 times more efficiently than a conventional air conditioning system.
A surprising concept
For the moment, this concept is not yet used. The search continues, but proof has been provided. Indeed, researchers have tried to cool the battery of a smartphone. In 5 seconds, it went from 52.5°C to 8°C.
It is therefore the first step towards a new generation of cold systems. Nowadays, the development of air conditioners without cooling fluids is gaining more and more important because of the environmental impact.
Air conditioning and energy consumption
This concept is promising since it does not expend any energy. However, for the moment, we only have classic air conditioners available, so let's avoid demonizing them, especially since with technological advances, they consume much less energy.
In addition, some systems have inverter technology. It consists of maintaining the desired temperature more finely. Indeed, some devices switch off as soon as they have reached the required temperature and switch on again as soon as a modification takes place. Inverter technology avoids this operation and modulates their speed, so as to contribute to the life of the compressor.
So, if you want to install an air conditioning system in your home, without having too much of an impact on the environment, it is essential to choose your model carefully. To date, all air conditioners operate through the circulation of a refrigerant. However, by adapting the power of the latter to your needs, you will limit the production and diffusion of greenhouse gases. To do this, rely on the power absorbed, the power returned, the energy class, and the SEER and SCOP coefficients.
