The research group on elastocaloric technology will, within the SPACECOOL project, explore new approaches for efficient and sustainable thermal management in space missions. Space presents extraordinary challenges – from extreme temperature fluctuations to vacuum and microgravity – where existing solutions such as heat pipes, compressor-based systems, and thermoelectric elements often prove limited: they are heavy, energy-inefficient, and frequently rely on environmentally and health-hazardous working fluids.
Elastocaloric technology offers a completely new approach. It is based on advanced shape memory alloys that release or absorb heat under mechanical stress. These solid-state materials are both efficient and environmentally friendly, making them ideal candidates for future space – as well as terrestrial – applications.
The main objectives of the reject are:
- identify thermal management needs and environmental constraints in space applications,
- evaluate the potential of elastocalorics and the impact of space conditions on their performance,
- develop and assess preliminary elastocaloric concepts,
- carry out numerical modelling, simulations, and benchmarking against state-of-the-art technologies.
The project will deliver the first comprehensive study of elastocaloric technology opportunities in space. At the same time, the results will provide significant benefits for terrestrial applications, since elastocalorics are considered one of the most promising future technologies for cooling and heating.
Project leader: Assist. Prof. Dr. Andrej Žerovnik