Barocal has developed a novel cooling technology using plastic crystals that can be compressed to create a cooling effect, potentially offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional refrigeration. The method works through barocaloric effect, where pressure changes induce temperature shifts in the material. This innovation could lead to more sustainable cooling solutions without the need for harmful refrigerants.
Background
Traditional refrigeration relies on vapor-compression cycles using greenhouse gases as refrigerants, contributing significantly to global warming. Researchers have been exploring solid-state cooling technologies as more sustainable alternatives.
- Source
- TechCrunch
- Published
- May 4, 2026 at 09:00 PM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10