A Lower Temperature Difference of The Elastocaloric Effect by Natural Rubber

Abstract

Abstract Owing to its high efficiency and specific refrigeration power, elastocaloric refrigeration is a promising technology that is potentially endowed with replacing the conventional steam compression refrigeration. Here, we report on experimental results of the elastocaloric refrigeration process of natural rubber, achieving a maximum temperature drop during unloading of the natural rubber of 41.30 K with a temperature difference of 68 K between hot and cold ends at an ambient temperature of 253.13 K. Moreover, we provide analytical temperature variation equations for cooling and heating natural convections as a function of the Fourier (Fo) and Biot (Bi) numbers, which are fitted to the experimental data and can be used to provide predictions for future elastocaloric refrigeration equipment. Thus, our study unravels the potential of natural rubber as a promising elastocaloric material and its key properties for refrigeration technology.