Electrocaloric effect in ferroelectrics for solid state cooling

In battle field environments reliable compact refrigeration systems are critical to maintain vital life support temperatures for soldiers, as well as for high power electronic systems, and temperature critical sensors (i.e., infra-red, night vision etc.). Conventional refrigeration systems are cumbersome and have many moving parts that are prone to mechanical failure and which limits the level of miniaturization that can be achieved. A novel thermal cooling concept is proposed that has the potential to bridge the gap between achieving high thermal efficiency and miniaturization. Using a ferroelectric thin film and utilizing the electrocaloric effect, a solid state miniature heat pump can produce cooling using theoretical Stirling or Erricson refrigeration cycles. Due to the high efficiencies of ferroelectrics, the electrocaloric effect can be expected to achieve up to 70% cooling efficiencies.