Revolutionary Technology Set to Make Refrigerators Cheaper and Eco-Friendly

A new tech breakthrough could make refrigerators both cheaper and greener. A report indicates that a fresh approach could help cut down the energy each fridge uses.

In 2019, fridges and freezers accounted for nearly 4% of global electricity use. Reducing this number can have a huge impact on our energy consumption.

Research at Huazhong University of Science and Technology suggests that thermogalvanic technology could be a key player in refrigeration. It’s seen as a more sustainable option compared to the typical vapour compression method most fridges use today.

Study author Jiangjiang Duan pointed out that, “Thermogalvanic cooling has the potential for a low carbon footprint. If widely implemented, it could significantly help in the quest for carbon neutrality.”

This technology isn’t just for fridges. It can also be adapted for use in wearables or even large industrial setups.

“Thermogalvanic technology is entering our lives,” Duan added, urging both researchers and businesses to take notice.

So what’s thermogalvanic technology? It works by transforming heat from specific chemical reactions into electricity. For instance, some researchers found that a thermogalvanic hydrogel could cool down a mobile phone battery and convert waste heat into power.

The cooling ability was improved by 70% through better chemical optimization in the process. This could lead to more efficient cooling methods.

Refrigerators contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions due to electricity use and gas leaks. In fact, in the UK, around half of food refrigeration emissions come from electricity, with a large portion coming from home fridges.

Future studies aim to refine the system’s design and explore additional commercial options.

Duan emphasized, “Though our advanced electrolyte is ready for the market, we need to focus on enhancing the system’s design and stability for practical use.”

The goal is to keep improving thermogalvanic cooling performance through innovative materials and new methods. The team also plans to work with companies to bring these technologies to market.