Master Thesis Opportunity: Advanced Numerical Modelling for Elastocaloric Cooling Systems

vor 4 Wochen


Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland Karlsruher Institut für Technologie Vollzeit

Position Overview

The field of refrigeration and air conditioning significantly impacts global energy consumption, accounting for 20% and contributing to 7.8% of carbon emissions. With urbanization on the rise, the demand for efficient and sustainable cooling technologies is more critical than ever to meet carbon neutrality objectives.

Elastocaloric cooling utilizes solid refrigerants, such as shape memory alloys (SMAs) and polymers, which can self-heat and cool in response to mechanical stress. This innovative approach eliminates the risks associated with hazardous refrigerant leaks, presenting an eco-friendly and energy-efficient alternative to traditional vapor-compression systems. Regenerative elastocaloric cooling, which incorporates active heat-transfer fluid cycles, holds promise for enhanced cooling capabilities, paving the way for future commercialization.

To achieve substantial cooling power, optimization across various dimensions, including regenerator architecture, system configuration, and operational parameters, is essential. Numerical modelling of Active Elastocaloric Regenerators (AERs) serves as a vital tool for predicting cooling system parameters and informing design choices. Previous research has established a 1D numerical model of AERs based on superelastic Ni-Ti alloys. This project aims to expand the model to incorporate diverse porous structures and additional factors, such as hysteresis, focusing on refining the existing model to optimize cooling system parameters like frequency, mass flow rate, porosity, and performance evaluation.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Examine the mechanical properties of SMAs through phenomenological modelling.
  • Enhance the 1D numerical model for porous elastocaloric regenerators utilizing existing AER model codes (proficiency in MATLAB and a background in thermodynamics required).
  • Optimize operational parameters of AERs and assess their cooling efficiency.
  • Conduct comparisons with proof-of-concept AER setups.

The IMT is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a 600 m² clean room, rapid prototyping technologies such as 3D printing and laser cutting, as well as assembly and joining technology laboratories and various metrology labs. Comprehensive support ensures that the project can be executed effectively within the designated timeframe.

Candidate Profile:

  • Academic background in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fields.
  • We seek motivated, innovative, and self-driven individuals who thrive in a multidisciplinary and international environment.


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    Position Overview The field of refrigeration and air conditioning is responsible for a significant portion of global energy usage and carbon emissions. As urbanization accelerates, the demand for efficient and sustainable cooling technologies is more critical than ever. This project focuses on elastocaloric cooling, which utilizes solid refrigerants like...


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  • Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland Karlsruher Institut für Technologie Vollzeit

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    Job DescriptionBackgroundThe refrigeration and air conditioning industry currently accounts for 20% of global energy consumption and contributes to 7.8% of global carbon emissions. This is a significant concern, especially with rapid urbanization. Developing efficient and decarbonized refrigeration technologies is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality...


  • Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland Karlsruher Institut für Technologie Vollzeit

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  • Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland Karlsruher Institut für Technologie Vollzeit

    Job DescriptionBackgroundThe refrigeration and air conditioning industry currently accounts for 20% of global energy consumption and contributes to 7.8% of global carbon emissions. This trend is expected to continue with rapid urbanization. Developing efficient and decarbonized refrigeration technologies is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality...


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