Researchers Pave Way For Compressor-Free Refrigeration

Hugh Pickens brings news that scientists from Penn State have developed a new method for heat-transfer that may replace the common compressor-based system used in household appliances. Quoting: "Zhang's approach uses the change from disorganized to organized that occurs in some polarpolymers when placed in an electric field. The natural state of these materials is disorganized with the various molecules randomly positioned. When electricity is applied, the molecules become highly ordered and the material gives off heat and becomes colder. When the electricity is turned off, the material reverts to its disordered state and absorbs heat. The researchers report a change in temperature for the material of about 22.6 degrees Fahrenheit... Repeated randomizing and ordering of the material combined with an appropriate heat exchanger could provide a wide range of heating and cooling temperatures."

Comments

One thinks a Uni would not mangle it this bad

[robbak]

When electricity is applied, the molecules become highly ordered and the material gives off heat and becomes colder. When the electricity is turned off, the material reverts to its disordered state and absorbs heat.

When a thing is giving off heat, we say it is "hotter": it has a higher temperature. When a thing is absorbing heat, we say it is "colder": it has a lower temperature.

You know, the sort of stuff they showed you in Primary School!!!!

Stupid chip-packet doctoratates.