Project name: SMACool
EU Contribution: € 3 900 000
Location: Germany
The Project SMACool will develop a functional air-conditiong device for residential buildings, based on the emerging technology of elastocalorics, which uses shape memory alloys as solid-state refrigerants for efficient and sustainable cold (and heat) generation. Elastocalorics is an innovative, disruptive heating and cooling technology with the potential of reaching outstanding energy efficiency and zero global warming potential.
Vision & ImpactAs earth is heating up more air conditioning will be needed. Already today 20% of world electricity is used for air conditioning. But we need it to be more energy efficient. The technology of Elastocalorics shall save at least 20% of energy with long term potential of 50%.
CollaborationEIC provided much needed financial support to enable our European collaboration. We appreciate their leadership and guidance. They focus on technical excellence and a clear priority on commercial usefulness. The business support services will help us in the near future.
What's next ?We need to complete the prototype to show technical feasibility. We will then measure its efficiency in climate chambers in our laboratory. This will build the basis for small scale production and field tests.They can be used in normal buildings or tested in mobile usage like caravans.
