Recovery Act - Unconventional Air Conditioning and Refrigeration System Based on Giant Electrocaloric Effect in Polar-Fluoropolymers

Most conventional air conditioning systems based on mechanical vapor compression cycle (VCC) suffer from low efficiency and cause adverse environmental effect. In addition, air conditioning is a major contributor of electric utility peak loads. In the times of rising energy prices and ever-increasing concern of environment, it is imperative to invest in more efficient and clean cooling technology.SPS propose to investigate the feasibility of developing air conditioning and refrigeration systems based on the recently discovered polymers with giant electro caloric effect (ECE).Direct measurement shows that electroactive polymers exhibit a large electrocaloric effect at room temperature and this effect made it possible to utilize this material for building space cooling and refrigeration.Explore the electroactive polymers and use it in cooling devices. SPS will investigate this polymer process and fabrication of the devices and explore and optimize the system design. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Being electric insulator ECE material consumes very little electricity and has much higher efficiency compared to the traditional cooling technologies. ECE material is also environmentally friendly. This technology can be potentially used in building air conditioning, refrigeration, and cooling devices. The application of this technology will reduce the nation