UCLA scientists have created a new type of cooling technology that could transform how we stay comfortable in the heat.
Using thin, flexible materials, their compact device pumps away heat continuously and lowers temperatures by 16°F.
At the heat source, it can reduce temperatures by as much as 25°F in just 30 seconds.
This breakthrough, published in Science, is based on the “electrocaloric effect.” This means that applying an electric field causes the material to temporarily change temperature.
The team designed a device with six thin layers of polymer films stacked like a sandwich, each less than an inch in diameter and about a quarter-inch thick.
The secret lies in the materials’ ferroelectric properties, which allow them to flex and change shape when electricity flows through them.
Here’s how it works: when the electric field is switched on, the layers press together, and when it’s off, they move apart, creating a pumping motion. This accordion-like action pushes heat away from the source, layer by layer.
Because it operates using electricity and no harmful coolants or liquids, it’s more energy-efficient and eco-friendly compared to traditional air conditioners.
“Our goal is to develop wearable cooling devices that are affordable, reliable, and energy-efficient—perfect for people working long hours in hot conditions,” said lead researcher Qibing Pei, a professor at UCLA’s Samueli School of Engineering. “With climate change making heat a growing concern, this technology could be one of many solutions to help people cope.”
Unlike air conditioners and refrigerators that rely on energy-intensive vapor compression and greenhouse gas-emitting coolants, this device only needs electricity. When powered by renewable energy sources like solar panels, it could be even more sustainable.
Co-lead author Hanxiang Wu explained that the material’s design uses a circuit to efficiently move charges between the layers, making it more effective than traditional cooling systems. This innovation also eliminates the need for bulky machinery, making it ideal for portable devices.
The team believes this cooling technology could lead to wearable accessories that help people stay cool in extreme heat or while doing strenuous activities. It could also be used to cool flexible electronics, making gadgets more reliable in hot environments.
“Efficient wearable cooling could save energy and help fight climate change,” said co-author Sumanjeet Kaur, a scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
UCLA has already filed a patent for this invention, and the researchers hope to see it applied in real-world devices soon. With its energy-saving design and potential to improve lives, this cooling pump is a promising step forward in the fight against rising temperatures.
