Analysis and optimization of novel ionocaloric cycles for cooling applications
Project Description
Caloric effect–based cooling technologies are promising for high-efficiency cooling with safe, low–global warming potential refrigerants is a grand challenge for tackling climate change. The recently developed ionocaloric effect and the accompanying thermodynamic cycle showed a high coefficient of performance of 30% relative to Carnot as well as a higher adiabatic temperature change and entropy change per unit mass and volume compared with other caloric effects under low applied field strengths. However, the previous work only demonstrated the viability of such an ionocaloric Stirling refrigeration cycle in separate steps ex-situ for a single type of binary solution system without testing the full cycle. It is thus important to realize and evaluate actual device of such cycles for cooling applications and explore other potential materials and device configurations for higher power output and COP.
Supervisor
ZHENG Qiye
Quota
2
Course type
UROP1000
UROP1100
UROP2100
UROP3100
UROP4100
Applicant's Roles
Working with the PG students, the applicant should investigate the principle of the ionocaloric energy conversion device, conduct literature search for other binary and ternary materials (phase change electrolyte + salts), and optimizing the electrochemical chambers for more efficient practical cooling application. The applicant should also help with performing preliminary characterization and analysis of ionocaloric devices and design a setup for optimal heat transfer and power output.
Applicant's Learning Objectives
Understand the mechanism of the new thermodynamic cycle; Gain the hands-on experiences on experimental design, data acquisition and analysis.
Complexity of the project
Moderate