Electrocaloric Cooling Technology: Current Device Developments and Prospects of High-Entropy Ferroelectric Materials

Abstract

Electrocaloric cooling is a solid-state cooling technique based on the manipulation of electric fields. This technology utilizes the temperature variations induced in electrocaloric materials under the influence of an electric field to achieve refrigeration effects. Owing to its advantages, such as zero direct carbon emissions and high efficiency, it has garnered widespread attention, particularly in the context of global warming and carbon reduction objectives. Since the discovery of the giant electrocaloric effect in 2006, electrocaloric cooling technology has undergone rapid development, particularly in improvements in electrocaloric materials and devices. This article provides an analysis and discussion focused on electrocaloric cooling device research, electrocaloric polymer nanocomposite materials, and high-entropy optimization of electrocaloric materials. It commences by introducing the fundamental principles of the electrocaloric effect and current advancements in active regenerative electrocaloriccooling devices. Subsequently, it summarizes the progress in electrocaloric polymer nanocomposite materials, along with strategies for high-entropy optimization and interface polarization enhancement. Finally, it provides insights into future research directions for electrocaloric cooling within the fields of working substances and systems.

Keywords

• electrocaloric cooling technology
• composite materials
• flexible refrigeration devices
• thermodynamic cycles
• zero-carbon refrigeration and heat pumps