BEIJING: Experts from Huazhong University of Science and Technology demonstrated a technology which help to reduce electricity consumption in refrigerators.
It is estimated that in 2019, refrigerators and freezers in homes worldwide consumed 4% of global electricity. However, refrigerators equipped with this new technology will consume less electricity, helping consumers save money.
A study on this technology revealed that thermogalvanic cooling is an eco-friendly technology that reduces carbon dioxide emissions. The research also stated that this technology can be used in various other devices, ranging from wearable cooling devices to industrial machines.
According to researchers, thermogalvanic technology is close to becoming a part of our lives, whether it’s through eco-friendly electricity or refrigerators that use less electricity.
Thermogalvanic cells generate heat through reversible chemical reactions, which then produces electricity. Researchers discovered that thermogalvanic hydrogels could be used to keep mobile phone batteries cool, while waste heat could be used to generate electricity.
They successfully achieved a cooling power of 70% with thermogalvanic cells, a feat that was previously impossible. They acknowledged that further research is needed to finalize the system’s design.
