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."

What about overclocking / cooling?

[PC and Sony Fanboy]

So, will this pave the way for a new style of super-cooling for the home computer overclocking enthusiast? ...


... cuz if not, I'm not really interested.

Wait, the fridge keeps my red-bull cold...

Re:Efficiency

[RobertM1968]

Yeah, this was my thought as well. TFA is, as usual, slim on the technical details...

Yeah, but does that really matter? You are one of the three people on slashdot that actually reads the articles (which I think is against the rules here). I know I didnt read it.

;-)

Re:Kind of

[gerardolm]

Electromagnates? In my intrawebz? Sorry for that :D

It's not vaporware!

[robbak]

It is anti vaporware: it is refrigeration without vapors!! No more e-vapor-ators!

Re:compressionless is new?

[Joebert]

I tried making my own beverage cooler out of Peltiers once, it kept my beverage nice and cold but it burnt the shit out of my hand.

Re:Efficiency

[Peyna]

You are one of the three people on slashdot that actually reads the articles (which I think is against the rules here).

Reading of articles is strictly prohibited. However, clicking on the link and loading the article is required. This is how the Slashdot effect and ignorance of content can co-exist.

Re:Efficiency

[Rogerborg]

I'm using an unmodified AVG 8 [slashdot.org] - it performs the Slashdotting for me.

Re:What about overclocking / cooling?

[morgan_greywolf]

Wait, the fridge keeps my red-bull cold...

The fridge? You're still using the fridge? I keep my Red Bull inside my very, very overclocked computer case. I also hang my steaks in there.

Re:compressionless is new?

[maxume]

Did you try using it without putting shit in your hand?

Re:What about overclocking / cooling?

[ozmanjusri]

I keep my Red Bull inside my very, very overclocked computer case.

That explains the wired network.

Re:Efficiency

[zippthorne]

Well that sucks.

I guess we'll have to step up the open-pit copper mining, then. Yay environmentalism!

Re:Entropy

[MrNaz]

Slashdot is the ultimate source of entropy. Nothing can come close the the random BS emitted around here.

Re:Efficiency

[MrNaz]

do you really think heat sinks are cheaper than reliable, safe, CHEAP compressor technology?

What was he thinking? We all know that a compressor is cheaper than a lump of metal.

Re:Efficiency

[TapeCutter]

"...although 'pure' chlorine is more of an irritant..."

Yes, having your eyes and lungs dissolved by chlorine gas can be very irritating.

Re:What about overclocking / cooling?

[supernova_hq]

10 Overclock PC
20 Add Electromagnetic Cooling
30 Overclock PC
40 Overclock Electromagnetic Cooler
50 Goto 30