Dewei Zhao

Giant and reversible room-temperature elastocaloric effect in a single-crystalline Ni-Fe-Ga magnetic shape memory alloy

Good mechanical properties and large adiabatic temperature change render Heusler-type Ni2FeGa-based magnetic shape memory alloys as a promising candidate material for solid-state mechanical cooling application at ambient conditions. Superelastic behavior and associated elastocaloric effect strongly reply on deformation conditions (e.g. applied strain rate and strain level) of stress-induced martensitic transformations. With the aim of developing high-performance elastic cooling materials, in this work, we have carried out a systematic study on a Ni54Fe19Ga27 [420]-oriented single crystal by exploring the interaction between dynamic deformation parameters and thermal response. A giant and reversible adiabatic temperature change of ±7.5u2009K triggered by a low stress of 30u2009MPa was achieved. Such a high specific cooling performance thus offers the great advantage for the small scale solid-state mechanical cooling applications. Besides, a significant temporary residual strain effect has been observed at high strain rate, which is unfavorable for reversible elastocaloric effect but can be overcome by reducing stress hysteresis, and/or by elevating initial environmental temperature. The established criterion for the desirable reversible elastocaloric properties goes beyond the present system, and can be applicable for other shape memory alloys used for elastic cooling techniques.

Giant elastocaloric effect and its irreversibility in [001]-oriented Ni45Mn36.5In13.5Co5 meta-magnetic shape memory alloys

In this letter, we investigate the elastocaloric reversibility in Ni-Mn-In-Co meta-magnetic shape memory alloys. A highly [001] textured Ni45Mn36.5In13.5Co5 polycrystalline alloy was grown by using the liquid-metal-cooling directional solidification technique. We have observed a giant adiabatic temperature change (ΔT) of +8.6u2009K caused by the stress-driven complete martensitic transformation. The asymmetry of the maximum ΔT between loading and unloading strongly depends on the magnitude of superelastic strain. Such an irreversible behavior is ascribed to the friction energy dissipation as well as the variation of the elastocaloric entropy change by shifting initial temperatures.

Combined caloric effects in a multiferroic Ni–Mn–Ga alloy with broad refrigeration temperature region

Solid-state refrigeration based on the caloric effects is promising to replace the traditional vapor-compressing refrigeration technology due to environmental protection and high efficiency. However, the narrow working temperature region has hindered the application of these refrigeration technologies. In this paper, we propose a method of combined caloric, through which a broad refrigeration region can be realized in a multiferroic alloy, Ni–Mn–Ga, by combining its elastocaloric and magnetocaloric effects. Moreover, the materials’ efficiency of elastocaloric effect has been greatly improved in our sample. These results illuminate a promising way to use multiferroic alloys for refrigeration with a broad refrigeration temperature region.

Energy-efficient Elastocaloric Cooling by Flexibly and Reversibly Transferring Interface in Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys

Elastocaloric cooling is currently under extensive study owing to its great potential to replace the conventional vapor-compression technique. In this work, by employing multiscale characterization approaches, including in situ neutron diffraction in a loading frame, in situ transmission electron microscopy observation at different temperatures, in situ synchrotron X-ray Laue microdiffraction, and high-resolution infrared thermal imaging, we have investigated the thermal and stress-induced martensitic transformation, the stability of superelastic behavior and the associated elastocaloric effect for a Heusler-type Ni50.0Fe19.0Ga27.1Co3.9 single crystal. On the basis of transformation from cubic austenite into monoclinic martensite with a flexibly and reversibly transferring interface, this unique single crystal exhibits a giant elastocaloric effect of 11 K and ultralow fatigue behavior during above 12u2009000 mechanical cycles. The numerical simulation shows that the Ni50.0Fe19.0Ga27.1Co3.9 alloy offers 18% energy saving potential and 70% cooling capacity enhancement potential compared to the conventional shape-memory nitinol alloy in a single-stage elastocaloric cooling system, making it a great candidate for energy-efficient air conditioner applications.

Exploring Magnetic Elastocaloric Materials for Solid-State Cooling

In the past decade, there has been an increased surge in the research on elastocaloric materials for solid-state refrigerators. The strong coupling between structure and magnetism inspires the discovery of new multi-field driven elastocaloric alloys. This work is devoted to magnetic shape memory alloys suitable for mechanical cooling applications. Some novel characteristics in magnetostructural transition materials other than conventional shape memory alloys are overviewed. From the physical and engineering points of view, we have put forward general strategies to maximize elastocaloric temperature change to increase performance reversibility and to improve mechanical properties. The barocaloric effect as a sister-cooling alternative is also discussed.